[Photos: Missy Frederick/Eater.com]
The former Armand's Pizzeria in Tenleytown becomes a Nando's Peri-Peri location, starting today.
The building is actually 87 years old, and was a drug store before it ever became a pizzeria. Nods to the building's roots are present in Nando's rustic design for the space. Eater toured the property last week while workers were still putting on the finishing touches.
Because of the quirks of the building, this is one of Nando's most expensive buildouts to date, according to project manager Ryan Welch. Architecture firm HapstakDemetriou+ handled the interior. The design incorporates wood from shipping containers, railroads and other former uses. There's a big patio, and plenty of Nando's signature South African artwork. There are 150 seats at the restaurant, with 50 in the patio area. Diners can see the skeleton of the building itself, with its exposed beams and many layers of paint indicating its long history. Expect the same, chicken-focused menu as other Nando's locations. Status: Opening today. 4231 Wisconsin Ave. NW; website.
