Nando’s PERi-PERi honors Nelson Mandela’s legacy by fighting food insecurity — one meal at a time

This Friday, July 18, Nando’s PERi-PERi — the South African restaurant brand known for its spicy flame-grilled chicken — is inviting guests across the U.S. to turn compassion into action by joining a nationwide food drive in honor of Nelson Mandela Day.

The reward? Good karma and complimentary flame-grilled chicken and chips (aka fries).

From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., all U.S. Nando’s locations, including the location in Dunwoody and the one that opened earlier this year at The Forum in Peachtree Corners, will offer a free ¼ chicken and PERi chips to guests who donate non-perishable food items.

About the cause

Nelson Mandela Day is a global celebration of the life, legacy and activism of South Africa’s beloved leader, Nelson Mandela. Each year on July 18 — Mandela’s birthday — individuals and organizations around the world are encouraged to devote 67 minutes to doing good, symbolizing the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice, equality and human rights.

With deep South African roots and a mission to serve the neighborhoods that its restaurants call home, Nando’s is launching Nando’s Pantry Raid, a community-focused campaign to fight food insecurity in honor Mandela’s vision of unity and compassion.

By simply raiding your pantry for 67 seconds and bringing those non-perishable donations into Nando’s, guests can enjoy a flavorful meal while helping neighbors in need. All food donations collected will be distributed to local food banks and pantries to support families facing hunger.

In metro Atlanta, donations will go to PAWKids, a local nonprofit and community hub that supports Atlanta families with education, wellness and essential resources.

Nando’s Pantry Raid for Mandela Day details

• WHEN: Friday, July 18, 2025 | 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• WHAT: Get a free 1⁄4 chicken and PERi chips in exchange for a non-perishable food donation, which will go to PAWKids.
• WHERE: All Nando’s restaurants across the U.S.
• HOW: Bring in at least one non-perishable food item. Get rewarded with a hot, fresh meal — on Nando’s.

“All it takes is one small act of kindness,” said Sepanta Bagherpour, chief marketing officer at Nando’s PERi-PERi. “This Mandela Day, we encourage everyone to take just 67 seconds to do something good and leave with a full heart and a full plate.”

For more information visit nandosperiperi.com or follow @nandosusa on Instagram.

Our Opening Bites series showcases photo highlights from the newest restaurant launches, menu debuts and culinary happenings around town.

Sheesh Mediterranean

Open since January, Sheesh Mediterranean in Peachtree Corners is another fresh, chef-driven concept tucked into the Politan Row food hall at The Forum. Embracing healthy Mediterranean cooking with big, vibrant flavors, the menu features a colorful mix of mezze, sharable plates, fresh salads and signature meats.

Mezze offerings include classic dips such as hummus, smoky baba ghanoush and spicy muhammara (which can be ordered together as a trio). Highlights from the small plates menu are the loaded Sheesh fries (topped with cheese, onions, tzatziki and your choice of meats) and the popular shawarma eggrolls. And on the mains menu, diners have their choice of wraps, bowls, plates and platters — all customized with your picks of protein, toppings and sauces.

Meat-lovers will want to try the chicken shawarma or savory beef kofta entree — each prepared with aromatic spices and served alongside rice, vegetables or salads that highlight the essence of the region; while vegetarians will not be disappointed with the deliciously crispy, flash-fried falafel. Add harissa or green zhoug sauce for a spicy kick or keep it cool with the lemon and herb tahini or creamy tzatziki.

Ideal for communal dining in the stylish Politan Row setting, and perfect for fresh summer meals, Sheesh provides a delicious journey through authentic Mediterranean cuisine without leaving Peachtree Corners.

Food photos courtesy of Sheesh Mediterranean

Sheesh Mediterranean

5155 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 455, Peachtree Corners, 30092 | sheeshatl.com

This Opening Bites restaurant spotlight can be found in the July/August issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.

Opening Bites newsletter

Our Opening Bites newsletter premieres July 1, bringing the latest restaurant launches, menu debuts and beverage trends in and around our north metro Atlanta neighborhoods straight to your inbox.

From news and reviews to a look at food-focused events and must-try spots for cocktails, casual bites or memorable evenings, we’ll cover the places where your friends and neighbors are gathering next. Sign up here.

Explore Gwinnett celebrates a decade of culinary creativity with $10 chef-crafted burgers at 23 locally owned restaurants

Explore Gwinnett, the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its popular Gwinnett Burger Week. Making its anticipated return March 17–23, 2025, the event invites burger lovers to enjoy exclusive, chef-crafted creations for just $10 at 23 locally owned restaurants across the county.

“We are proud to celebrate a decade of Gwinnett Burger Week and the incredible talent of some of our very best local chefs,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer of Explore Gwinnett.

“What started as a way to highlight locally owned eateries has grown into a beloved tradition, and we cannot wait for the community to see what we have in store for them this year!”

Throughout the week, each of 23 participating restaurants will feature an exclusive, off-menu burger.

Peachtree Corners highlights include:

• “The Alma” at Marlow’s Tavern — a perfectly seasoned and grilled burger with salsa verde, pepper jack, fried jalapenos, avocado, tortilla strips, lettuce, tomato and onion on a buttered sesame brioche bun.

• “The Blue Flame” at LOL Burger Bar — a 5 oz. premium beef patty topped with homemade macaroni and cheese, pulled pork, blue cheese crumbles and the restaurant’s secret sauce to add a bit of spice.

• “Fired Up Burger” at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — a wood-grilled burger, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, jalapeno bacon jam, fried onions and tangy mayo topped with fried pickles garnish.

• “K-BBQ Burger” at Stäge — an Angus beef smash burger with Korean BBQ glaze, roasted cheese corn, house-pickled veggies and gochujang mayo on a sesame brioche bun.

Gwinnett Burger Week digital pass

Back for its second year, the Gwinnett Burger Week Digital Pass encourages diners to check in at participating restaurants and earn points throughout the week, which are redeemable for prizes.

Each check-in is worth one point. Points can be redeemed for exclusive Gwinnett Burger Week merchandise from Explore Gwinnett, including restaurant gift cards, t-shirts, totes, sicker packs and a special edition 10th anniversary burger sticker designed by Lawrenceville-based artist Max Eve in celebration of this milestone.

Diners can also vote for their favorite burger by uploading an image of their receipt to the Gwinnett Burger Week website.

The Wall of Fame

Participants who track their dining experience at 10 or more restaurants throughout the week will be inducted into the Gwinnett Burger Week Wall of Fame with their photo published on Explore Gwinnett’s website.

“Our 10th anniversary milestone reflects the passion and creativity of Gwinnett County’s culinary community and the enthusiasm of all those who make this event a success year after year,” said Anders. “We can’t wait to indulge in the exclusive $10 burger creations ourselves, as we toast to 10 years of one of our favorite events!”

More details

To sign up for the Gwinnett Burger Week Pass, visit ExploreGwinnett.org/Gwinnett-Burger-Week/Burger-Week-Prize-Pass and provide the participant’s name, e-mail address and mobile phone number. A link will be sent to the participant’s phone, allowing them to access the pass and add the pass icon to their home screen.

For a full list of participating restaurants and limited-time burger offerings, visit exploregwinnett.org/gwinnett-burger-week.

Stay up-to-date on the latest Explore Gwinnett news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook. Diners are encouraged to share their experience on social media by using the hashtag #GwinnettBurgerWeek.