Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of Calisto da Costa: From a Humble Beginning to a Game-Changing Businessman
Calisto da Costa is a name that not many people might be familiar with. But this humble businessman has an awe-inspiring journey, from selling vegetables in Mozambique to establishing his own restaurant chain in South Africa. Along with his wife, he founded Nando’s, which serves some of the most delicious peri-peri chicken in the world. So, let’s get to know more about this inspiring entrepreneur.
Early Life and Struggles
Calisto da Costa was born in 1949 in Mozambique. Like most Africans in the 1960s, he could not go to college or university, but that did not stop him from pursuing his dreams. In the early 1970s, he and his wife immigrated to Johannesburg, South Africa, in search of a better life.
The First Step towards Entrepreneurship
In South Africa, da Costa started selling fruits and vegetables to make a living. He soon realized that there was a gap in the market for peri-peri chicken, a popular dish in Mozambique. So, he decided to start selling grilled chicken with peri-peri sauce on the streets of Johannesburg. His chicken quickly became a hit, and his business started to grow.
The Inception of Nando’s
Calisto da Costa, along with his friend Robert Brozin, established Nando’s in 1987. They named it after Fernando du Rand, the original owner of the Portuguese restaurant where they first tried peri-peri chicken. They opened their first restaurant in Rosettenville, a suburb of Johannesburg.
Expansion of Nando’s
After the success of their first restaurant, Nando’s started expanding rapidly. In the 1990s, they opened outlets in the United Kingdom, and soon after, they expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Today, Nando’s has over 1,000 outlets in 35 countries.
Innovative Marketing Strategies
One of the reasons for Nando’s success is their innovative marketing strategies. They use humor and satire in their advertising campaigns, taking a lighter approach to serious issues. Nando’s has been known to poke fun at politicians and celebrities alike.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
Calisto da Costa is a firm believer in giving back to the community. Nando’s has been involved in several social responsibility projects, such as planting trees in underprivileged areas and providing employment opportunities to marginalized communities.
Awards and Honors
Calisto da Costa’s contribution to the hospitality industry has been recognized with various awards and honors. In 2013, he was awarded the SME Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa.
Legacy of Calisto da Costa
Calisto da Costa’s legacy lives on in Nando’s and its success. He has been an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs, empowering them to believe in their dreams and work hard to achieve them.
Conclusion
Calisto da Costa’s journey from selling vegetables on the streets to founding Nando’s is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and entrepreneurship. His story is an inspiration to all those who wish to follow in his footsteps and become successful entrepreneurs.
FAQs
1. What is the meaning of peri-peri?
Peri-peri, also known as African Bird’s Eye Chili, is a type of chili pepper that is widely used in African cuisine.
2. What is Nando’s famous for?
Nando’s is famous for its peri-peri chicken, which is grilled chicken marinated in peri-peri sauce.
3. What is Nando’s net worth?
Nando’s net worth is estimated to be over $2 billion.
4. How many countries does Nando’s have restaurants in?
Nando’s has over 1,000 outlets in 35 countries.
5. What is Calisto da Costa’s legacy?
Calisto da Costa’s legacy lives on in Nando’s and its success. He has been an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs, empowering them to believe in their dreams and work hard to achieve them.