A BUSINESSMAN says he is not concerned for his takeaway after news that Nando’s hope to open a restaurant in Taunton in the near future.

Speculation over a move for the dining restaurant chain was re-ignited this week after the firm posted a job looking to fill an assistant manager role in the town.

Sabeez Peri Peri, in Station Road, Taunton, set up four months ago and sells similar dishes to Nando’s but bosses at the takeaway say they are not worried.

They insist that it will not affect their trade and, instead, have applied to extend their opening times to 3am throughout the week to cater for their customers.

Manager Choudrey Ali said: “All my customers were surprised we did not open later than we do at the moment so we hope to change that now.

“We are very busy so it means people can come in any time.

“I am not worried about Nando’s because my customers like my food – we will be ok.”

A spokesman for Nando’s could not confirm whether there would be a definite move or release details over a proposed site where the restaurant would be based.

They added: “Taunton is very much on our radar and we hope to open a restaurant in the town at some point in the near-future.

“We’ll be in touch as soon as we have any further information.”

The chain specializes in chicken dishes with varieties of marinades in a Portuguese and Mozam-biquan theme.

Nando’s was formed in 1987, setting up their first restaurant in the United Kingdom in 1992 and, to date, they have 255 restaurants across the country.

Bristol and Exeter are currently the closest restaurant sites but Nando’s fans will be hoping Taunton is one of 25 new outlets that the company are opening this year.

The County Gazette reported the firm’s interest back in June last year but talks over the move are ongoing.

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