From Legend
A story of faith, flavour, and flame-grilled passion that began in South Africa and now spans continents.
The Legend of the
Legend has it, years ago, a pilgrim was passing through the town of Barcelos in Portugal. Wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to hang, he was brought before a judge about to sit down to his roasted chicken dinner.
“If this rooster gets up and crows, then I'm an innocent man” — exclaimed the pilgrim.
And that is exactly what happened! The pilgrim was freed and so the Barcelos Legend was born.
We've passed this story on through generations and with it, treasured recipes, time-tested practices, and age-old traditions. No gimmicks or imitations. At Barcelos, we value and stay true to our when it comes to our flame-grilled chicken and our original Peri-Peri marinades.
A Dream Born in Pretoria
“If you don't like the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
Built for Excellence
From training to production to store build-out, Barcelos has invested in world-class infrastructure that sets our franchisees up for success.
Training Academy
Our purpose-built training facility ensures every team member masters the Barcelos way. Standardised operational excellence delivered through comprehensive programmes.
Central Kitchen
State-of-the-art production facility where our proprietary marinades are crafted. Every blend follows recipes perfected over three decades.
Shopfitting Department
Our in-house design and build-out team delivers turnkey solutions for franchisees. Consistent brand experience, every location, every time.
Head Office Support
Dedicated teams for marketing, operations, supply chain, and franchise development. Your success is backed by South Africa's leading QSR infrastructure.
Born in South Africa,
What began in Pretoria in 1993 has grown into a global flame-grilled family. Today, Barcelos proudly serves authentic Afro-Portuguese cuisine across 13+ countries — all supported from our South African headquarters.
Countries
120+
Restaurants
Headquarters
From One Restaurant to a Global Family
What began as one neighbourhood restaurant in Pretoria has grown into a thriving enterprise spanning continents — all headquartered right here in South Africa.
Franchising Begins
Expansion across Southern Africa and West Africa
Further international growth across Europe, Asia, and North America
What We Stand For
The spirit of the Barcelos Rooster lives on in every meal we serve — these values guide everything we do.
Flame-Grilled Excellence
Authentic Portuguese peri-peri recipes perfected over three decades
South African Leadership
Led by an experienced team dedicated to quality since 1993
Global Family
120+ restaurants across 13 countries, born right here in SA
Uncompromising Quality
Premium ingredients, no shortcuts, ever
Warm Hospitality
Treating every guest like part of the family
Living Tradition
Honouring heritage while embracing innovation
A Living Heritage
What started with Costa Mazzis grilling for his first customers in Pretoria has grown into a global culinary family. From our headquarters here in South Africa, Barcelos remains committed to flame-grilling with integrity, serving food that is true to its heritage, and treating customers like part of the family.
This is the story we continue to share, plate by plate, with the world.