Chicken chain Nando’s has hiked its prices by 16% - just a year after an 8% increase.
A quarter chicken dish is an extra £1.70 despite worldwide revenue leaping to more than £1billion last year.
Bosses put the price hikes down to an increase in the cost of ingredients and running their restaurants – and warn 2023 could be another volatile year.
In January 2022 diners could order the quarter chicken for £4.25, or £8.75 with two sides. But those prices have now jumped to £4.95 and £9.95 - increases of 16% and 14%.
Similarly, the half chicken dish was £7.95 a year ago or £12.45 with two sides – but it now costs £8.50 on its own or £13.50 with extras – increases of 7% to 8%.
Ten chicken wings have gone up a similar amount from £10.95 to £11.75 on their own or from £15.45 to £16.75 with two sides, while the whole chicken dish has risen 3% from £14.50 to £14.95.
Delivery prices have also been hiked. A year ago, a full chicken platter to eat at home cost £24.95. But the same dish has soared to £27.75 – 11% more.
The latest price hike is a blow to diners already facing a seismic squeeze in living costs.
Mum-of-two Sheila Thompson, 46, from Buxton, Derbys, said: “Nando’s used to be an affordable treat but the way it is going we are going to have to look at dining out elsewhere.”
Nando’s chiefs have admitted suffering “significantly higher levels of cost inflation” linked to soaring energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Financial analyst Susannah Streeter said: “Restaurants have been battered by higher costs, with essentials rising sharply. Chicken prices have risen by 27% over the year, vegetable fat by 34%, cheese by 28% and bread by 20%.
“Trips to favourite restaurants may have to be fewer and far between.”
Nando’s has 457 UK branches after opening its first in Ealing, west London, in 1992. The firm said some prices remained the same while others “had to change” due to higher costs.
A spokesman added: “We continue to work hard to absorb costs wherever we can and are committed to delivering the best value possible for customers.”
