Melinda Nettelbeck’s design journey was shaped by her unique upbringing, spending the first decade of her life aboard a sailboat in the Caribbean with her family.
The perspective it fostered, combined with an innate creativity, led her to studying fine arts and interior design at the Corcoran College of Art and Design, now part of George Washington University in Washington, DC.
She cut her teeth at HapstakDemetriou+ before landing at Nando’s, where, as chief development officer, she’s been integral in building the South African fast causal brand’s U.S. presence, translating its bold and vibrant style to North America.
What were you like as a kid?
Melinda Nettelbeck: I was a part of a homeschooled group of kids from around the world that were brought up by parents choosing to live differently. My brother and I spent a lot of time in independent play and on many adventures. I was curious, had a big imagination, and entertained myself easily. At age 10, we moved to the U.S. and adapted to a different life in a small town and traditional public school system. My upbringing required me to be resourceful, but it also gave me exposure to many different backgrounds.
A colorful installation marks the entrance of Nando’s Michigan Avenue in Chicago, designed by Aria Group
Early memories of hospitality?
MN: While we were in the Caribbean, my dad ran a small dive business and chartered sailing trips on our sister sailboat. My mom helped run a local health food shop. It was hospitality on an intimate scale, and I loved helping them out in the kitchen and welcoming our guests aboard.
Were you always creative?
MN: As a kid, I was always building forts, redesigning LEGO houses, illustrating stories, or coming up with new creative inventions.
Vibrant murals cover a wall at the Aria Group-crafted Nando’s Naperville in Illinois
How did you translate what you learned at HapstakDemetriou+ to Nando’s?
MN: Guiding external design teams isn’t all that different from doing so with a firm, but it seemed to carry more weight, as I was now the steward and guardian of a global brand. With Nando’s, I’ve managed the design and construction of more than 40 locations. Another career shift was increasing my involvement and leadership in the business side of restaurant development. I had the opportunity to work on the creation of a new growth strategy and the recalibration of our real estate process that has helped to expand our market reach in North America. We have opened in five new markets in the past 18 months, and we have a bright future ahead.
What do you love about hospitality?
MN: Great hospitality can make you feel welcome and comfortable and leave you inspired. It is also full of energy and life. There’s never a dull moment in the restaurant world.
Aria Group leaned into earthy yet bold tones for the Nando’s on Wabash Avenue in Chicago
Greatest professional challenge?
MN: Opening multiple restaurants within a tight timeline is one of the most challenging parts as there will always be something unexpected that pops up. I see every opening as an opportunity for improvement and rely on the great team and operations partners I work with. The stronger those relationships are, the better the outcome.
How do you stay motivated?
MN: It’s hard for me to check out and relax, which means sometimes I can get rundown. I’m working on ensuring I take care of myself so that I can show up at my best and can continue to inspire and lead others. When I believe in something, I work tirelessly for the cause. I take my hyper-critical eye as a constant point of recalibration to seek continuous improvements.
Led by Sarah Stafford Design, Nando’s Woodmore Town Centre in Lanham, Maryland mixes patterns and textural finishes
Describe your style.
MN: I prefer an organic and softer approach to modern simplicity with added layers and soul. I love playing with contrasting sculptural volumes and shapes and clean-lined minimalism. I find joy in the process of hunting for those special pieces to add to my art and jewelry collections. I love shopping for quality secondhand items and getting a great deal on something imperfect that speaks to me. What that means is that nothing is truly finished at my house, but it keeps the door open for ongoing progress.
Most rewarding part of the job?
MN: Working with an amazing team and partners who keep me on my toes. Nothing beats the pride in bringing a new restaurant to life.
