From Legend
A story of faith, family, and flame-grilled passion that spans continents and generations.
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.”
Flame-Grilled Passion, Passed Down
Costa's vision for Barcelos was always about more than selling chicken — it was about sharing an experience and a culture. The flame-grilled peri-peri recipes themselves are steeped in history, perfected by Portuguese chefs over a century ago.
The result was a menu that brought South African hospitality together with Portuguese spice, creating a signature taste that people couldn't get enough of. The exact blend of peri-peri sauces and spices became a closely guarded family secret.
Today, Costa remains a guiding force in the business, alongside the next generation — his son Jared Mazzis — who continues to drive Barcelos into its future, honouring the heritage while bringing fresh energy, innovation, and strategic thinking to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global market.
Years of Excellence
17+
Countries
Restaurants
1
Family Recipe
From Africa to the
What began in Pretoria, South Africa has grown into a global flame-grilled family. Today, Barcelos proudly serves authentic Afro-Portuguese cuisine across continents.
From One Restaurant to a Global Family
What began as one neighbourhood restaurant in Pretoria has grown into a thriving enterprise spanning continents.
Franchising begins, spreading across Southern Africa
Expansion to Europe, Asia, and North America
Global presence reaches 100+ restaurants
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 a century
Family Heritage
From the Mazzis family to yours since 1993
Global Family
120+ restaurants across 17 countries
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. 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.