Fried chicken giant on track to open 20 sites in total in 2023
Continuing its rapid growth across the British Isles, Popeyes UK has announced that its next clutch of sites has been confirmed – with a whopping 5 new restaurants across the country launching imminently.
Its new London restaurants will see its London footprint stretch to cover almost every borough.
The new UK homes of Louisiana heat are:
- Cambridge
- Reading
- Cardiff
- Plymouth
- Richmond
- Rotherham
- Barrhead
The brand has also opened a further dark kitchen in Norbury to keep up with demand in South London. Rotherham will mark the brand’s first foray into drive-thru restaurants in the UK, following significant success with its in-line locations and delivery dark kitchens.
With 17 locations open and a total of 20 due to launch this year, Popeyes UK’s pace of openings is seeing the chain expand across the UK at a faster rate than comparators who have also recently landed from across the pond.
Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK, commented: “The sustained demand we’re seeing for Popeyes in the UK is incredible, but not unexpected – Popeyes is a cult brand with a huge following in the US and has supplied food for everything from celebrity weddings to the Met Gala.
“That said, it’s still brilliant to see how enthusiastically the UK has welcomed us, and we’re particularly proud to be opening our first drive-thru locations this year. Now that we’ve established a growing presence here, we’re excited to start turning our attention towards building an industry-leading employee value proposition for our UK teams and identifying where we can make a difference in the communities we’re part of.
“That’s always been the Popeyes way.”
The Rotheram drive-thru site was formerly occupied by KFC, which – as with its debut Stratford site – the landlord elected to replace with a Popeyes restaurant, in classic 2019 ‘Chicken Wars’ fashion.
The first restaurant due to open in 2023 will be Cambridge on 16 February followed closely by Reading on 23 February.
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes® has more than 50 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes® distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders and other regional items. The chain’s passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes® to become one of the world’s largest chicken quick-service restaurants with over 3,800 restaurants and around the world.
