US fried chicken chain Popeyes to enter UK market with more than 300 sites planned
The group, which was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and runs 3,400 restaurants globally, says it sees the UK as its 'next big opportunity' for growth.
It follows recent rollouts of the brand in Spain, Switzerland, China, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
Popeyes will enter the UK market as part of an agreement between PLK Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of group owner Restaurant Brands International Inc (RBI); Ring International Holdings; and Elias Diaz Sese, who is also non-executive director of Dominos Pizza UK.
In total the group is aiming to open 350 sites across the UK over the next 10 years, with a potential flagship site in London understood to currently be under consideration.
Popeyes says the move will create a number of new jobs and provide 'a direct boost' to the UK hospitality sector.
“We are very pleased to launch Popeyes, a brand that has brought moments of celebration to guests globally, something we believe is important more now than ever," says Sese, co-founder of Popeyes UK.
"It allows us to contribute in hardship moments for the country by creating hundreds of career opportunities. We truly aspire to become an employer of reference for big-hearted talent through care, service and supporting the neighbourhoods in which we operate’’.
Popeyes plans to use a raft of channels including delivery and takeaway when it launches in the UK.
Signature dishes expected to feature on the menu include fried chicken marinated in 'Louisiana seasonings'; the 'classic' chicken sandwich with mayonnaise and pickles; and a cinnamon apple pie dessert.
“We are excited to announce that we are going to be bringing the Popeyes brand to the UK," says David Shear, president international of RBI
"Popeyes has established itself as an international brand, famed for the creation of authentic, Louisiana-inspired fried chicken products.
"We are confident that our UK guests will love their fried chicken from Popeyes and we look forward to offering an alternative product in a major international market that we believe is ripe for disruption. We can’t wait to get started!”.
