This popular American fast food chain has been called better than McDonald’s by fans and it’s set for some new branches in the UK. Popeyes is a US fast food enterprise known for its fried chicken, but you might notice more of these restaurants popping up across the country soon.
Popeyes first touched down in the UK in November 2021, opening its doors in Westfield’s food court in Stratford, London. Since then, it has opened many more restaurants with Brits increasingly visiting. According to The Sun, it will soon open 45 new branches. The New Orleans-inspired chain announced plans to double its restaurants, drive-thrus, and delivery kitchens in 2024.
As one of the fastest-growing chicken restaurants in the fast food sector, it already has more than 80 UK locations.
Now, it has secured £43million from Barclays Corporate Banking to help it open more restaurants.
Reviewers of Popeyes’ current restaurants have said it “wipes KFC and McDonald’s to the floor” and they’ve “never had a bad meal” there.
The restaurant’s sell-out chicken burger was called “perfection” by Brits after a limited edition version was created.
On Reddit, one person who goes by the username @teddy_veddler, said: “Popeye’s chicken sandwich is one of the best items in the fast food game for me.”
The chain aims to expand its presence in cities such as Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol as well as opening further locations in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Scotland.
Drew Taylor, Popeyes UK chief finance officer, said: “Barclays are a highly supportive banking partner of Popeyes in the UK.
“The new finance facilities will enable us to build on our successful growth in the UK to date and execute our expansion strategy over the coming years, with more than 45 openings targeted in 2025 alone.”
The fast-food chain was originally founded in New Orleans, United States back in 1972, and has 4,000 restaurants across the world.
Popeyes’ website has further details on current sites available to visit and those which are classed as “coming soon.”
