View source for Popeyes

{{Short description|American multinational chain of Southern fried chicken fast food restaurants}}
{{About|the fast-food chain|the cartoon character|Popeye|other uses|Popeye (disambiguation)}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
| logo = 
| logo_caption = 
| logo_size = 200px
| image = Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (51195358373).jpg
| image_caption = A Popeyes [[restaurant]] in [[West Miami, Florida]],<br>United States
| trade_name = Popeyes
| former_name = Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits<br>Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken & Biscuits
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|1972|06|12}} (as Chicken on the Run)<br>[[Arabi, Louisiana]], United States
| founder = [[Al Copeland]]
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list
 | Felipe Athayde (President)<ref name=BBB/>
 | Matthew Brandon ([[CFO]])<ref name=BBB>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/miami/profile/carry-out-food/popeyes-louisiana-kitchen-inc-0633-92011604|title=Business Profile Carry Out Food Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.|website=Better Business Bureau}}</ref>
  }}
| hq_location_city = [[Miami]], Florida
| hq_location_country = United States<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2018/08/03/popeyes-to-move-headquarters-out-of-atlanta.html|title=Popeyes to move headquarters out of Atlanta|last=Louis|first=Billy Jean|date=2018-08-03|website=Atlanta Business Chronicle|access-date=2018-11-10}}</ref>
| num_locations = {{increase}} 3,705 {{small|(2021)}}<ref name="RBI-SEC_21"/>
| num_locations_year = 
| area_served = {{Collapsible list |title=List|United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, India, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Palestine, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, United Kingdom, Brazil, France, Kazakhstan,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rbi.com/English/news/news-details/2022/Popeyes-Announces-Agreement-to-Launch-in-Kazakhstan/default.aspx |title=Popeyes® Announces Agreement to Launch in Kazakhstan |access-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222065842/https://www.rbi.com/English/news/news-details/2022/Popeyes-Announces-Agreement-to-Launch-in-Kazakhstan/default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Poland,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rbi.com/English/news/news-details/2022/Restaurant-Brands-International-and-McWin-to-Grow-Iconic-Burger-King-and-Popeyes-brands-in-Eastern-Europe/default.aspx |title=Restaurant Brands International and McWin to Grow Iconic Burger King® and Popeyes® brands in Eastern Europe |access-date=June 2, 2023 |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602150131/https://www.rbi.com/English/news/news-details/2022/Restaurant-Brands-International-and-McWin-to-Grow-Iconic-Burger-King-and-Popeyes-brands-in-Eastern-Europe/default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Czech Republic<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/popeyes-arrives-in-prague-with-fried-chicken-and-big-excitement |title=Popeyes arrives in Prague with fried chicken and big excitement |last=Smith|first=Thomas|date=November 3, 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2024 }}</ref>}}
| revenue = {{Collapsible list |title={{increase}} US$ 579 million {{small|(2021)}}<ref name="RBI-SEC_21"/><ref name="RBI BK 2021"/>
|{{increase}} US$ 5.51 billion {{small|(system-wide sales)}}<ref name="RBI-SEC_21"/>}}
| revenue_year = 
| net_income = {{increase}} US$ 228 million {{small|(2021)}}<ref name="RBI-SEC_21"/><ref name="RBI BK 2021"/>
| industry = [[Restaurant]]
| genre = [[Fast food]]
| num_employees_year = December 2015
| parent = [[Restaurant Brands International]] (2017–present)
| num_employees = 2,130{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}
| products = {{flatlist|
* [[Fried chicken]]
* [[French fries]]
* [[Cajun cuisine]]
* [[Seafood]]
* [[Soft drink|Soft drinks]]
* [[Biscuit (bread)|Biscuit]]s
* Desserts
}}
| website = {{URL|popeyes.com}}
| footnotes = <ref name="RBI-SEC_21">{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1618756/000161875622000018/qsr-20211231.htm#ie56950d96c5445a5b565c5ccf70724e1_67 |title=2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=February 23, 2022 |access-date=September 8, 2022 |publisher=Restaurant Brands International |via=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909044939/https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1618756/000161875622000018/qsr-20211231.htm#ie56950d96c5445a5b565c5ccf70724e1_67 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="RBI BK 2021">{{cite web |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Restaurant Brands International Inc. Reports Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2021 Results |url=https://www.rbi.com/English/news/news-details/2022/Restaurant-Brands-International-Inc.-Reports-Full-Year-and-Fourth-Quarter-2021-Results/default.aspx |accessdate=September 8, 2022 |website=Restaurant Brands International IR |language=en-US |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708085302/https://www.rbi.com/English/news/news-details/2022/Restaurant-Brands-International-Inc.-Reports-Full-Year-and-Fourth-Quarter-2021-Results/default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

'''Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.'''{{efn|Also known as '''Popeyes''', and formerly named '''Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits'''<ref name="AboutPopeyes">{{cite web|url=http://popeyes.com/company/about-popeyes.php|title=About Popeyes|publisher=Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004234911/http://popeyes.com/company/about-popeyes.php|archive-date=4 October 2012|access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> and '''Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken & Biscuits'''.<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=[[New Orleans CityBusiness]]|title=Bob & Gee Tucker: Community Service Important for Married Consulting Team|volume=11|issue=6|page=23C|date=24 September 1990|author=Engelberg, Adrian}}</ref>}} is an American [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] [[Restaurant chain|chain]] of Southern fried chicken restaurants founded in 1972 in [[New Orleans]] and headquartered in [[Miami]].<ref name=Story/> It is currently a subsidiary of Toronto-based [[Restaurant Brands International]]. {{As of|2021}}, Popeyes has 3,705 restaurants,<ref name="RBI-SEC_21" /> which are located in more than 46 states and the [[District of Columbia]], [[Puerto Rico]], and 30 countries worldwide.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} About 50 locations are company-owned while the other approximately 98% are [[franchising|franchised]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoovers.com/popeyes/--ID__105593--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml|title=Hoovers/Dun & Bradstreet: Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits|publisher=Hoovers|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070707065313/http://www.hoovers.com/popeyes/--ID__105593--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml|archive-date=7 July 2007}}</ref>

==History==
Popeyes was formed in [[Arabi, Louisiana]], a suburb of [[New Orleans]], Louisiana, in [[St. Bernard Parish]]. It first opened its doors on June 12, 1972, as "Chicken on the Run".<ref name=Story>{{cite web |url=http://popeyes.com/our-story/ |title=Our Story |publisher=Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen |access-date=September 12, 2017 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019064753/http://popeyes.com/our-story/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dodds |first=Eric |title=Happy Birthday, Popeyes Chicken |url=https://time.com/3918606/happy-birthday-popeyes-chicken/ |magazine=Time |access-date=February 20, 2019 |date=June 12, 2015}}</ref> Owner [[Al Copeland]] (1944–2008) wanted to compete with [[KFC|Kentucky Fried Chicken]],<ref name=People>{{cite news |last=Chandler |first=David |title=Now That His Chicken Business Is Booming, Al Copeland Wants to Muscle in on Cajun Cuisine |url=https://people.com/archive/now-that-his-chicken-business-is-booming-al-copeland-wants-to-muscle-in-on-cajun-cuisine-vol-22-no-16/ |access-date=May 30, 2018 |work=People |date=October 15, 1984 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111093247/https://people.com/archive/now-that-his-chicken-business-is-booming-al-copeland-wants-to-muscle-in-on-cajun-cuisine-vol-22-no-16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but his restaurant failed after several months.<ref name=Story/><ref name=People/> Copeland reopened the restaurant four days later as Popeyes Mighty Good Chicken.<ref name=People/> By 1975, the company had been renamed as Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken.<ref name=People/> Copeland started franchising his restaurant in 1976, beginning in Louisiana. The chain expanded to Canada in 1984, and opened its 500th restaurant in 1985.<ref name=Story/> B. P. Newman of [[Laredo, Texas]], acquired several franchises in Texas and surrounding states. Two hundred additional locations were added during a period of slower expansion.{{Citation needed|date=May 2018}}

By 1990, Copeland Enterprises was in default on $391 million in debts it had taken on in its 1989 purchase of [[Church's Chicken|Church's]], a rival fast food chain also focusing in Southern [[fried chicken]], and by April 1991, the company filed for [[bankruptcy]] protection.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-04-06-9101310607-story.html|title=Chicken firm in bankruptcy|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=April 2, 1991|access-date=January 22, 2021|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407183547/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-04-06-9101310607-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/06/business/company-news-copeland-forced-into-chapter-11.html|title=COMPANY NEWS; Copeland Forced Into Chapter 11|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 6, 1991|access-date=January 22, 2021|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128095917/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/06/business/company-news-copeland-forced-into-chapter-11.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 1992, the court approved a plan by a group of Copeland's creditors that resulted in the creation of America's Favorite Chicken Company, Inc. (AFC) to serve as the new parent company for Popeyes and Church's.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.answers.com/topic/church-s-chicken|title=Answers - The Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions|website=[[Answers.com]]|access-date=February 22, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624163507/http://www.answers.com/topic/church-s-chicken|archive-date=June 24, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> AFC went public in 2001 with [[initial public offering]] (IPO) of $142,818,479, and began trading on the [[NASDAQ]] under ticker symbol AFCE.<ref>[https://archive.today/20131209125340/http://ipo.findthecompany.com/l/863/Afc-Enterprises AFC Enterprises Initial Public Offering]</ref> On December 29, 2004, AFC sold Church's to [[Arcapita]] (formerly Crescent Capital Investments) retaining Popeyes.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}}

On August 8, 2000, Popeyes announced a franchise development plan/agreement that included 35 new restaurant locations around Australia in a bid to solidify their presence within the Asia Pacific region. All were to be located in Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales.<ref name=QRSMagazine>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/popeyes-develop-35-restaurants-australia|title=Popeyes to Develop 35 Restaurants in Australia|date=August 8, 2000 |access-date=February 6, 2020|archive-date=February 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206071629/https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/popeyes-develop-35-restaurants-australia|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 21, 2014, AFC was renamed as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., and its NASDAQ ticker symbol was changed to PLKI.

On June 17, 2014, Popeyes announced it had re-acquired full control of its seasonings, recipes, and other proprietary food preparation techniques from Diversified Foods & Seasonings, which remained under the control of Al Copeland and his estate after the creditor sale of Popeyes to AFC. Popeyes had continued to license the seasonings, recipes, and techniques from DF&S for a yearly 'spice royalty', before buying them outright for $43 million. DF&S remains the main supplier for Popeyes until at least 2029.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-06-17/popeyes-buys-its-recipes-for-43-million-dot-wait-popeyes-didnt-own-its-recipes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618083853/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-06-17/popeyes-buys-its-recipes-for-43-million-dot-wait-popeyes-didnt-own-its-recipes|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 18, 2014|title=Popeyes Buys Its Recipes for $43 Million. Wait, Popeyes Didn't Own Its Recipes?|last=Wong|first=Vanessa|date=June 17, 2014|work=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]|access-date=June 18, 2014}}</ref>

=== Acquisition by Restaurant Brands International ===
On February 21, 2017, [[Restaurant Brands International]] announced a deal to buy Popeyes for US$1.8 billion.<ref name=nyt-pop>{{cite news |last=Silva Laughlin |first=Luaren |date=February 21, 2017 |title=Restaurant Brands Takes a Bite Out of Popeyes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/21/business/dealbook/restaurant-brands-takes-a-bite-out-of-popeyes.html?ref=dealbook |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=February 22, 2017 |archive-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815032626/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/21/business/dealbook/restaurant-brands-takes-a-bite-out-of-popeyes.html?ref=dealbook |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 27, 2017, the deal closed with RBI purchasing Popeyes at $79 per share via Orange, Inc, an indirect subsidiary of RBI.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/restaurant-brands-international-inc-announces-successful-completion-of-its-tender-offer-to-purchase-all-of-the-outstanding-shares-of-popeyes-louisiana-kitchen-inc-617157513.html |title=Restaurant Brands International Inc. Announces Successful Completion of its Tender Offer to Purchase All of the Outstanding Shares of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. |via=PR Newswire}}</ref>

===Name===
Alvin C. Copeland claimed he named the stores after the fictional [[detective]] [[Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle]] (portrayed by [[Gene Hackman]]) in the 1971 film ''[[The French Connection (film)|The French Connection]]'',<ref name=times>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/business/25copeland.html?ref=obituaries Martin, Douglas. "Al Copeland, a Restaurateur Known for Spice and Speed, Dies at 64"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712094358/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/business/25copeland.html?ref=obituaries |date=July 12, 2021 }}. ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 25, 2008</ref><ref>Hoffman, Ken, "Chicken Cordon Bleu est TACO tres magnifique", King Features Syndicate, published in ''The Gazette'' of Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, Iowa, June 19, 1998, p. 2, ("chain was named for Popeye Doyle, the cop in ''The French Connection''") [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CR&z=CRGB&p_theme=cr&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAFE97540B025E0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Archived online at newsbank.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711095059/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CR&z=CRGB&p_theme=cr&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAFE97540B025E0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=July 11, 2018 }}. Retrieved March 27, 2008</ref> which came out a year before the chain was founded, and not the [[comic strip]]  character [[Popeye|Popeye the Sailor]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.marketplace.org/2012/11/29/business/food-and-drink/well-blow-me-down-popeye-out-popeyes|title='Well, blow me down!' Popeye is out at Popeyes|last=Moon|first=Bob|date=2012-11-29|work=Marketplace Investor|access-date=2018-07-11|archive-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711091711/https://www.marketplace.org/2012/11/29/business/food-and-drink/well-blow-me-down-popeye-out-popeyes|url-status=live}}</ref>

However, the company's early brand became deeply tied to the cartoon star with its sponsorship of the ''Popeye & Pals'' children's show in New Orleans, and the character appeared on items from packaging to racing boats.{{Citation needed|date=July 2018}}

The chain later acquired rights to use Popeye the Sailor for marketing and used this for 35 years.<ref name=":0"/> In late November 2012, AFC announced the mutual termination of their licensing contract with [[King Features Syndicate]], effectively ending their association with the Popeye characters.<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/news/business/popeyes-ditches-ex-spinach-eating-pitchman/nTF8p/ "Popeyes ditches ex-spinach-eating pitchman"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129235845/http://www.ajc.com/news/business/popeyes-ditches-ex-spinach-eating-pitchman/nTF8p/ |date=November 29, 2012 }}. ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution|The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]],'' November 26, 2013.</ref>

The name is spelled "Popeyes", without the [[apostrophe]] commonly used by other restaurant chains such as [[McDonald's]] and [[Hardee's]]. Copeland claimed facetiously that he was "too poor" to afford an apostrophe.<ref name="times"/>

==Products==
[[File:Fried-Chicken-Set.jpg|thumb|Popeyes mild chicken]]
Popeyes serves chicken dishes in mild and spicy flavors and offers sides such as red beans and rice, [[French fries|Cajun fries]], mashed potatoes with Cajun-style gravy, [[dirty rice|Cajun rice]], [[Macaroni and Cheese|macaroni and cheese]],  [[coleslaw]], and [[biscuit (bread)|biscuits]]. In addition to chicken, Popeyes also serves seafood entrées such as shrimp and catfish.<ref>{{cite web |title=Menu |url=https://popeyeschicken.ca/menu/ |website=Popeyes |access-date=August 28, 2020 |archive-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829011809/https://popeyeschicken.ca/menu/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 30, 2006, AFC announced that Popeyes planned to introduce a [[trans fat]]-free biscuit as well as french fries containing one gram of trans fat by year-end.<ref>[http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Content.asp?ContentID=80211 Dow Jones newswire (Oct. 31, 2006): "AFC's Popeyes Chicken Plans Low Trans-Fat French Fries", by Richard Gibson] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927015744/http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Content.asp?ContentID=80211 |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> On November 18, 2011, AFC announced that, for the [[Thanksgiving]] holiday, Popeyes would release a Fried Turducken sandwich that would show off the first ever [[Turducken]] patty. On July 29, 2013, AFC began offering a special entree of fried chicken strips dipped in waffle batter, which was already a proven success in some markets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/24/popeyes-chicken-waffles-tenders_n_3645022.html|title=Popeyes Debuts Chicken Waffle Tenders, World Wonders Why No One Else Thought Of That Already|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=July 24, 2013|access-date=September 6, 2013|archive-date=November 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021410/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/24/popeyes-chicken-waffles-tenders_n_3645022.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For a limited time only in 2017, Popeyes offered "Sweet and Crunchy" chicken, fried chicken tenders coated in shortbread cookie breading.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aol.com/article/lifestyle/2017/06/19/popeyes-is-now-frying-its-chicken-in-mashed-up-cookies-heres/22489530/|title=Popeyes is now frying chicken in cookie batter – here's the flavor verdict|publisher=AOL|access-date=June 22, 2017|language=en|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028173635/https://www.aol.com/article/lifestyle/2017/06/19/popeyes-is-now-frying-its-chicken-in-mashed-up-cookies-heres/22489530/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Popeyes introduced a flounder sandwich.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ny-popeyes-fish-sandwich-for-sale-insurance-20210210-nwd4v7nxmze3rcyo4blmexqn3m-story.html?outputType=amp|title = Popeyes adding very first fish sandwich to menu, this time with insurance plan|website = [[Chicago Tribune]]| date=February 10, 2021 |access-date = February 11, 2021|archive-date = February 11, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210211011644/https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ny-popeyes-fish-sandwich-for-sale-insurance-20210210-nwd4v7nxmze3rcyo4blmexqn3m-story.html?outputType=amp|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Chicken sandwich===
[[File:Popeyes chicken sandwich.jpg|thumb|Popeyes Chicken Sandwich (Spicy)]]
Popeyes began selling a chicken sandwich in August 2019 to compete with [[Chick-fil-A]]'s similar flagship sandwich. The company first launched the sandwich at Long Beach restaurant Sweet Dixie Kitchen, a locally-famous spot that had become known for reselling fried chicken that it had purchased at Popeyes.<ref name="RiseFall">{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-rise-and-fall-story-2019-8|title=Social-media battles, massive crowds, and overworked employees: Inside the rise and fall of Popeyes' chicken sandwich|last=Taylor|first=Kate|website=Business Insider|access-date=2019-11-05|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301203912/https://www.businessinsider.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-rise-and-fall-story-2019-8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eater.com/2019/8/8/20759070/popeyes-gate-restaurant-sweet-dixie-kitchen-chicken-sandwich|title=Popeyes Launches Fried Chicken Sandwich by Teaming Up With Restaurant That Ripped Them Off|first=Greg|last=Morabito|website=Eater|date=August 8, 2019|access-date=2021-01-08|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111011124/https://www.eater.com/2019/8/8/20759070/popeyes-gate-restaurant-sweet-dixie-kitchen-chicken-sandwich|url-status=live}}</ref> The sandwich launched nationwide to all locations in the US on August 12, 2019, but had some advance openings at the beginning of 2019.<ref name="RiseFall" />

The marketing campaign, designed by advertising agency GSD&M started on August 12, 2019, with a tweet on Popeyes' Twitter feed. The new sandwich went viral immediately and [[Chicken Sandwich Wars|prompted responses from nearly every fast food chain]] including [[McDonald's]], Chick-Fil-A, and [[Wendy's]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-25/sunday-strategist-popeyes-knew-exactly-what-it-was-doing|title=Sunday Strategist: Popeyes Knew Exactly What It Was Doing|last=Suddath|first=Claire|date=2019-08-25|magazine=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]|access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.austin360.com/entertainmentlife/20190826/austin-company-helped-popeyes-fried-chicken-sandwich-go-viral|title=Austin company helped Popeyes fried chicken sandwich go viral|last=Odam|first=Matthew|website=Austin 360|language=en|access-date=2019-08-27|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124150843/https://www.austin360.com/entertainmentlife/20190826/austin-company-helped-popeyes-fried-chicken-sandwich-go-viral|url-status=live}}</ref> Popeyes reported a 103% increase in traffic in the days following the launch of the sandwich.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/25/entertainment/quavo-migos-popeyes-chicken-sandwich-trnd/index.html|title=Ditch the lines -- Quavo is selling Popeyes chicken sandwiches for $1,000 each|first=Leah|last=Asmelash|website=CNN|date=August 25, 2019|access-date=2019-08-26|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107234415/https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/25/entertainment/quavo-migos-popeyes-chicken-sandwich-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The sandwich helped Popeyes gather an estimated $23 million in free publicity since its launch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thetakeout.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-coverage-23-million-free-press-1837582061|title=All our Popeyes' chicken sandwich coverage gave them $23 million in free press|last=Suzanne-Mayer|first=Dominick|website=The Takeout|date=August 26, 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-26|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000754/https://thetakeout.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-coverage-23-million-free-press-1837582061|url-status=live}}</ref> Popeyes stores routinely sold out of the sandwich and experienced long lines,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/popeyes-new-fried-chicken-sandwich-has-created-a-frenzy-in-its-stores-new-data-165231715.html|title=Popeyes' new fried chicken sandwich has created a frenzy in its stores: new data|website=finance.yahoo.com|date=August 26, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-26|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026022446/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/popeyes-new-fried-chicken-sandwich-has-created-a-frenzy-in-its-stores-new-data-165231715.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and a man outside of a Maryland Popeyes chain was stabbed to death during a dispute over cutting in line for a chicken sandwich.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Riess |first1=Madeline Holcombe, Rebekah |title=Man stabbed to death after argument over Popeyes chicken sandwich |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/05/us/popeyes-sandwich-stabbing/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=27 November 2021 |language=en |date=5 November 2019 |archive-date=November 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127060025/https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/05/us/popeyes-sandwich-stabbing/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Locations across the US were supposed to have enough materials to last them until the end of September. Instead, restaurants were almost entirely sold out after less than two weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-rise-and-fall-story-2019-8|title=Social-media battles, massive crowds, and overworked employees: Inside the rise and fall of Popeyes' chicken sandwich|last=Taylor|first=Kate|website=Business Insider|access-date=2019-09-23|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301203912/https://www.businessinsider.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-rise-and-fall-story-2019-8|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 27, approximately two weeks after the launch, Popeyes announced that it had officially sold out of the chicken sandwich across the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/27/popeyes-has-sold-out-of-its-chicken-sandwich-in-less-than-a-month.html|title=Popeyes sells out of its chicken sandwich in less than a month|last=Lucas|first=Amelia|date=2019-08-27|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=2019-08-28|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224133914/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/27/popeyes-has-sold-out-of-its-chicken-sandwich-in-less-than-a-month.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One person in Tennessee sued Popeyes, claiming that his inability to get the sandwich has caused him to be "hustled out of money", making Popeyes guilty of "false advertising" along with "deceptive business practices".<ref>{{cite news|title=Man sues Popeyes after missing out on new chicken sandwich|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-sues-popeyes-missing-chicken-sandwich/story?id=65292396|first=Kelly|last=McCarthy|date=August 30, 2019|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226185539/https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-sues-popeyes-missing-chicken-sandwich/story?id=65292396|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 28, 2019, Popeyes announced that the chicken sandwich would return to locations across the US on November 3.<ref>{{cite news|title=Popeyes is bringing back its chicken sandwich on Sunday and reigniting its battle with Chick-fil-A|author1=Taylor, Kate|author2=Ciment, Shoshy|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-returns-chick-fil-a-battle-2019-10|website=[[Business Insider]]|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=November 5, 2019|archive-date=November 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105064737/https://www.businessinsider.com/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-returns-chick-fil-a-battle-2019-10/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Popeyes chicken sandwich is made of buttermilk-battered white meat on a brioche bun along with pickles and mayonnaise or spicy Cajun spread.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90413194/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-secret-revealed-who-bought-them|title=Who bought the Popeyes chicken sandwich? Wealthy Gen-Xers who live alone|last=Meyer|first=Zlati|date=2019-10-04|website=Fast Company|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-05|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208004257/https://www.fastcompany.com/90413194/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-secret-revealed-who-bought-them|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2020, Popeyes' chicken sandwich went on sale in Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Balakrishnan|first=Anita|date=2020-09-10|title=Popeyes to roll out much-hyped chicken sandwich Canada-wide amid physical distancing|url=https://www.cp24.com/news/popeyes-to-roll-out-much-hyped-chicken-sandwich-canada-wide-amid-physical-distancing-1.5099016|access-date=2020-09-10|website=CP24|language=en|archive-date=September 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910190809/https://www.cp24.com/news/popeyes-to-roll-out-much-hyped-chicken-sandwich-canada-wide-amid-physical-distancing-1.5099016|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Style and marketing==
[[File:Popeyes coleslaw.JPG|thumb|Coleslaw from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen]]
The restaurants' exteriors have a distinctive orange and white color scheme. The original locations had a black lava rock exterior with a red shingled roof. Most older locations have covered the rock exterior to conform with the current orange stucco appearance. During the 1970s and 1980s, the company occasionally licensed characters from the [[Popeye]] comic strip to use in its advertising. TV and radio ads often use New Orleans-style music, along with the trademark "Love That Chicken" jingle<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popeyeschicken.com/downloads.html|title=Popeyes Chicken|publisher=Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113053107/http://www.popeyeschicken.com/downloads.html|archive-date=13 January 2005|access-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref> sung by New Orleans [[funk]] and [[R&B music|R&B]] musician [[Dr. John]].

In 2009, Popeyes introduced "Annie the Chicken Queen", a fictitious, upbeat, [[African-American]] Popeyes chef played by actress [[Deidrie Henry]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/08/01/where-famous-popeyes-lady/883934002/|title=Where is the famous Popeye's lady?|access-date=April 3, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425221044/https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/08/01/where-famous-popeyes-lady/883934002/|url-status=live}}</ref> The character is meant to be "honest, vibrant, youthful and authentic" according to Dick Lynch, Popeyes Chief Marketing Officer. "Everyone has a relative or a good friend who will give it to them straight, and that's what Annie is all about", Lynch said.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen |url=http://www.popeyes.com/article.php?articleno=MTAz |title=Popeyes keeps it real with new advertising campaign |date=March 30, 2009 |access-date=May 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527031232/http://www.popeyes.com/article.php?articleno=MTAz |archive-date=May 27, 2009 }}</ref>

Popeyes has sponsored various [[NASCAR]] drivers since 2000. That year, [[NASCAR Busch Series]] driver [[Rich Bickle]] was sponsored by the company for six races,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/popeyes-sponsors-nascar-team|title=Popeyes Sponsors NASCAR Team|magazine=QSR|date=May 5, 2000|access-date=September 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/news/busch-rich-bickle-gains-sponsor/1788686/|title=BUSCH: Rich Bickle Gains Sponsor|work=[[Motorsport.com]]|date=February 21, 2000|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620061615/https://us.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/news/busch-rich-bickle-gains-sponsor/1788686/|url-status=live}}</ref> while [[Mark McFarland]] received a one-race deal in the same series the following season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Callahan|first=Terry|url=https://www.theautochannel.com/news/2001/09/05/028912.html|title=NASCAR BGN: Popeys to sponsor Mark McFarland in Richmond race|publisher=The Auto Channel|date=September 6, 2001|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002074102/https://www.theautochannel.com/news/2001/09/05/028912.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2018, [[Tyler Matthews]] made his [[NASCAR Camping World Truck Series]] debut in the No. 99 Popeyes truck at [[Martinsville Speedway]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catchfence.com/270476/tyler-matthews-teams-popeyes-bbt-scott-stringfellow-nascar-debut|title=Tyler Matthews teams up with Popeyes and BB&T Scott & Stringfellow for NASCAR debut|work=Catchfence|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119110345/http://www.catchfence.com/270476/tyler-matthews-teams-popeyes-bbt-scott-stringfellow-nascar-debut|url-status=live}}</ref> and the company also sponsored [[Brennan Poole]] and [[Vizion Motorsports]] for that year's Truck Series season finale at [[Homestead–Miami Speedway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BrVp2xGFpqE/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BrVp2xGFpqE |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=#tbt to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway! Of all the tracks that the NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series visits, which is your favorite? #VizionMotorsports #NASCAR #racing #isitfebruaryyet|work=Instagram|access-date=September 13, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Popeyes has made use of various slogans in [[television advertisement]]s, including "Love that chicken from Popeyes".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anaya |first=Cynthia |date=2022-10-05 |title=What Popeyes Was First Called |url=https://www.thedailymeal.com/1033473/what-popeyes-was-first-called/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=The Daily Meal |language=en-US |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223033616/https://www.thedailymeal.com/1033473/what-popeyes-was-first-called/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gomez-Misserian |first=Gabriela |date=2022-08-17 |title=A New Cookbook Celebrates Fifty Years of Popeyes |url=https://gardenandgun.com/articles/a-new-cookbook-celebrates-fifty-years-of-popeyes/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Garden & Gun |language=en-US |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223033616/https://gardenandgun.com/articles/a-new-cookbook-celebrates-fifty-years-of-popeyes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==International franchises==
[[File:Popeyes Trabzon.jpg|thumb|A Popeyes restaurant in the Forum Shopping Mall in [[Trabzon]], [[Turkey]]]]
[[File:Popeyes_in_Arcovia_City1.jpg|thumbnail|right|A Popeyes restaurant in [[Arcovia City]] in [[Pasig]], [[Philippines]]]]
[[File:Popeyes Lippo Cikarang.jpg|thumb|A Popeyes restaurant in [[Lippo Cikarang]] in [[Cikarang]], [[Indonesia]]]]
[[File:Popeyes worldwide presence map.svg|thumb|Map of countries with Popeyes restaurants as of October 2025]]
Some international franchises, such as the ones located in [[Germany]] and [[Japan]], are located only on [[List of United States military bases|US military installations]] and are generally not accessible to the local civilian public.{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}}

Popeyes arrived in the [[Philippines]] in 2001 but left in 2007 due to a problem with the franchisor;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2001/08/15/130252/texas-chicken-popeye146s-file-suit-vs-us-franchisor|title=Texas Chicken, Popeye's file suit vs US franchisor|first1=Christina|last1=Mendez|first2=Conrado Jr.|last2=Diaz|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=August 15, 2001|accessdate=June 5, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605131317/https://www.philstar.com/business/2001/08/15/130252/texas-chicken-popeye146s-file-suit-vs-us-franchisor|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://coconuts.co/manila/food-drink/popeyes-louisiana-kitchen-returning-to-the-philippines-netizens-rejoice/|title=Popeyes 'Louisiana Kitchen' is returning to the Philippines; netizens rejoice|publisher=Coconuts Manila|date=August 20, 2018|accessdate=June 5, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605131315/https://coconuts.co/manila/food-drink/popeyes-louisiana-kitchen-returning-to-the-philippines-netizens-rejoice/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bworldonline.com/editors-picks/2018/08/20/181361/kuya-j-to-bring-back-popeyes-to-philippines/|title=Kuya J to bring back Popeyes to Philippines|publisher=BusinessWorld|first=Arra|last=Francia|date=August 20, 2018|accessdate=June 5, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605154308/https://www.bworldonline.com/editors-picks/2018/08/20/181361/kuya-j-to-bring-back-popeyes-to-philippines/|url-status=live}}</ref> it later returned with a new deal with Kuya J Group in 2018 and opened its first branch in [[Pasig]] on May 19, 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/05/19/1918926/popeyes-now-open-arcovia-city|title=Popeyes now open in Arcovia City|first=Ver|last=Paulino|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=May 19, 2019|accessdate=June 5, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605131315/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/05/19/1918926/popeyes-now-open-arcovia-city|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/225008-popeyes-philippines-branches-metro-manila/|title=LIST: Where Popeyes will open around Metro Manila|publisher=Rappler|date=June 29, 2021|accessdate=June 5, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605131315/https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/225008-popeyes-philippines-branches-metro-manila/|url-status=live}}</ref> Popeyes opened their first store in [[China]] on May 15, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20170503-popeyes/|title=日本にはない"幻のフライドチキン"を求めて、米軍基地内「ポパイズ」に潜入|date=May 3, 2017|access-date=May 10, 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505011442/https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20170503-popeyes/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in March 2021, it announced plans to open stores in [[Mexico]]<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/popeyes-announces-expansion-in-mexico-301250688.html|title=Popeyes® Announces Expansion in Mexico}}</ref> and the [[United Kingdom]],<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://london.eater.com/22346106/popeyes-chicken-uk-restaurant-opening|title = Fried Chicken Juggernaut Popeyes Sets Eyes on First U.K. Restaurant|date = March 23, 2021|access-date = March 24, 2021|archive-date = March 24, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210324174713/https://london.eater.com/22346106/popeyes-chicken-uk-restaurant-opening|url-status = live}}</ref> with the first restaurant in the latter country, locating at [[Westfield Stratford City]] opening on November 20, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/22/business/popeyes-london.html|title = Hundreds Line Up as Britain's First Popeyes Opens|newspaper = The New York Times|date = November 22, 2021|last1 = Gross|first1 = Jenny|access-date = November 23, 2021|archive-date = November 23, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211123073005/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/22/business/popeyes-london.html|url-status = live}}</ref> Restaurant Brands International signed a master franchise and development agreement with Indian company [[Jubilant FoodWorks]] on March 24, 2021, to operate Popeyes restaurants in [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Nepal]] and [[Bhutan]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff Writer |title=Jubilant FoodWorks sings deal with US-based restaurant brand Popeyes |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/jubilant-foodworks-sings-deal-with-us-based-restaurant-brand-popeyes-11616600418013.html |website=mint |access-date=25 March 2021 |language=en |date=24 March 2021 |archive-date=March 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324195539/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/jubilant-foodworks-sings-deal-with-us-based-restaurant-brand-popeyes-11616600418013.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |title=Jubilant FoodWorks to bring US-based fast food chain Popeyes to India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/jubilant-foodworks-to-bring-us-based-fast-food-chain-popeyes-to-india-121032401420_1.html |website=Business Standard India |access-date=25 March 2021 |date=24 March 2021 |archive-date=March 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324164326/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/jubilant-foodworks-to-bring-us-based-fast-food-chain-popeyes-to-india-121032401420_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first Popeyes restaurant in [[South Asia]] opened in [[Bambalapitiya]], Sri Lanka, on February 25, 2021.

In December 2020, Popeyes announced that it would be closing all locations in [[South Korea]] due to poor sales partially attributed to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Jo|first=He-rim|date=4 December 2020|title=Popeyes to pack up after 26 years|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20201204000771|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205200446/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20201204000771|archive-date=5 December 2020|website=koreaherald.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jin|first=Min-ji|date=4 December 2020|title=Popeyes to close all branches in Korea this month|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/12/04/business/industry/chicken-hamburger-covid19/20201204130900529.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205200444/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/12/04/business/industry/chicken-hamburger-covid19/20201204130900529.html|archive-date=5 December 2020|website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com}}</ref> In October 2021, Popeyes signed an agreement with Romanian company Sterling Cruise to open 90 restaurants in [[Romania]] in the next 10 years; the first one opened on April 9, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211028005370/en/Popeyes%C2%AE-to-Expand-Iconic-Restaurant-Brand-to-Romania|title=Popeyes® to Expand Iconic Restaurant Brand to Romania|website=[[Business Wire]]|date=28 October 2021|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128210546/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211028005370/en/Popeyes%C2%AE-to-Expand-Iconic-Restaurant-Brand-to-Romania|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2022, Popeyes signed an agreement with South Korean Tuna Supplier Shilla International to open again in South Korea; the first one opened in January 2023.

Popeyes opened its first store in [[Indonesia]] in 2000 under PT Popeyes Chicken Seafood Indonesia (later taken over by PT Popindo Selera Prima in 2002) and had opened its store in [[Jakarta]], [[Bandung]], [[Yogyakarta]], [[Surabaya]], [[Medan]] and [[Samarinda]], but the last store in Puri Indah Mall, [[West Jakarta]] closed in 2011. Popeyes returned to Indonesia under PT Sari Chicken Indonesia, an affiliate of Mitra Adiperkasa and opened its first store in Skyline Building, [[Central Jakarta]] on December 23, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3320451/popeyes-hadirkan-menu-baru-untuk-konsumen-indonesia|title=Popeyes hadirkan menu baru untuk konsumen Indonesia|date=December 23, 2022|access-date=December 23, 2022|archive-date=December 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223234832/https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3320451/popeyes-hadirkan-menu-baru-untuk-konsumen-indonesia|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2023, British private equity firm [[TDR Capital]] invested {{GBP|50 million|link=yes}} into Popeyes UK.<ref>{{Cite web |last=London |first=Lela |title=Popeyes Secures $63 Million Investment In The UK |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lelalondon/2023/08/03/popeyes-secures-63-million-investment-in-the-uk/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Sebastian |title=TDR Capital gets taste for chicken with Popeyes deal |url=https://www.penews.com/articles/tdr-capital-gets-taste-for-chicken-with-popeyes-deal-20230801 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.penews.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-08-01 |title=Popeyes UK secures £50m funding package to drive next phase of growth |url=https://www.restaurantonline.co.uk/Article/2023/08/01/popeyes-uk-secures-50m-partnership-with-tdr-capital-to-drive-next-phase-of-growth |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=restaurantonline.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2024, Popeyes announced that it would be opening stores in [[New Zealand]] and [[Taiwan]] later that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US fried chicken chain Popeyes coming to NZ |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/25/us-fried-chicken-chain-popeyes-coming-to-nz/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www.1news.co.nz |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Popeyes set to spice up Taipei with first Taiwan store |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/english/2425349 |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=news.tvbs.com.tw |language=en-US}}</ref> It forced a small fish and chip shop called Popeye's Takeaways in [[Feilding]], New Zealand, to change its name although the shop does not sell fried chicken.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350263002/no-more-popeye-fishnchip-shop-forced-drop-name-fast-food-giant|title='No more Popeye': Fish'n'chip shop forced to drop name by fast food giant|first=Matthew|last=Dallas|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=May 3, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://theconversation.com/popeyes-battle-shows-how-big-businesses-protect-their-trademarks-even-when-they-have-no-plans-to-come-to-nz-229721|title=Popeyes' battle shows how big businesses protect their trademarks - even when they have no plans to come to NZ|publisher=Radio New Zealand|date=May 16, 2024|first=Misha|last=Ketchell}}</ref>
The first German location, which will be accessible to the general public and is not located on a military base, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2026.  It will be located on the arrivals level of the Düsseldorf Airport. It will be operated by Lagardère Travel Retail Deutschland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dus.com/de-de/konzern/presse/medieninformationen/flughafen-d%C3%BCsseldorf-gibt-zuschlag-f%C3%BCr-zw%C3%B6lf-gastronomische-fl%C3%A4chen|title=Am Puls der Zeit: Flughafen Düsseldorf gibt Zuschlag für zwölf gastronomische Flächen|publisher=DUS Airport Press release|date=February 13, 2025}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
!width=20%| Year
!width=20%| United States 
!width=20%| Canada
!width=20%| Outside of the U.S. and Canada
!width=20%| Company-owned
|-
|2003 || 1,324 || 20 || 320 ||95
|-
|2004 || 1,382 || 28 || 347 || 67
|-
|2005 || 1,427 || 28 || 315 || 56
|-
|2006 || 1,459 || 31 || 306 || 50
|-
|2007 || 1,507 || 34 || 276 || 61
|-
|2008 || 1,527 || 39 || 301 || 55
|-
|2009 || 1,539 || 42 || 325 || 37
|-
|2010 || 1,533 || 42 || 333 || 37
|-
|2022 || 1,545 || 42 || 344 || 50
|-
!colspan=5 style="text-align:right;"| <small>Source: Entrepreneur.com<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/popeyeschickenandbiscuits/282707-0.html|title=Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Franchise Information|work=Entrepreneur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129054720/http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/popeyeschickenandbiscuits/282707-0.html|archive-date=29 November 2006|access-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref></small>
|}

== Sustainability ==

=== Animal welfare ===
In January 2023, Popeye's parent company, [[Restaurant Brands International]], committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-13 |title=RBI says its ‘on track’ to meet cage-free egg pledges |url=https://www.wattagnet.com/blogs/hens-and-trends/article/15537185/rbi-says-its-on-track-to-meet-cage-free-egg-pledges |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=WATTPoultry.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Cheryl Bachelder]]
* [[List of fast-food chicken restaurants]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline}}
* {{Official website|http://www.popeyes.com/}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981111184242/http://www.popeyes.com/ |date=November 11, 1998 |title=Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits }}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031101215329/http://www.menumasters.com/1999/1999_popeyes.cfm |date=November 1, 2003 |title=MenuMasters 1999 Award: "Best Menu/Line Extension: Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits }}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302213014/https://www.recipesf.com/beignets-popeyes-recipe/ Beignets Popeyes Recipe|date=March 2, 2021}}

{{Establishments serving chicken}}
{{Fast-food chains of the United States}}
{{Restaurant Brands International}}
{{Food chains in the Philippines}}
{{Food chains in South Korea}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Companies based in Miami]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1972]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1972]]
[[Category:American subsidiaries of foreign companies]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Chicken chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Fast-food franchises]]
[[Category:Fast-food poultry restaurants]]
[[Category:Culture of Louisiana]]
[[Category:Restaurant Brands International]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in Louisiana]]
[[Category:2017 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:Fried chicken]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1991]]