Latest news with #PopeyesLouisianaKitchen
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Popeyes adds new items to its menu
Published: | Updated: As of Monday, June 2, the fast food chain has introduced Chicken Wraps to its nationwide menu. According to a press release, the wraps offer 'the craveable flavor of Popeyes, now wrapped and ready to go wherever you do.' Each wrap includes Popeyes' hand-breaded chicken tenders, crunchy lettuce, shredded cheese, and pickles, all tucked inside a tortilla that's infused with flavors reminiscent of the brand's iconic biscuits. Customers can choose from three flavor options: Classic, Spicy, or Honey Mustard. The wraps are priced at $3.99. The new offering is available for a limited time at participating locations across the country. 'With our new Chicken Wraps, we've taken our iconic chicken tenders and wrapped them in something completely new, bringing all that craveable crunch in a fresh, portable way,' said Chef Amy Alarcon, VP of Culinary Innovation at Popeyes. She went on to explain: 'We wanted to create a Chicken Wrap that was undeniably Popeyes. Infusing the flavors from our famous biscuit into our wraps was the perfect way to ensure our signature flavors shined through.' McDonald's Snack Wrap Comeback
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Major US fried chicken brand applies for planning permission on Westmoreland Street
Popeyes has more than 4,000 franchisees around the world Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a global brand which has targeted the UK and Ireland for growth. Photo: Getty The UK master franchise holder for Popeyes, a US fast-food brand known for its 'Louisiana fried chicken', plans to open its first outlet in Dublin. Late last month, a company owned by Popeyes UK, PLK Chicken Ireland Limited, submitted a planning application to Dublin City Council seeking permission to develop a unit on Westmoreland Street in the south city. PLK Chicken Ireland counts Popeyes UK boss Thomas Crowley and chief financial officer Andrew Taylor as directors. Last year, Popeyes opened an outlet in Belfast's Lesley Forestside Shopping Centre, marking its first restaurant on the island of Ireland. At the time of the Belfast launch, the brand said more openings were planned. Popeyes arrived in the UK in November 2021 and now has more than 65 British sites with an annual sales run rate of £150m. British private equity house TDR Capital bought a controlling stake in Popeyes UK in 2024. It had initially invested £50m in the fast-food brand in August the previous year to help accelerate its UK expansion. Earlier this year, Popeyes UK revealed plans to open over 45 stores during 2025 in a bid to double its footprint. CEO Crowley outlined hopes to increase the chain's presence in major UK cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool and London. Popeyes was founded in 1972 in New Orleans and now has more than 4,000 restaurants around the world.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Yahoo
Person shot at Marietta fast food restaurant
Marietta police said an argument at a fast food restaurant led to a shooting that injured one person. At approximately 7:40 p.m., officers responded to the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant at 1101 Powder Springs Street in Marietta to reports of a shooting. Police said an argument escalated, and one person shot another. The victim suffered a non-life-threatening injury. Police have not identified the victim or the shooter at this time. There is no threat to the public. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Atlanta marathon course comes up short, results won't be certified Man who opened fire on officers at north GA Buc-ee's was Tennessee murder suspect, officials say Hundreds gather in midtown Atlanta to protest presidential policies [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Forbes
14-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Never-Ending Chicken Sandwich Wars: America's Most Intense QSR Battle
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 06: A chicken sandwich from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is shown on May 06, ... More 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicken prices have risen sharply this year as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand, fueled in part, by the popularity of new chicken offerings from fast-food restaurants. (Photo Illustration by) In August 2019, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen set off what many in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry now call "the great chicken sandwich war." Their viral tweet, simply reading "... y'all good?" aimed directly at Chick-fil-A, kicked off a battle redefining menu innovation, marketing aggression, and customer obsession in the QSR space. What followed was an unprecedented flood of imitators, and the chicken sandwich wars with each QSR Brand hoping to seize a slice of the $40+ billion chicken segment in U.S. food service. But to understand the full context of this prolonged food fight, one must go beyond the crispy breading and brioche buns. The chicken sandwich wars are not merely about who can fry a better cutlet—they are about consumer behavior shifts, supply chain leverage, social media virality, and aggressive franchisor strategies to win back or retain traffic in a crowded post-COVID market. And it's not over. In fact, the war is escalating. Long before Popeyes' viral tweet, Chick-fil-A stood almost unchallenged in the premium chicken sandwich niche. Founded in 1967, the brand built a legacy on consistent operations, relentless customer service, and a singular product: a hand-breaded chicken filet served with pickles on a buttered bun. It was simple. And, for decades, it was untouchable. Despite being closed on Sundays, Chick-fil-A ranked #3 in U.S. systemwide sales in 2023 (per QSR Magazine), pulling in more than $21 billion with just over 3,000 units. That same year, their average unit volume (AUV) exceeded $8.5 million—dwarfing many legacy fast food giants. But this success came at a price: attention. And that attention attracted challengers. The release of Popeyes' chicken sandwich in 2019 was more than a menu expansion. It was a masterclass in modern marketing and cultural timing. The sandwich wasn't just good; it went viral. The product, featuring a buttermilk-battered filet, pickles, and spicy mayo on a toasted brioche bun, drew comparisons to Chick-fil-A's signature item. And then came the tweet that sparked a marketing race. Popeyes saw more than $65 million in earned media in less than a month, and their foot traffic spiked 38% (Apex Marketing Group). The sandwich sold out nationwide within two weeks, prompting a months-long supply crisis and driving frenzy-level customer demand. Franchisees couldn't keep up. Lines wrapped around blocks. A man was even fatally stabbed during a line dispute in Maryland. Wroclaw, Poland, June 14, 2022: KFC fast food restaurant. Dramatic sky. KFC is an international ... More chain of catering restaurants specializing in chicken dishes Seeing the success, competitors scrambled to drop their own "premium" chicken sandwiches. Wendy's re-launched its Classic Chicken Sandwich. McDonald's introduced three versions (Classic, Spicy, and Deluxe). Burger King, KFC, Jack in the Box, Zaxby's, Church's Chicken, and even regional brands like Bojangles and Raising Cane's rolled out new or revamped chicken offerings. What followed was an industry-wide recalibration. According to Technomic, over 90% of QSR brands now feature a chicken sandwich on their core menu. But merely offering a sandwich was not enough. Each brand fought to differentiate—whether through spice levels, sauces, sourcing, or regional branding. KFC introduced a "Double Down" reboot; McDonald's tried a celebrity-endorsed variant; Taco Bell tested chicken sandwiches shaped like tacos. Why the obsession with chicken sandwiches? First, chicken is cheaper and more stable than beef, particularly as global beef prices remain volatile. Second, Gen Z and Millennials strongly prefer poultry over red meat, citing health and sustainability concerns. Third, sandwiches are portable, Instagrammable, and easy to standardize across franchise units. More critically, they are profitable. A premium chicken sandwich can be made for under $2 in food cost and sold between $4.50–$6.50, generating gross margins north of 60%. Add combos and upsells, and the profitability per customer soars. From a franchisor's point of view, the chicken sandwich becomes a compelling driver for unit-level economics. For a brand trying to attract franchisees, demonstrating strong sales and low food costs on a "hero" item can turn the tide in development conversations. But with volume comes complexity. The chicken supply chain was rocked during the pandemic. In 2021, Bloomberg reported significant chicken shortages due to labor challenges, increased demand, and weather-related disruptions. Brands with vertical integration or stronger supplier contracts—like Chick-fil-A and McDonald's fared better. Still, smaller QSR chains suffered delays and rising costs. In parallel, the labor required to produce hand-breaded, made-to-order sandwiches strained under-staffed kitchens. Several franchises were forced to reduce menu complexity or invest in new kitchen tech to maintain service times under the pressure of surging demand. The chicken sandwich wars are not just about flavor; they're about staying relevant. In an era where TikTok trends can dictate quarterly sales, the ability of a QSR brand to capture public attention, innovate, and move quickly is key. Limited-time offers (LTOs), regional spins, and celebrity partnerships have become standard marketing plays. But fatigue is setting in. Consumers are beginning to ask: How many more chicken sandwiches do we need? Despite this, the war is unlikely to subside. As long as these items drive traffic, generate margins, and attract media coverage, franchisors will continue to innovate, iterate, and market the next "better chicken sandwich." In 2024 alone, brands like Shake Shack, Dave's Hot Chicken, and Panera introduced bold new takes on the format. Overseas markets are catching up, with Asian and European QSR brands jumping on the bandwagon. The ongoing chicken sandwich wars represent far more than just a culinary trend or a fleeting social media moment. They are a visible and tangible manifestation of the challenges and opportunities facing the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector. At their core, these sandwich battles reflect the industry's constant push-and-pull between honoring legacy brand identities and staying relevant in an ever-shifting consumer landscape. It's not merely about who can create the crispiest, most flavorful product. It's about who can best integrate tradition with innovation, drive profitability without compromising quality, and deliver a consistent customer experience at scale. As competition intensifies, only the most agile, insight-driven, and strategically led franchises will remain standing. Success in this hyper-saturated arena will hinge on a brand's ability to combine culinary excellence with supply chain efficiency, operational discipline, and cutting-edge digital marketing. Brands that harness consumer data, anticipate shifts in dietary preferences, and streamline execution at the unit level will rise above those that rely solely on nostalgia or short-term buzz. Moreover, in a world where social media influence can make or break product launches, QSR leaders must evolve beyond reactive campaigns and adopt proactive strategies rooted in storytelling, emotional engagement, and authentic brand positioning. The sandwich itself might be the vehicle, but the true battle is about relevance, differentiation, and economic sustainability. One thing is indisputable: while America's tastes may mature, diversify, and occasionally pivot, its craving for indulgent, convenient comfort food like chicken sandwiches is deeply embedded in the cultural and culinary fabric of the nation. The format may change, the sauces may vary, but the appetite for flavor, for innovation, for the next big thing shows no signs of fading. The war isn't over. In fact, it may just be entering its next chapter.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A McDonald's and a Popeyes are closing in Fresno. One won't reopen
While locally owned mom-and-pop coffee shops and a Mexican restaurant are opening in Fresno, fast-food restaurants aren't having much luck this week. Two chain restaurants are closing. One temporarily and one for good. The Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at First Street and McKinley Avenue near the canal and dd's DISCOUNTS has closed. The restaurant was listed as 'temporarily closed' on the company's website for weeks. But now it is closed for good. One small 'Sorry, we are closed' sign hangs on the door. The seats, menu signs, cash registers and most of the equipment have been removed. It's no longer listed on the website and a real estate company's 'available' sign hangs on the building. Popeyes and the franchisee that owns the location did not return repeated messages seeking comment about why it closed. The owner, California QSR Management, also closed another of its locations in San Diego. In Fresno, Popeyes still has four restaurants open: on Blackstone Avenue, Kings Canyon Road, Cedar Avenue north of Shaw Avenue, and West Shaw Avenue. A busy McDonald's in southeast Fresno is also closing — but not forever. The restaurant at 5645 E. Kings Canyon Road near Clovis Avenue will shut down in June and reopen about two months later in August, according to an employee and a notice filed with the state of California. During that time, the restaurant will remodel, according to a permit application filed with the City of Fresno. The restaurant already has a double drive-thru lane, but will build a new drive-thru window and a bypass lane. It will add a new roof over the trash enclosures, re-stripe the parking lot and make minor changes to the exterior, including adding new doors. Inside the building, it will reconfigure the dining room and kitchen, upgrade the restrooms to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and make other improvements. The closure means 105 employees will be out of work for about two months, according to a notice filed with the state as required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act.
