US fast-food chain Popeyes announces plans to open in Australia - Latest News

Feb 27, 2024

Bust out the wetnaps, there's a new bird on the block.

The great fast-food migration continues with the announcement today that US fried chicken franchise Popeyes may soon be landing in Australia.

The parent company of Popeyes, Restaurant Brands International, has put out the feelers to Australian investors for financial support bringing the fast-food franchise Down Under. Offering exclusive franchise deals, lofty returns and juicy, succulent chicken is an offer too good to refuse.

The restaurant chain, founded in New Orleans in 1972, is famous for its Louisiana-style fried chicken, shrimp, and homestyle macaroni and cheese and has over 3000 stores in the US alone. Such is Popeyes’ popularity, rumour has it Beyonce and Jay-Z fed their wedding guests with a Popeyes spread.

Popeyes Chicken

Popeyes has also managed to make a serious mark outside of America, with stores in 30 countries worldwide, including a soon-to-open Popeyes in New Zealand – one of 10 slated to open this year.

According to the Australian Financial Review Street Talk, Restaurant Brands International plans to launch Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Australia in a bid to compete with the local chook market, currently dominated by KFC, Oporto, and Red Rooster.

As for who these potential investors could be, much is still speculation but given Popeyes’ rising success around the world, we’re betting it won’t be long until we’re digging into some crunchy hot chicken.

Popeyes entry into the Australian market is following an escalating trend of US-based fast food chains heading our way. Wendys, Chuck E. Cheese, In-N-Out pop ups and Cinnabon are just a handful of chains making waves recently to mixed reviews.

It remains to be seen what the public’s response to Popeyes will be but really, who doesn’t love a bit of spicy fried chicken? If you need us, you know where we’ll be.