The unmistakable orange-and-white branding of American fast-food chain Popeyes is becoming an increasingly common sight across British high streets, and the expansion shows no signs of slowing. The Louisiana-style chicken specialist is poised to open its 100th UK restaurant next week, marking a significant milestone just three years after its debut in the country.
A Landmark Location for a Landmark Opening
The chosen site for this centenary celebration is a 3,000 sq ft unit inside London Bridge station, one of the capital's busiest transport hubs. This strategic placement targets the constant flow of commuters, ensuring a ready-made customer base. It will become the brand's 27th London location, a testament to its aggressive growth strategy.
Since its UK launch in 2021, Popeyes has embarked on a remarkable expansion journey. This year alone, the chain has launched 45 new restaurants, with expectations to approach 50 new openings by the close of 2025. This relentless pace defies the typical pattern where chains often slow down after reaching a major landmark.
Soaring Demand Fuels Unprecedented Growth
Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes UK, confirmed that the brand has no intention of easing its foot off the accelerator. He stated that the company has "no public target" for its final store count but emphasised that customer appetite is stronger than ever. Crowley attributed this sustained demand to the UK's growing obsession with high-protein foods, a trend that perfectly aligns with the chain's core offering.
"We've been able to grow quicker than we first anticipated," Crowley revealed. "People appreciate the authenticity of the brand... I can't see a reason why we can't keep opening at a similar pace."
The UK's Competitive Chicken Scene
Popeyes is not operating in a vacuum. The entire UK chicken market is experiencing a significant boom, creating a competitive landscape. Rivals are also expanding aggressively; Wingstop is accelerating its roll-out following a £400 million takeover, while other US imports like Dave's Hot Chicken and Chick-fil-A have been testing the UK market, often drawing substantial queues of their own.
This influx has sparked what can be described as a fried chicken arms race, with chains competing fiercely on spice levels, sandwich innovations, signature sauces, and unique sides. Despite the crowded marketplace, Crowley remains confident. He frequently encounters questions about the UK reaching "peak chicken," but he dismisses the notion.
"The continued rise in customer demand shows there's plenty of room to grow," he argued, pointing to a compelling market comparison. "The US has around double the number of chicken restaurants per head than we do – so the potential here is still huge."
For British consumers, this means the sight of distinctive orange bags and the promise of crispy, Louisiana-inspired chicken are set to become even more commonplace on high streets across the country.
