American chicken shop chain Popeyes to open another site in Greater Manchester amid expansion news

Louisiana-style fried chicken shop Popeyes has announced it plans to open more restaurants this year, including another site in Greater Manchester.

The chain opened its 32nd UK site in Piccadilly, Manchester in October last year and proved an instant hit with visitors forming queues along the street and around the corner just to sample its classic Southern fried chicken.

Regular customers have learned to take early lunches to avoid the rush as it fills up with hungry people every day.

Since entering the UK in November 2021, the brand currently has 36 locations, including five drive-thrus, plus seven delivery kitchens nationwide. 

It has now announced plans for over 30 new openings in the next 12 months, taking its total number of restaurants to over 60 by December 2024 – doubling its UK estate.

As part of that expansion, a new site is set to open on Bury New Road, Salford later this year – making it the second site for Greater Manchester.

Upcoming openings will cement the brand’s presence in all four corners of the UK helping Brits nationwide get their first taste of New Orleans, with locations including: 

• Bishop Auckland
• Exeter
• Bury New Rd
• Glasgow Sauchiehall
• Aberdeen Union St
• Nottingham Teal
• Aberdeen
• Swansea
• Birmingham

For those who have not yet had the pleasure of sampling Popeyes’ crunchy flavoursome goodness, its menu features classic offerings such as the chicken sandwich with signature 12-hour marinated chicken and original Southern biscuits and gravy. 

Additionally, a variety of side dishes like mac & cheese, mash with Cajun gravy, and original biscuits will be served, alongside milkshakes in various flavours including vanilla, chocolate, mocha, and specialities like Oreo, Lotus Biscoff, and strawberry cheesecake.

What’s more, fans across the UK will soon be able to start their day with a Cajun twist – with Popeyes set to roll out its Breakfast Menu nationwide next month.

Tom Byng, Chief Development Officer at Popeyes, said: “We opened our first store in November 2021, to huge hype and acclaim, and customer appetite shows no sign of slowing down.

“To date, we’ve opened 38 locations up and down the country, and converted legions of fried chicken fans to Popeyes. We’re excited to be giving even more people their first taste of New Orleans as we double our estate in 2024.

“We’re particularly proud of our geographical spread of expansion, including our first ever travel hub restaurant in Waterloo Station, which will be fuelling hungry travellers with great food and a dose of the famous New Orleans spirit.”

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