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Popeyes’ massive UK expansion creates 2,000 new jobs

By Nithya Bose in Spotlight, posted January 23, 2024

Chicken chain Popeyes is preparing for a major UK expansion that will generate around 2,000 job opportunities.

The company plans to nearly double its presence in 2024 by opening over 30 new restaurants.

Known for its irresistible fried chicken sandwiches, Popeyes entered the UK market in late 2021 and has since flourished.

It now operates in 36 locations, including five drive-thrus, with a workforce of 2,300.

The expansion will extend to various cities such as Birmingham, Aberdeen, and Swansea, with recent store unveilings in Ilford and Hammersmith.

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.”

This ambitious plan follows the recent boost in shareholding by TDR Capital, a private equity firm with effective control of Popeyes UK.

The additional locations for the forthcoming restaurants and delivery kitchens include:-