Popeyes

Popeyes is a fast-food restaurant that focuses on their menu of fried chicken. It was originally founded in New Orleans and that culture is still important to the company today. The restaurant was formerly called Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits and Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken & Biscuits.

Popeyes is the second largest “quick-service chicken restaurant group” (coming in after only KFC). The restaurant has over 3,000 locations in over 40 states, DC, Puerto Rico and 30 countries. Only about 30 of those locations are owned by the company, the rest are franchises.

Some of Popeyes’ most popular menu items include its fried chicken that comes in both mild and spicy flavors. It also offers sides such as Cajun fries, Cajun rice, mashed potatoes with Cajun-style gravy, coleslaw and macaroni and cheese.

Website

To learn more about Popeyes, you can visit its website at https://popeyes.com/.

Date founded

Alvin C. Copeland Sr. originally opened his first fried chicken restaurant in New Orleans as “Chicken on the Run.” However, after months of low sales, he reopened in 1972 as Popeyes, naming the restaurant after Popeye Doyle from The French Connection. The first franchise was opened in 1976 in Louisiana.

In 1980, the company began using its famous “Love That Chicken from Popeyes” slogan. Popeyes’ popular buttermilk biscuits weren’t introduced until 1983.

By 1985, Popeyes had opened 500 locations, which put it at the top with other competitors. Popeyes was bought by America’s Favorite Chicken Company (AFC Enterprises, Inc.) in 1992.

The brand shifted in 2008 to really incorporate its New Orleans roots. It changed the name of the restaurant to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, began using the BONAFIDE brand positioning and advertising with a new slogan of sorts that exclaimed the restaurant is “LOUISIANA Fast.” The next year is when they introduced their spokesperson, Annie, in their advertising.

Company mission statement

Popeyes’ mission statement is “to increase franchisee success in every facet of the business. Profitability and service excellence are achieved with a focus on five strategic pillars that guide every business decision.” These five pillars are: 

• Build a distinctive brand

• Create memorable experiences

• Grow restaurant profits

• Accelerate quality restaurants 

• Develop servant leaders.

Industry

Popeyes is categorized under the restaurant industry.