Popeyes UK has announced a countrywide expansion plan, having secured a £43m ($58.1m) loan from Barclays Corporate Banking.
The funding is set to facilitate the opening of 45 additional stores across the UK within the year.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The backing from Barclays marks a new chapter for the chain, which also entered a strategic collaboration with SSP Group in April 2025.
The SSP Group alliance aims to introduce the brand into major travel hubs, with Birmingham Airport the first location.
The chain holds the master UK franchise for the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen brand, which was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and has expanded to 4,000 restaurants worldwide.
Popeyes UK chief financial officer Drew Taylor stated: “Barclays is a highly supportive banking partner of Popeyes in the UK.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“The new finance facilities will enable us to build on our successful growth in the UK to date and execute our expansion strategy over the coming years, with more than 45 openings targeted in 2025 alone.”
Since its November 2021 debut, the chain has experienced rapid growth to more than 80 in the UK, almost 50% of which were inaugurated in 2024.
This expansion was propelled by TDR Capital’s investment and increased shareholding. The private equity company, which also supports Stonegate Pub Company and PizzaExpress, injected £50m into Popeyes in 2023 and took effective control from Ring International Holdings, which still holds a minor stake.
In 2024, Popeyes announced the introduction of Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, a limited-time offering that blends sweet, tangy and spicy flavours.
The chain has also expanded its menu in Canada with the addition of two new buffalo-flavoured items.
