Multinational fried chicken chain Popeyes UK is set to further bolster its footprint with its 50th UK restaurant, which is opening in Glasgow, Scotland.  

The move is part of the brand's growth strategy, aiming to double its UK presence by the end of 2024. 

This new location will mark the company's 18th opening during the year.

Since its debut in the UK market in November 2021, Popeyes has experienced rapid growth, with 49 locations now operational. 

The locations include seven drive-throughs and 13 delivery kitchens across the country.  

Popeyes sells more than 125,000 units per week of its “Shatter Crunch” Chicken Sandwich, a signature dish within the brand’s New Orleans-inspired menu.

To further continue the UK expansion, Popeyes has announced more stores in locations including Wimbledon, Watford and Nottingham Teal, a second Aberdeen restaurant and a debut store in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The new openings will create 2,000 jobs, providing a significant boost to local economies.  

The Retail Times quoted Popeyes UK CEO Tom Crowley: “In just 30 months, our remarkable Popeyes UK team has secured a pipeline of 50 top-tier new sites, including our first ever Northern Irish location which opens in Belfast very soon. 

“Currently, Popeyes UK is the fastest-growing chicken QSR [quick service restaurant] brand in the UK, with a 125% year-on-year growth from May 2023 to May 2024. The sustained demand for Popeyes in the UK is incredible, but not unexpected.  

“We have seen overnight queues for almost every opening since our UK launch in 2021, with fried chicken fans turning up to queue over 24 hours [...]. We remain committed to our expansion plans and look forward to achieving new milestones in the upcoming years.”