The US fried chicken chain, which entered the UK market in 2021, has quickly grown to become a familiar name on British high streets, fuelled by what it calls “soaring consumer demand” for protein-rich foods.
The brand, backed by TDR Capital, is set to open its 100th UK outlet at London Bridge station.
Popeyes to open its 100th UK restaurant amid rapid expansion
Tom Crowley, chief executive of Popeyes UK, said: “We’ve had success across the country as well as in London because I think people have really appreciated the authenticity of the brand.
“We’ve been able to grow quicker than we first anticipated, but there are still plenty of opportunities, so I can’t see a reason why we can’t keep opening at a similar pace.
“I think there are definitely opportunities in Greater London, but not just there by any means.”
Popeyes has launched 45 restaurants so far this year and expects to reach nearly 50 by the end of 2025.
The upcoming 3,000-square-foot London Bridge location will bring the company’s total to 27 sites within the capital.
The company believes there is still considerable room for further expansion, both in London and nationwide.
Mr Crowley said there is “no public target” for new restaurants but that he believes it can “keep opening at a similar pace” next year.
He said: “We’ve had success across the country as well as in London because I think people have really appreciated the authenticity of the brand.
“We’ve been able to grow quicker than we first anticipated but there are still plenty of opportunities, so I can’t see a reason why we can’t keep opening at a similar pace.”
Popeyes’ UK growth comes amid a broader wave of activity in the fast-food chicken market, with several US brands entering the UK.
Wingstop UK, acquired for around £400 million late last year, has also expanded rapidly, while competitors such as Dave’s Hot Chicken and Chick-fil-A have launched operations in the UK.
Mr Crowley dismissed suggestions that the UK market is becoming saturated.
He said: “I often hear this question as to when we will reach peak chicken, but I think the continued rise in demand for customers shows that there is plenty of room to grow.
“And if you look at the US, for example, they have around double the number of chicken restaurants per head than we do here, so there is still potential for more in the market.”
The brand’s rapid growth has been supported by a strategy to target more travel hubs like London Bridge.
Recommended Reading:
Private equity backer TDR Capital has helped fuel Popeyes’ UK expansion.
The company has indicated that further growth in travel hubs is a key part of its future plans.
With continued growth across the UK, Popeyes appears confident that demand for fried chicken is far from peaking.
