Announced in September and fittingly located in a former KFC site, the Westfield launch will mark the beginning of what is anticipated to be significant push in the UK from the company, with the group aiming to open 350 sites across the UK over the next 10 years.
Ahead of the opening Popeyes has revealed what will feature on its UK menu, with its 'signature' hand-battered chicken - marinated for 12 hours in a blend of Louisianan herbs and spices - front and centre.
Classics to crossover from the US menu include its Louisiana chicken sandwich; chicken tenders; hot wings; mac ‘n’ cheese; and Southern biscuits with Cajun gravy.
All chicken served will be 100% UK sourced, and the group has signed up to the European 'Better Chicken' Commitment.
Popeyes's extensive sauce options will be coming to the UK too, with classic flavours including Mardi Gras Mustard, Bold BBQ, Mango Habanero and Ranch all set to feature.
There will also be a ‘Hottie Sauce’ created by the Grammy Award-winning musician Megan Thee Stallion as part of her global partnership with the Popeyes brand.
Elsewhere, the UK menu will feature Popeyes’s first ever vegan product (pictured below) called the Creole Red Bean Sandwich, which will feature a 100% plant-based red bean patty, lettuce, tomato and Creole sauce in a soft brioche bun.
Popeyes was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and operates around 3,500 restaurants globally.
The group has previously described the UK as its 'next big opportunity' for growth, and is expected to announce more restaurant openings soon including drive-thru locations, which it says will be a 'central part' of its UK rollout.
Popeyes UK’s chief development officer Tom Byng will take part in a panel discussion at MCA’s Restaurant Conference tomorrow (3 November), talking about the opportunity for well-capitalised businesses looking to grow post-pandemic. To find out more and to secure your tickets for the event, please click here.
