Popeyes aiming to open multiple drive-thru locations this year

The US fried chicken giant has confirmed a clutch of new openings across the country under plans to add a total of 20 sites to its UK estate this year​​. 

Restaurants set to launch in next few months include: Cambridge, Reading, Cardiff, Plymouth, Richmond, and Barrhead.

A dark kitchen in Norbury is also scheduled to open. 

Popeyes has grown steadily since entering the UK market in November 2021, and is aiming to have a total of 31 locations across the country by the end of the year.

“It’s brilliant to see how enthusiastically the UK has welcomed us, and we’re particularly proud to be opening our first drive-thru locations this year,” says Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK.

Crowley tells BigHospitality the group is on track to open several drive-thru restaurants in 2023. 

“We see big scope in the drive-thru space going forwards. In 2024 we expect close top half our openings to be drive-thru restaurants.”

Now that Popeyes has established a growing presence here, the group will also start turning its attention towards building an 'industry-leading' employee value proposition for its UK teams.

“We're also working to identify where we can make a difference in the communities we’re part of,” adds Crowley.

“That’s always been the Popeyes way.”

Popeyes previously said​​ it is aiming to open 350 sites across the country within 10 years.

The UK represents the 11th new market for Popeyes across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where the chain has already opened hundreds of new sites as part of its global expansion.