Popeyes has more than 4,000 franchisees around the world
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a global brand which has targeted the UK and Ireland for growth. Photo: Getty
The UK master franchise holder for Popeyes, a US fast-food brand known for its “Louisiana fried chicken”, plans to open its first outlet in Dublin.
Late last month, a company owned by Popeyes UK, PLK Chicken Ireland Limited, submitted a planning application to Dublin City Council seeking permission to develop a unit on Westmoreland Street in the south city.
PLK Chicken Ireland counts Popeyes UK boss Thomas Crowley and chief financial officer Andrew Taylor as directors.
Last year, Popeyes opened an outlet in Belfast’s Lesley Forestside Shopping Centre, marking its first restaurant on the island of Ireland.
At the time of the Belfast launch, the brand said more openings were planned.
Popeyes arrived in the UK in November 2021 and now has more than 65 British sites with an annual sales run rate of £150m.
British private equity house TDR Capital bought a controlling stake in Popeyes UK in 2024. It had initially invested £50m in the fast-food brand in August the previous year to help accelerate its UK expansion.
Earlier this year, Popeyes UK revealed plans to open over 45 stores during 2025 in a bid to double its footprint.
CEO Crowley outlined hopes to increase the chain’s presence in major UK cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool and London.
Popeyes was founded in 1972 in New Orleans and now has more than 4,000 restaurants around the world.
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