Fried chicken has always been one of America’s comfort foods, and Popeye’s is just the chain restaurant to provide good quality fried chicken. Located primarily throughout the United States, Popeyes also has locations in Toronto Canada and Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. They are known for their juicy fried chicken but also serve fried seafood. A main feature of their menu is the “Bonafide Chicken ” and the “Butterfly Shrimp Tackle Box” where anyone can taste the best of New Orleans culture.

With vibrant colors, and a quick wait time, this once small company has grown in its own right and now pulls ahead of many other major league competitors. Their famous, unique recipe rivals Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, where KFC excels in Southern Fried Chicken, Popeye’s excels in capturing Louisiana’s New Orleans fried Chicken.

History

Originally named the “Chicken on the Run” by Alvin Copeland, the Popeyes we know today was named after the French “Connection” Popeye Doyle. “Chicken on the Run” focused on Southern fried chicken, yet when it first opened in 1972 in the New Orleans suburb Arbai, it initially did not do well. And so, Copeland decided to re-open under the new name, and specializing in New Orleans style spicy chicken.

In 1992, the company was bought out by AFC, “America’s Favorite Chicken” whom also bought out Church’s Chicken. With the new owners, AFC took Popeyes to places they have only ever dreamed of. They expanded not only their locations but also their menu as well, adding spokeswoman “Annie” in 2009 to their commercials, who added flare and spice to their already reputable recipe’s.

The company expanded so fast, that approximately every 10-12 years the number of locations doubled. Initially starting out small, this little chicken soon joined the roosters when it opened its 500^th location in 1985. By 1999 they opened their 1000^th store and 2011 marked the year they opened their 2000^th store.

Review

In 2010, Popeyes competed in a national contest again Kentucky Fried Chicken. They staked their reputation on their Popeyes Bonafied Chicken against the Kentucky Original Fried Chicken recipe—and won! This taste test not only showed the nation who had the best fried chicken around, but also stood as a testament of how good their food is.

The chain restaurant became so popular, that in one instance the wait time was 3 hours! However, since the one time incident, they are known for being fast and efficient while the staff stays friendly and cordial. Based on the number of units they run, they were listed as the number 2 quick service restaurant in 2001.

With their clean equipment, eye popping colors, and knowledgeable employees, Popeye’s serves as a fun family place to take the kids for their favorite fried chicken dinners. They have anywhere between kid’s menus, family menus and anything in the middle.

Their menu prices range from 4$-38$ which include anything from chicken platters, to seafood and sandwiches. The “Spicy Garlic Butterfly Shrimp Platter” is a favorite and can be enjoyed at just under 9$. Their regulars enjoy the popcorn shrimp, chicken tenders, signature sides like Cole slaw and much more.