Northern Ireland’s first Popeyes restaurant officially opened its doors at Lesley Forestside Shopping Centre last week, with some fans eagerly queuing from 1.30am to be the first to try the brand’s world-famous Louisiana fried chicken.
‘Expansion Plans’
“This Belfast opening is a key milestone in our expansion plans across the UK and Ireland,” said Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes UK.
“To be met with such excitement and enthusiasm at the restaurant this morning exceeded our expectations and made this an opening we’ll remember for some time.”
Local Jobs
Ahead of the doors opening at 11.00am, a queue of more than 150 customers had formed outside.
The Belfast restaurant has created 90 local jobs.
‘Successful First Day’
“We are delighted to welcome the brand as one of our newest food retailers,” said Margaret McClelland, centre manager at Lesley Forestside Shopping Centre.
“It’s wonderful to be the first location to host it in Northern Ireland, and as today’s successful first day confirms, we’re confident it will be a favourite amongst our diverse and vibrant community.”
New Orleans
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has become one of the world’s largest quick-service chicken restaurants.
The menu includes Popeyes’ iconic chicken sandwich range, its signature Louisiana chicken, hot wings, tenders, original Southern biscuits and gravy, and Cajun rice.
UK Portfolio
Having launched in the UK in November 2021, this year will see the brand double the size of its current estate, with the addition of over 30 new UK restaurants, drive-throughs, and delivery kitchens.
Through these new openings, Popeyes is aiming to generate a further 2,000 new jobs in the UK.
