US fried chicken brand Popeyes, famous for its New Orleans-style menu featuring its iconic chicken sandwich, wings, tenders and traditional biscuits, has confirmed that its first Northern Ireland restaurant will open on the morning of Friday September 20.
It will be based at the Lesley Forestside shopping centre, where its opening will lead to the creation of 90 jobs.
Since first bringing its Louisiana hospitality to the UK in late 2021, Popeyes has opened at more than 50 locations.
And it says it intends to double the size of its current estate and create more than 2,000 jobs in Britain and Ireland, with plans for 30 new restaurants, drive-thrus and delivery kitchens this year alone.
Tom Crowley, chief executive at Popeyes UK, said: “We’re thrilled to have landed in Northern Ireland – a region we’ve had our eyes on for some time.
“The Belfast opening represents the start of our commitment to the island of Ireland – and it’s only the beginning of our plans.
“We intend to bring the spirit of New Orleans to our opening experience and are looking forward to welcoming existing fans and those trying for the first time.
“Lesley Forestside Shopping Centre has great potential for our first restaurant on the island of Ireland, with a great catchment area for families, students and young professionals.”
Forestside centre manager Margaret McClelland added: “There’s been huge interest in Popeyes’ arrival, and it’s wonderful to be the first location to host it in Northern Ireland.”
The first three people in the queue on Friday September 20 will win free chicken sandwiches for a year.
The Popeyes breakfast menu, launched earlier this year and which includes classics with a New Orleans twist such as the big Cajun breakfast roll and Cajun hash browns, will also be available from 8am to 11am from Saturday September 21.
The Popeyes chain was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and has since become one of the world’s largest chicken quick-service restaurants.
