Popeyes brings popular chicken sandwich to China

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has opened a location in Shanghai, the first step in the quick service chicken restaurant’s plan to open 1,500 stores in China by 2030.

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Popeyes recently announced a new logo and store and packaging redesign as part of what they’re calling “the Modern Popeyes Renaissance.” (Popeyes)
Popeyes recently announced a new logo and store and packaging redesign as part of what they’re calling “the Modern Popeyes Renaissance.” (Popeyes)

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has opened a location in Shanghai, the first step in the quick service chicken restaurant’s plan to open 1,500 stores in China by 2030.

The brand tailored some of its menu items at the Shanghai location to reflect cultural preferences, including the use of dark meat on its popular chicken sandwich.

Popeyes has yet to release specific sales numbers for China, but they did tell Forbes that the opening resulted in the most successful week for new market entry in its 48-year history.

Sales for the company skyrocketed in the last year, thanks in large part to the debut of its chicken sandwich. During the first quarter of 2020, system-wide sales grew by 26% despite concerns about the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Shanghai location was opened in partnership with TAB Food Investments (TFI). The brand plans to open future units in Nanjing, Suzhou and Hangzhou.

“We are proud to bring this famous brand to China and we look forward to introducing its bold new flavors to our guests,” Korhan Kurdoğlu, Vice Chairman and CEO of TFI, said in a statement. “We plan to build on years of experience of growing successful businesses in China and around the world.”

New logo, brand reimagining

Popeyes recently announced a plan they’re calling “the Modern Popeyes Renaissance.” The plan, which also included a new logo and a redesign of stores and packaging, outlined expansion goals for the company.

“After successfully opening in Brazil, Spain and other international markets over the past 18 months, the brand opened their first flagship store in Shanghai, further allowing guests around the world to enjoy Popeyes® now famous Chicken Sandwich and many other iconic Popeyes® menu items,” the company said in a statement.

Popeyes has more than 3,100 restaurants located in more than 40 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and 30 countries worldwide.

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