Popeyes is coming to shake up the fast-food scene Down Under! Here’s what they're planning for Australia

With a major player in the fast food industry eyeing Australia as its next conquest, anticipation is reaching sizzling levels among customers nationwide.

Fast food chain Popeyes is gearing up to make its mark on Aussie soil, and the buzz surrounding their potential rollout is hotter than a fresh batch of crispy drumsticks.



The Australian fast-food landscape may soon see a new player in the form of Popeyes, a popular US-based fried chicken chain that has been giving KFC a run for its money.

The company behind Hungry Jack’s (the Australian franchise of Burger King), Restaurant Brands International, was reportedly seeking Australian investors to support Popeyes' expansion Down Under, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Currently, the Australian takeaway chicken market is dominated by Red Rooster, Oporto, and KFC.


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The popular fried chicken chain was reportedly seeking investors to open in Australia. Credits: Facebook / Popeyes



However, Popeyes' recent success in the US, where it overtook KFC in October 2023 as the number two chicken chain behind Chick-fil-A suggested that it could pose a significant challenge to these established brands.

Restaurant Brands International is confident that Popeyes can replicate its US success in Australia and plans to launch Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Australia.

It is believed that the parent company made a pitch to potential backers who might want to take charge of the Australian roll-out of the 'cool, next-gen chicken QSR (quick-service restaurant) brand'.

Popeyes, with its 'famous fried chicken', was launched more than 50 years ago by Alvin C Copeland, Sr in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The brand, best known for its Louisiana-spiced fried chicken and biscuits, expanded to Canada in 1984.

Today, the chain boasts more than 3,000 restaurants across the US and Canada, and this year, it's making its way to New Zealand.



New Zealand's first Popeyes is set to open in Auckland in April, with more locations expected to pop up by the end of the year.

If Popeyes' potential expansion to the local market goes ahead, it would be the latest US venture to hit Australian shores.

Last year, Wendy’s officially arrived in Australia as it finalised a franchise deal to open 200 outlets around the country and more recently, Chuck E. Cheese also announced its plan to conquer the Australian pizza world.

Australia's fast-food market is a competitive one, with a mix of homegrown and international brands vying for consumers' attention. KFC, McDonald's, and Hungry Jack's are among the most popular fast-food chains in the country.

However, Australians also have a taste for local brands. Red Rooster, an Australian-owned chicken chain, has been serving roast chicken to Aussies since 1972.

Oporto, another Australian brand, is known for its Portuguese-style chicken and has been a favourite since it first opened in 1986.



The potential entry of Popeyes into the Australian market could shake things up, offering consumers a new choice and challenging existing brands to up their game.

However, as with any new entrant in a competitive market, success is not guaranteed.

Key Takeaways
  • Popeyes, a US fast-food chain that competes with KFC, might be introduced in Australia as Restaurant Brands International looks to expand.
  • Reports said that the company is seeking Australian investors for the chain's establishment and envisions Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Australia.
  • The chain, celebrated for its Louisiana-spiced fried chicken and biscuits, has more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide.
  • With a debut in Auckland, New Zealand, slated for April, Popeyes' potential entry into Australia followed other US ventures like Wendy's and Chuck E. Cheese.

Are you looking forward to the potential arrival of Popeyes in Australia? Let us know in the comments below.
 
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I for one, think we have too many greasy takeaway places now. I have said for many years that we don't continually need to follow the Yanks with their bad habits. Many years ago I had an American boyfriend that believed that their overindulgence in this crap food was acceptable and he was completely arrogant in regards to "their" food. It was supposedly the best ever. Keep your crap on your side of the world. We don't need it thanks !!!
 
Could be interesting as KFC’S product is smaller ,greaser than when it first came here so if a store is close enough I'll try popeyes 👍
 
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I'll wait for Chick-a-filla their chicken is the nicest I have ever eaten, worldwide. They are owned by some church and are not open on Sundays in the States, on Monday mornings the drive thrus are chockers with people waiting to get their fix.
 
Do we really need any more junk food shops here. they are full of chemicals and artificial fillers causing more health problems and keeping Drugs companies happy as people need more medication for their health problems.
 

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