US fast food chain ‘that beats KFC’ set to open 45 new restaurants in UK

The chain opened its first UK restaurant in 2021 at the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, London – but now, the fast food giant as confirmed its plans to expand with even more UK sites

US fried chicken chain Popeyes is set to open 45 new restaurants in the UK this year. Popeyes, which is famous for its Louisiana-style chicken burgers, has more than 80 sites in the UK.

The chain opened its first UK restaurant in 2021 at the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, London. But now, the fast food giant has confirmed its plans to expand with even more UK sites, after securing £43million from Barclays Corporate Banking.

Popeyes previously said it wants to expand in cities including Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool and London, including eat-in restaurants, drive thru sites, and delivery kitchens.

The chain was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and has over 4,000 restaurants worldwide. The chain’s UK chief finance officer Drew Taylor said: “Barclays are a highly supportive banking partner of Popeyes in the UK.

“The new finance facilities will enable us to build on our successful growth in the UK to date and execute our expansion strategy over the coming years, with more than 45 openings targeted in 2025 alone.”

Rich Robinson, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays UK corporate banking, said: “We are proud to have worked with Popeyes on this new lending deal, and look forward to helping them realise their exciting plans.

“We are committed to helping businesses across the UK invest for growth, and recently announced a £22billion Business Prosperity Fund to help clients of all sizes achieve their full potential.”

Popeyes has previously been rated better than rival KFC, with one person saying in a review online: “Popeyes beats KFC hands down.”

In more food news, McDonald’s is set to launch an “iconic” new menu item this month that has never been available before in the UK. The fast food chain is introducing the new Big Arch burger on June 18.

Maccies says the burger, which has been on sale before in Canada, Portugal and Germany, is made with two juicy 100% British and Irish beef patties, topped with white cheddar cheese slices, crispy onions, fresh onions, shredded lettuce, crunchy pickles, and smothered in signature Big Arch sauce.

The burger on its own costs £7.99, or you’ll pay £9.99 for a medium meal with a side and drink. Keep in mind prices do vary from restaurant to restaurant.

The Cheesy McCrispy and Halloumi Fries will also be returning on June 18. The Cheesy McCrispy features a chicken breast fillet in a crispy coating, served with lettuce, crispy onions, pink pickled onion chutney, bacon, Emmental cheese, and deluxe cheese sauce.

For pudding, the much-loved Toffee and Apple Pie is also returning, alongside the Toffee Crisp McFlurry.