See the place Popeye’s ranks when our forty fifth Annual Franchise 500 checklist is launched on January 16, 2024.
Began Franchising: 1976 | Complete Models: 3,851 | Value to Open: $383.5K-$3.5M
Final 12 months was Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen’s fiftieth anniversary, nevertheless it was greater than only a milestone. It was additionally a possibility to amplify its message and proceed its momentum. In 2021, for instance, Popeyes opened greater than 200 eating places within the U.S. and Canada, and it remained on monitor to interrupt information once more in 2022. Though it usually touts its Louisiana roots, it is vitally a lot a nationwide model, and continues to develop in quite a few markets throughout the U.S. That is Popeyes’ third consecutive 12 months rating within the Franchise 500 and third consecutive 12 months within the Prime 10, transferring up one spot every year since 2021.
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So, how did it maximize its large 5-0? Popeyes hosted its franchisees at a conference in New Orleans, the place attendees addressed strategic plans for future progress. A part of that progress has included increasing the menu to incorporate objects comparable to its Buffalo Ranch Rooster Sandwich (following the success of its first fried hen sandwich in 2019) in addition to its Blackened Rooster Sandwich, and bringing again its beloved Cajun Flounder Sandwich. “Menu improvements have actually taken Popeyes to the following degree,” says Jourdan Daleo, senior vice chairman of discipline operations.
Popeyes additionally used the anniversary to supply promotions and surprises. In June, it provided clients two items of signature bone-in hen for 59 cents, the identical value it offered for in 1972 when the corporate was based. It additionally quickly introduced again the Cajun Rice aspect dish and made a video that includes {couples} discussing 50 years of affection.
The anniversary 12 months landed throughout a difficult time for eating places on account of rising inflation. However as an alternative of panicking, Popeyes used the present surroundings as a possibility to reiterate its distinctive flavors and new menu choices. Clients most likely know Popeyes greatest for its bone-in objects, however the sandwich launches helped the corporate showcase its boneless talents as nicely. By making the most of a tough restaurant panorama, Popeyes was in a position to showcase what makes them stand out. In flip, this has helped its clients see Popeyes in a brand new mild. “I’ve seen our friends actually get to know Popeyes by way of a wide range of merchandise,” says Daleo.
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Despite the fact that the anniversary 12 months has now ended, Popeyes says it’s going to stay in get together mode — touting its Cajun and Creole hospitality and 12-hour marination method. “We see a whole lot of celebration of our meals,” says Daleo, “and we take that to coronary heart.”