Popeyes Takes Flight: First UK Airport Restaurant Lands at Birmingham

Popeyes, the fast-growing US fried chicken brand known for its bold New Orleans-inspired flavours, is setting its sights on UK travel hubs by announcing its first airport location. Through a strategic partnership with SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations, Popeyes will open its inaugural UK airport restaurant at Birmingham Airport in early summer 2025.

Located airside in the departure lounge, the restaurant will be open in time for the peak summer holiday season, offering a full all-day menu, including dine-in and quick takeaway options. Alongside its signature offerings, such as the Chicken Sandwich, Hot Wings, and Tenders, travellers can enjoy its recently launched breakfast range. The breakfast menu, served until 11 am daily, includes indulgent items like the Big Cajun Roll, Cajun Hash Browns, and Nutella-topped buttermilk biscuits.

This move marks a significant milestone for Popeyes UK, whose expansion has been nothing short of ambitious since opening its first site in Stratford, London, in November 2021. In just over three years, the brand has grown rapidly, opening 33 restaurants in 2024 alone and doubling its total sales to over £118 million—equating to more than £2 million per week. It plans to nearly double its footprint again in 2025, targeting an additional 45 locations through high street units, drive-thrus, delivery kitchens, and travel hubs.

Tom Byng, Chief Development Officer at Popeyes UK, described the partnership with SSP as a pivotal moment in the brand’s UK journey. “This is the first of a number of locations we will open in partnership with SSP, marking a significant milestone for the business as we roll out our ambitious growth plans for 2025,” he said. “It reflects the continued strength of our customer proposition and brand appeal.”

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has become one of the world’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands, operating in around 4,000 locations globally. Its UK menu stands out for its bold Southern flavours and its commitment to quality—offering halal-certified chicken marinated for 12 hours in its signature Louisiana seasoning and hand-breaded to deliver its famed ‘shatter-crunch’ texture.

SSP UK & Ireland CEO Kari Daniels expressed equal enthusiasm for the collaboration: “There’s a huge appetite for Popeyes’ tasty menu, so we’re excited to launch our new partnership together at UK travel hubs, starting with the brand’s inaugural journey into UK airport restaurants at Birmingham Airport.”

Birmingham Airport’s Commercial Director, Richard Gill, also welcomed the announcement. “We are delighted that Popeyes will be opening its next restaurant in our departure lounge, the first UK airport to welcome the iconic New Orleans chicken brand,” he said. “It ensures customers can dine in or grab a takeaway for their journey, whilst catering for all dietary needs too.”

The addition of Popeyes complements Birmingham Airport’s growing food and beverage offering, which recently welcomed SSP’s Peaky Blinders-inspired Shelby & Co. bar and kitchen. In 2024, the airport served over 12 million passengers and continues to develop its commercial portfolio in line with a broader goal to reach 18 million passengers annually.

With strong demand, a proven customer base, and a foothold in one of the UK’s busiest airports, Popeyes UK’s skyward trajectory shows no sign of slowing.