​Popeyes UK to Open Nearly One Restaurant a Week in 2025

Popeyes UK has set its sights on an aggressive expansion strategy, aiming to open almost one restaurant per week throughout 2025. The move is part of a broader effort to double its national presence and solidify its standing as one of the UK's fastest-growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands.

Since its UK debut in London in November 2021, the American fried chicken brand has swiftly expanded, boasting 65 restaurants across the UK and Ireland. After an impressive 2024, during which 33 new locations were launched, Popeyes UK shows no signs of slowing down.

Chief Executive Tom Crowley has outlined an ambitious plan to roll out 45 new locations in 2025, strategically targeting significant cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, and London. This expansion drive is projected to generate around 2,500 new jobs across the UK, with the business targeting annual sales of over £200 million.

"Our ambitious roll-out strategy – which will see us open, on average, close to one new site per week in the coming 12 months – will mean that we can bring joy to even more customers across the country, from breakfast to late-night," said Crowley.

Popeyes has set its sights on becoming one of the largest QSR operators in the UK, with a medium-term goal of surpassing 350 locations. The brand is experimenting with various formats, including eat-in restaurants and drive-through locations, to appeal to customer preferences and increase accessibility.

Impressive sales figures back the company's rapid growth. In 2024 alone, Popeyes UK recorded a 100% increase in total sales, generating over £118 million—equivalent to selling one of its famous chicken sandwiches every three seconds. By the end of the year, the chain had reached an annual sales run rate of £150 million.

The fast-food chain's expansion is bolstered by private equity firm TDR Capital, which acquired a majority stake in January 2024 to fuel its aggressive nationwide roll-out. This financial backing has enabled Popeyes to accelerate its expansion, placing it in direct competition with established fast-food brands such as KFC, McDonald's, and Greggs.

Crowley remains optimistic about Popeyes' growth trajectory: "Underpinned by the proven global appeal of the Popeyes brand and our highly acclaimed customer proposition, the business's growth potential is significant."

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has grown into a global phenomenon with over 4,000 restaurants worldwide. While the brand's success in the US is undisputed, its rapid expansion in the UK signals a serious intent to dominate the local market and whether it can sustain this momentum and carve out a permanent place in Britain's competitive fast-food landscape.

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With a strong financial backing, a robust expansion plan, and a proven customer base, Popeyes UK is on track to become a major player in the QSR industry. However, as competition intensifies, the company must balance rapid expansion with maintaining quality, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty.

One thing is sure—Popeyes' presence in the UK will get much more significant.