Second Scottish location for Popeyes marks the 10th UK opening this year
Customers are reported to have queued for 11 hours to get their hands on the famous Louisiana Chicken Sandwich.
Last week’s hotly anticipated opening of Popeyes’ Aberdeen saw queues of people down the Granite Mile as the New Orleans-inspired chicken restaurant opened the doors to its newest venue at 111-115 Union Street.
The new, and now northernmost, restaurant in the UK marks the second Scottish location and Popeyes 10th UK opening this year. It’s part of the business’ expansion plans to open 30 new locations in 2024.
Guests attending the opening day had the first chance to experience Popeyes New Orleans-inspired menu, including the iconic Chicken Sandwich and original Southern biscuits and gravy.
To celebrate the opening, Popeyes UK rewarded the first 25 customers with a free Chicken Sandwich – and exclusive Popeyes UK merchandise.
‘After our first Scottish opening set a record for the earliest queue beginning a whopping 18.5 hours before opening, we knew that the Scottish audience was not to be underestimated,’ says Neil Williamson, COO at Popeyes UK.
‘The response to our Aberdeen opening has proven that energy and excitement all over again, and we’re delighted to start serving our famous Louisiana Chicken to this great new crowd.’
Waiting 11 hours to be the first
Nathan Johnston, Josh Sim, and Vincent Choi were the first to arrive, setting up folding chairs at the restaurant at midnight ahead of the 1100 opening. They waited 11 hours to be the first to try Popeyes menu.
‘We’re students, and we didn’t have class this morning so we thought it’d be a fun experience to say that we’ve done it,’ says Nathan.
‘We’re treating it as lore for our future children that we stayed out all night to be the first to try Popeyes,’ adds Vincent.
Local Jack Beedie joined the three friends in the queue overnight. It was his first time trying the famous Louisiana chicken.
‘As a kid I grew up watching American adverts and TV so I’ve got a love for American brands, and wanted a chance to try Popeyes after I’ve heard so much about it,’ says Jack.
Following the excitement of opening day, Popeyes will introduce the ‘Brekkie’ menu to Aberdeen from Tuesday 16th April.
It will feature British Breakfast classics with a New Orleans twist, such as the Big Cajun breakfast roll, Cajun hash browns and indulgent Nutella-topped buttermilk biscuits.
Breakfast will be available until 11am every day, and will even include a Bacon Roll meal for just £1.99, comprising of the bacon roll, a Hash Brown and a drink.
The new Aberdeen restaurant is situated at 111-115 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6BH and seats up to 50 people for dine in with takeaway will also available.