U.S. fast-food fried chicken giant Popeyes has been in a period of major growth in the Lower Mainland, and is poised to open another of its franchises in Vancouver soon, likely later this month.
In the works for about two years now, the Popeyes at 4413 Main St is finishing up its build-out at what will be its fourth outpost in the city, with stores already up and running downtown (879 Granville St and 700 Hamilton St) and at UBC.
The chain has several locations across Metro Vancouver, including in Richmond, Surrey, and Coquitlam.
The local franchisor for the Main Street outpost told V.I.A. in 2022 it had hoped the location would be up and running by the end of that year. Its Hamilton Street location, near the VPL's Central Branch and CBC's Vancouver headquarters, faced similar delays.
While Popeyes is known for its Louisiana-style fried chicken with gravy and sides, the fast-food franchise caused a sensation a few years back with its fried chicken sandwich. The menu item generated long lines, supply shortages and — in one case — deadly violence south of the border. The sandwich made its way to Canada in 2020, after a brief pandemic-related delay.
The first Popeyes to open in recent history in Metro Vancouver was in Port Coquitlam; the restaurant made its debut back at the end of 2018.
Popeyes started in a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972, and began as "Chicken on the Run."
It was a slow start for the chicken operation, and the owner folded it, then relaunched with a spicier recipe and a new name: Popeyes.
The chicken chain's first Canadian location was in Toronto, opening in 1984.
Popeyes is among several U.S. fast-food chains looking to make big gains in the Canadian market. Last month, two major American sub-style sandwich chains, Jersey Mike's and Jimmy John's, revealed large-scale plans to grow north of the border.
Popeyes Canada has not shared an opening date for its forthcoming location on Main Street in Vancouver.
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