Popeyes chooses Westfield Stratford City for first UK site
US fried chicken brand Popeyes is to open its first UK store at the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre.
The move follows the restaurant chain’s announcement earlier this year that it was to expand into the UK. It has also recently appointed Tom Byng as chief development officer, who previously oversaw real estate divisions for Franco Manca, Itsu and The Real Greek.
Popeyes will be taking a 1,531 square foot unit in Westfield Stratford City on a site formerly occupied by KFC.
In a statement, the company said it will be announcing further UK locations imminently.
Tom Crowley (pictured), chief executive of Popeyes UK, explained: “It’s fantastic to be opening our first UK location, following the months of anticipation and buzz that the news of our arrival generated.
“Our vision for our UK launch is ambitious and bold, and we felt a shared sense of purpose with Westfield Stratford City when we were on the hunt for our first restaurant. We are confident that they are the perfect partner to help us kick-start our entry into the UK market.
“All our locations will be carefully chosen, in communities that echo the Louisianan spirit synonymous with Popeyes®. We’re looking forward to unveiling our next sites in due course, and revealing more about our expansion into new locations in 2022 and beyond.”
Founded in New Orleans in Louisiana in 1972, Popeyes currently has 3,400 restaurants in 25 countries.
Kate Orwin, leasing director UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “We’re delighted that Popeyes will be opening its first UK store at Westfield Stratford City. Chicken is beloved across all ages and we’re sure that it will be another destination where families, friends, and groups can enjoy delicious meals.
“Westfield centres continue to attract the best and most exciting brands that our customers want, and Popeyes® will be another incredible addition to our diverse food and drink offering at the centre.”
Due to open in November, the Westfield Stratford store will mark Popeye’s entry into its 11th country in its Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
Byng added: “Experiential retail and customer convenience will be key to the recovery of bricks and mortar post-Covid, which is why we’re making in-store experiences and drive-throughs a central part of our UK rollout. This will be further enhanced by our digital-first offering. Westfield Stratford City is a prominent site with an unrivalled profile, and so provides us with a brilliant platform to begin this journey.”
