Popeyes UK reported £178mn revenue in 2025, up 50% from £119mn the prior year, despite a widening net loss to £6mn as costs exceeded £180mn. The chain, led by CEO Tom Crowley since its 2021 UK launch, now operates over 100 sites and aims for 150 outlets across the UK and Republic of Ireland by end-2026. Crowley attributes success to broad appeal across generations and the brand’s US credentials, founded in New Orleans in 1972 and known as the wedding caterer for Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
While UK fast-food consumer traffic fell 0.9% in H1 2026, chicken-focused outlets saw footfall rise 8.9%, with UK chicken shop numbers up 6.3% — outpacing the 1% rise in total fast-food outlets. Popeyes, backed by private equity firm TDR Capital, continues expanding its 'savers' range to attract cost-conscious diners amid rising competition from brands like Dave’s Hot Chicken and Wingstop. Crowley maintains there is 'enough capacity' for new entrants, arguing chicken remains a growth category taking share from more expensive proteins like beef.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing