12 Things You Should Know Before Eating at Popeyes
The fried chicken market is a crowded one these days, but no one brings the Southern flair quite like Popeyes. They've cracked the code when it comes to perfectly spiced seasoning, plus Louisiana-style sides like buttermilk biscuits and red beans & rice seal the deal. The brand has plenty of flavor in its past, which has helped solidify its spot as one of the best fried chicken chains out there, no clucks about it.
1. It's gone through several name changes.
Chicken on the Run, a restaurant that opened in the suburbs of New Orleans in 1971, was the owner's first attempt at starting a successful fried chicken joint. A year later, after developing a fresh business plan, it was renamed Popeyes Mighty Good Fried Chicken, which was then shortened to Popeyes-a tribute to film detective Popeye Doyle in The French Connection.
2. There's no apostrophe, for good reason.
Though the restaurant name reads as possessive, there's never been an apostrophe in there anywhere. The owner joked that he was "too poor" to afford one when he started out, but despite his later success he kept the branding consistent.
3. The founder was quite a character.
Alvin C. Copeland Sr. had many ups and downs throughout years in the fried chicken business before he passed away in 2008. He's remembered for his expensive playthings including a 50-foot speedboat and collection of expensive cars; as well as the elaborate weddings he put on (he was married four times). A notable lawsuit he was involved in was due to the insane display of Christmas decorations, boasting over a million lights, at his New Orleans home.
4. The chicken didn't always have a kick.
When he started out, Al tried his hand at opening a restaurant serving traditional Southern-fried chicken. When that flopped, he went back to the drawing board and developed a recipe for spicy, New Orleans-style chicken, marinated in Louisiana seasonings. He also worked on recipes for dirty rice and hand-rolled biscuits.
5. It's famous for its Signature Sides.
In 1983 the chain introduced its flaky buttermilk biscuits, which come with most combo meals. Other options include red beans and rice, jambalaya and Cajun-spiced French fries-sides that you're not likely to find at most fast-food stops.
6. The menu items can get pretty wacky.
Though it's a staple down south, most Americans probably haven't tried crawfish, yet the chain introduced it to the menu back in 1989! Other unique options have included Beer Can chicken, spicy Red Stick chicken and the fan-favorite Chicken Waffle tenders.
7. It beat out KFC in a taste test.
Yep, Popeyes Spicy and Mild Bonafide Fried Chicken was the favorite in a 2010 national taste test, coming out on top over KFC's Original Recipe. The Colonel couldn't have been too happy about that!
8. It's got ties to New Orleans.
The chain's tagline changed from "Love That Chicken from Popeyes" in the 1980s to "LOUISIANA Fast" in 2008, but the slogan has always been set to a tune reminiscent of the Jazz music found on the streets of N'awlins. In 2009, Annie, a spokesperson with a Southern drawl was introduced, and the brand even hosted a flash mob in the New Orleans streets as a fun promotion a few years back.
9. There's a whole month dedicated to that tasty chicken.
In 2013, Popeyes declared that September was "Love That Chicken Month," and it turned into an annual tradition. Keep an eye out for special promotions during that time of year, as well as on National Fried Chicken Day.
10. They sponsor an annual the annual Bahamas Bowl.
Everyone knows that wings and football go together, so it makes sense that Popeyes is the name behind a big football conference championship. The third annual Popeyes Bahamas Bowl is coming up in December in Nassau.
11. Look out for lots of limited-time offers.
There are tons of short-term deals to take advantage of at this chain-the latest being the $5 Boneless Wing Bash. For just a few bucks, you can get six boneless wings, a signature side, a buttermilk biscuit and dipping sauces.
12. Kylie Jenner loves the stuff.
Several celebrities have confessed their love for the Louisiana-style fried chicken, but thanks to Kyle Jenner, the whole Kardashian crew was chowing down on their private jet. She posted a shot on her Instagram with the caption "Popeyes and PJs," likely inspiring her fans everywhere to order some wings for a night in.
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