Popeyes opens first UK train station restaurant

Popeyes has opened its first restaurant in a UK train station.

The Louisiana chicken chain’s London Waterloo site spans 1,820 sq ft, offering guests dine-in and take-away from breakfast to dinner.

The group’s move into travel hubs comes soon after Popeyes opened its first store in London’s Stratford in November 2021.

The fast food chain also secured a £50m investment from a private equity firm to drive its next phase of growth in August 2023.

Since its UK launch, the New Orleans-based business has opened over 35 locations across the country and revealed further plans to double its estate, with the addition of 30 sites, throughout the course of this year. 

Popeyes joins the portfolio of 25 F&B brands at the Network Rail train station, such as Marugame Udon and Benugo.

Hamish Kiernan, commercial director, property at Network Rail, said: “Introducing international and popular brands to our stations is an essential aspect of our retail strategy, as we strive to make our offering varied for customers. The opening of Popeyes further demonstrates our proactive steps to develop a curated retail mix.”

Tom Crowley, chief executive at Popeyes UK, added: “Waterloo is not only our first travel hub, but has been a key location for us since we landed in the UK, so the response to our opening has been incredible to see.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to Waterloo and hope to become a regular stop-off for those working and living in the area.”

Popeyes was founded in 1972 and has over 4,000 restaurants in the US and around the world.