News

Popeyes targets Tampa

March 28, 2011

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has launched an aggressive growth plan to increase its presence in the Tampa, Fla., market.

The chain, a division of AFC Enterprises Inc., is seeking interested franchisees for this plan and will have representatives in the Tampa area April 12 to host a franchise seminar. Those interested should register online.

“For nearly 40 years, Popeyes has passionately delivered its authentic Louisiana food to guests around the world, and after a remarkable 2010 with strong positive results, we are excited about the opportunity to aggressively grow the brand in Tampa,” said Greg S. Vojnovic, vice president of development, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. “We have built a strong foundation for our domestic business and encourage interested entrepreneurs to attend our franchising seminar to learn how to open a Popeyes restaurant in their community.”
 
In 2010, the Popeyes global system opened 106 new restaurants and total domestic same-store sales increased 2.5 percent compared to 0.6 percent in 2009. According to independent data, Popeyes domestic same-store sales outpaced both the general quick-service restaurant and chicken QSR categories for the second consecutive year.

During the fiscal results report in early March, Cheryl Bachelder, AFC Enterprises CEO, said the company is in a very good position to continue the acceleration of unit growth in 2011 and beyond.

In addition to Tampa, other markets being specifically targeted by the brand include San Diego, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Philadelphia and Cleveland, Ohio. Management also expects to maintain its international new unit openings at approximately 60 restaurants in 2011.