News

QSR Popeyes dispatches 'support chicken' for fearful travelers

December 18, 2018

Popeyes is giving that much-maligned animal, the chicken, a new braver role, by giving travelers at Philadelphia International Airport something to chuckle over during this holiday. The brand said beginning today it is giving all those who buy a fried chicken meal at the brand's Terminal C location its newly created "Emotional Support Chicken." The quasi-support animal comes in the form of a meal carrier available to those ordering the fried chicken meal at the restaurant, a news release said. 

Many travelers and others with emotional challenges bring support animals with them to deal with travel fears and some airports are dispatching the specially trained animals to help those encountering stressful circumstances during their trips, as well. 

Unfortunately, some folks are "pushing the envelope" with the types of animals they try to pass as support assistance, including everything from squirrels to tarantulas. Popeyes opted to do a goodhearted take-off on that to perk up travelers through the holidays. 

"We appreciate how comforting emotional support animals are and wanted to create our own version," Popeyes CMO Hope Diaz said in the release. "The good news is that our emotional support chicken is permitted to fly without any restrictions — one less worry for busy travelers."

The carriers are available while supplies last for the three-piece chicken tenders combo.