Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen fried chicken

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, commonly known as Popeyes, is a globally recognized fast-food chain famous for its New Orleans-style spicy fried chicken. Founded in 1972 by Al Copeland in Arabi, Louisiana, the brand originally launched as 'Chicken on the Run.' After an initial struggle, Copeland rebranded the restaurant as Popeyes—named after the character Popeye Doyle from the film The French Connection—and introduced the spicy Cajun-inspired recipe that would define the brand's legacy.

Today, Popeyes is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a multinational holding company based in Toronto, Canada. While the brand's identity is deeply rooted in American Southern culture, its operations have expanded to over 30 countries. Manufacturing and sourcing are decentralized; while chicken is sourced from major domestic poultry suppliers like Tyson Foods and Pilgrim's Pride in the United States, international locations often source locally to maintain freshness and comply with regional regulations. As of 2026, the brand continues to grow under RBI's portfolio alongside other major chains like Burger King and Tim Hortons.