Our Story | Popeyes

Forty years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana, a taste sensation was born. What began with one small
restaurant and one big idea turned into a craze that swept the nation – and the world.

Alvin C. Copeland, Sr. opens "Chicken on the Run" in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi, serving traditional, Southern fried chicken.

Popeyes opens first franchise restaurant in Louisiana.

Popeyes introduces its "Love That Chicken from Popeyes®" tagline.

Popeyes goes global and expands to Toronto, Canada

Popeyes introduces crawfish in the United States.

Popeyes introduces buttermilk biscuits, which later become a significant menu item.

America's Favorite Chicken Company (now known as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.) is formed and purchases both Popeyes® and Church's®

Popeyes enters a new era of growth as PLK begins updating the look of Popeyes restaurants.

Popeyes celebrates 25 years of success.

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits receives "MenuMasters Award" for Louisiana Legends over rice dishes.

Popeyes becomes the number two quick service chicken chain based on number of units.

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits celebrates new heritage-designed restaurant in Atlanta, GA.

The Popeyes brand reinvents itself based on its long-standing roots in Louisiana- inspired home cooking. This includes a new logo, distinctive new products and a new advertising campaign touting "Louisiana Fast™."

Popeyes introduces feisty spokesperson "Annie" to tell it like it is on national television.

Popeyes launches first Popeyes Pay Day.

Popeyes launches a healthier menu called Louisiana Leaux™ with flash mob in French Quarter.

Popeyes introduces Dip'n Chick'n™.

Popeyes® BONAFIDE® Chicken Beats KFC® Original Recipe® in National Taste Test.

Popeyes introduces Rip'n Chick'n™.

The Popeyes Foundation, Inc. announces partnership to benefit the ProStart® program to develop the next generation of food-zealot restaurateurs.

Popeyes celebrates 40th Anniversary and announces plans for system-wide remodeling of its restaurants.

Popeyes partners with Zatarain's to launch Zatarain's Butterfly Shrimp.

Introduction of Cajun Surf & Turf. A twist on the traditional Surf & Turf, the Popeyes way!

Popeyes' first annual Love That Chicken Month kicks off in September.

Popeyes Debuts Chicken Waffle Tenders.

Forty years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana, a taste sensation was born. What began with one small restaurant and one big idea turned into a craze that swept the nation – and the world.

Forty years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana, a taste sensation was born. What began with one small
restaurant and one big idea turned into a craze that swept the nation – and the world.