National Popeyes Day

Young man enjoying a crispy Popeyes chicken sandwich, wearing a stylish cap, urban city backdrop with vibrant street art.. — National popeyes day illustration

Hey there, friends! Are you ready to celebrate National Popeyes Day? Get ready to embark on an adventure of tantalizing taste buds and finger-licking goodness! We've got all the delectable details you need to know about this mouthwatering day.

When is Popeyes Day?

It's national popeyes day on the 29th May.

The History of National Popeyes Day

So, you may be wondering, how did this incredibly tasty day come into existence? Well, let me take you back to May 29, 2015. It was a day filled with sheer excitement and enthusiasm for chicken lovers everywhere. On that fateful day, the internet exploded with mentions of Popeyes, the beloved Louisiana-style fast food chain.

People couldn't stop talking about the crispy, golden-brown chicken, the buttery biscuits, and the flavorful sides that make Popeyes stand out from the rest. It was a viral sensation like no other, and the overwhelming love for Popeyes couldn't be contained.

As word spread online, fans and foodies alike decided it was time to dedicate a whole day to celebrate the culinary greatness that is Popeyes. And thus, National Popeyes Day was born.

How to Celebrate

Now that you know the history, let's dive into the most important part - how to celebrate this glorious day. Here are a few suggestions to make your National Popeyes Day unforgettable:

Round up your loved ones and head to your nearest Popeyes restaurant. Indulge in their flavorful chicken, perfectly seasoned shrimp, or mouthwatering sandwiches. Don't forget to try their legendary biscuits, too!
Organize a Popeyes-themed watch party for your favorite sports event. Because let's be honest, what goes better with cheering on your team than a bucket of Popeyes chicken? It's a guaranteed win-win situation!
Support local Popeyes fans by engaging in Popeyes-related discussions on social media. Share your favorite Popeyes memories or drool-worthy photos of their delectable dishes. Spread the love and make others crave some Popeyes goodness!

Did You Know?

Here's a fun fact to amaze your fellow Popeyes enthusiasts: Did you know that Popeyes got its name from the fictional character Popeye the Sailor? Yep, that's right! The restaurant's founder, Al Copeland, was a big fan of the cartoon and named his restaurant after the spinach-loving sailor. Talk about a tasty tribute!

History behind the term 'Popeyes'

1972

The Birth of Popeye's Famous Chicken

In the year 1972, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, also known as Popeyes, came into existence. Alvin Copeland, an entrepreneur from New Orleans, founded the fast-food chain. He created his own unique recipe for spicy, New Orleans-style fried chicken, which would become the cornerstone of the Popeyes brand.

1972

The birth of Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits

In 1972, Al Copeland opened the first Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits restaurant in Arabi, Louisiana. Initially called 'Chicken on the Run,' the restaurant gained popularity for its unique New Orleans-style spiced fried chicken. The combination of flavorful seasoning and crispy texture set Popeyes apart from other fast food chains.

1972

The birth of Popeyes

In 1972, a quick-service restaurant named Popeyes was born in Arabi, Louisiana, United States. It was founded by Al Copeland, who started with a small restaurant named 'Chicken on the Run.' However, Copeland's restaurant struggled to attract customers until he decided to spice things up and create a new flavor-packed chicken recipe.

1972

Chicken on the Second Avenue

In 1972, a small restaurant named 'Chicken on the Run' opened on Second Avenue in New Orleans. The restaurant, run by Alvin C. Copeland Sr., quickly gained popularity for its signature fried chicken, which was seasoned with a unique blend of herbs and spices.

1972

New Orleans Restaurant Origins

In 1972, a married couple named Al Copeland and his wife, Louise, opened a quick-service fried chicken restaurant in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi, Louisiana. They named their restaurant 'Chicken on the Run,' which eventually became known as 'Popeyes.' The restaurant focused on serving traditional Southern-style fried chicken that was marinated in a blend of seasonings before being hand-battered and fried.

1972

The Birth of Popeyes

In 1972, Al Copeland, an entrepreneur from New Orleans, opened a restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana called 'Chicken on the Run.' This restaurant served spicy, New Orleans-style fried chicken.

1972

Famous Fried Chicken Joint is Born

In 1972, a fast-food restaurant called Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen was founded by Al Copeland in New Orleans, Louisiana. This fried chicken joint quickly gained popularity due to its unique and flavorful style of fried chicken, which featured a blend of Louisiana spices and a crispy coating.

1972

Birth of Popeyes

In 1972, Al Copeland opened a fast food restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, that he named 'Chicken on the Run.' The restaurant offered traditional Southern fried chicken, but Copeland wanted to differentiate his brand from the competition.

1972

Birth of Popeyes

Popeyes was founded in 1972 by Al Copeland in Arabi, a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana. Originally named "Chicken on the Run," the restaurant specialized in serving spicy, New Orleans-style fried chicken. The unique flavor and quality of the chicken soon gained popularity among locals and tourists alike.

1975

The Popeyes chain expands

By 1975, Popeyes had gained popularity for its unique blend of Louisiana-inspired flavors and succulent fried chicken. This success led to the franchising of the chain, allowing it to expand rapidly across the United States and internationally. The distinct taste and quality of Popeyes chicken established it as a prominent player in the fast-food industry.

1985

The Name Change to Popeyes

In 1985, Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken changed its name to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, emphasizing its Louisiana roots and maintaining a connection with the iconic character Popeye the Sailor. The famous Popeyes logo features a bold and colorful depiction of a muscular and tattooed Popeye the Sailor Man, paying homage to the character that influenced the name of the restaurant.

1976

Renaming as Popeyes

In 1976, Copeland decided to expand his business and opened another location in New Orleans. He needed a catchy name that would grab people's attention, and, inspired by the character Popeye Doyle from the movie 'The French Connection,' he renamed his restaurant 'Popeyes.' The name evoked the sense of a tough and strong character, which he believed represented the bold flavors of his chicken.

1976

The Iconic Character Makes His Debut

In 1976, Popeyes introduced a fictional character named Popeye the Sailor Man, inspired by the famous cartoon character. This character became the official mascot of the Popeyes brand, providing a recognizable and memorable image for the restaurant.

1976

The Birth of Popeyes

In 1976, Alvin Copeland rebranded his restaurant as 'Popeyes' after the fictional character Popeye Doyle from the movie 'The French Connection.' The new name was inspired by the popularity of the Popeye comic strip and its associated cartoons, as well as the phrase 'I'm Popeye the Sailor Man,' which was the character's catchphrase.

1976

Name Change to Popeyes

In 1976, Al Copeland renamed his restaurant to Popeyes after the character Popeye Doyle from the movie 'The French Connection.' The decision to change the name was to capitalize on the popularity of the film and create a memorable brand that resonated with customers.

1976

Inspiration strikes

Four years later, while watching the movie 'The French Connection,' Copeland was inspired by a character named Popeye Doyle. He decided to rename his restaurant to 'Popeyes Mighty Good Fried Chicken' after the tough detective character.

1980

The acquisition by Copeland Enterprises, Inc.

By 1980, Popeyes had expanded to multiple locations across the United States. Copeland Enterprises, Inc., Al Copeland's company, acquired the famous fried chicken chain, making it a part of their portfolio. Under Copeland's ownership, Popeyes continued to grow and develop its distinct brand identity.

1976

Expansion and Acquisition

Popeyes gained popularity and started expanding rapidly in the mid-1970s. In 1976, the company caught the attention of the larger fast-food chain, Church's Chicken. Church's Chicken purchased Popeyes for $43 million, which allowed Popeyes to continue growing while benefiting from Church's Chicken's operational expertise.

1993

Acquisition by AFC Enterprises

In 1993, Popeyes was acquired by AFC Enterprises, which eventually changed its corporate name to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. This acquisition brought new resources and support to help expand the brand and solidify its position as a popular and beloved fast-food chain, known for its distinctive flavors and Cajun-inspired cuisine.

1993

The famous 'Love That Chicken' jingle

In 1993, Popeyes introduced their iconic advertising jingle, 'Love That Chicken from Popeyes.' This catchy and memorable jingle became synonymous with the brand and helped to further establish Popeyes' recognition in the fast food industry. The jingle contributed significantly to Popeyes' popularity and continued growth.

1985

Spicy addition

In 1985, Popeyes introduced a new addition to their menu that would become legendary – the spicy chicken. This new offering brought a unique twist to their original fried chicken recipe, captivating the taste buds of customers.

1985

Acquisition by Diversified Foods and Seasonings

In 1985, Popeyes was acquired by Diversified Foods and Seasonings, a company founded by Al Copeland. This acquisition allowed for further expansion of the Popeyes franchise and helped to solidify its position as a major player in the fast-food industry.

1992

Popeyes goes international

In 1992, Popeyes made its first move into the international market by opening a restaurant in Toronto, Canada. This marked the beginning of Popeyes' global expansion. The brand's distinctive flavors and Southern-inspired cuisine offered something unique and appealing to people around the world.

1984

Introduction of Spokesperson and Iconic Logo

To further strengthen Popeyes' identity, the company introduced its iconic spokesperson, Annie the Chicken Lady, in 1984. Played by actress Deidrie Henry, Annie became synonymous with the brand and appeared in numerous advertisements. Additionally, Popeyes unveiled its well-known logo featuring a boisterous, muscular sailor named Popeye sporting a red bandana and a pipe, which symbolized the connection to maritime New Orleans traditions.

1985

Popeyes goes international

Popeyes started to gain popularity and success, leading Copeland to open the first international Popeyes location in Toronto, Canada in 1985. This marked the beginning of Popeyes' global expansion.

1985

Change in Leadership

In 1985, Al Copeland bought back the rights to Popeyes from Church's Chicken as he desired to run the business independently. Copeland created a holding company, named it Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken, and became the CEO. This change in leadership allowed for more creative freedom and innovation within the brand.

1985

Expansion and Acquisition

By 1985, Popeyes had expanded to over 500 locations across the United States. That year, the company was acquired by AFC Enterprises, which would later become known as Restaurant Brands International. The acquisition allowed Popeyes to continue its growth and reach more customers nationwide.

2008

Acquisition by Restaurant Brands International

In 2008, Popeyes was acquired by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a multinational fast-food conglomerate that also owns Burger King and Tim Hortons. Under RBI's ownership, Popeyes continued to expand globally and strengthen its presence in North America and beyond.

1993

Acquisition by AFC Enterprises

In 1993, Popeyes was acquired by AFC Enterprises (now known as Restaurant Brands International). This acquisition helped accelerate Popeyes' growth and gave the brand additional resources for expansion.

1992

International Expansion Begins

In 1992, Popeyes opened its first international restaurant in Toronto, Canada. This marked the beginning of Popeyes' global expansion, with the brand now having a presence in over 30 countries worldwide.

2017

Chicken Sandwich Craze

In 2017, Popeyes introduced their now-famous Chicken Sandwich. The sandwich quickly became an internet sensation, with viral social media posts and long lines at Popeyes locations. The popularity of the sandwich led to a temporary shortage as the demand exceeded expectations, but it also propelled Popeyes into the spotlight and significantly raised its brand awareness.

1993

Expanding the empire

By 1993, Popeyes had already expanded to more than 500 locations across the United States. The brand's popularity grew exponentially, both locally and internationally, attracting many franchisees.

2017

Acquisition by Restaurant Brands International

The year 2017 brought a significant milestone for Popeyes when Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King and Tim Hortons, acquired the chain. This acquisition aimed to strengthen Popeyes' global presence and leverage RBI's extensive resources to drive further growth.

2008

Rebranding to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

In 2008, Popeyes underwent a rebranding strategy and changed its name to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. This name change aimed to emphasize the restaurant's Louisiana heritage and the unique flavors it offered. The rebranding further solidified Popeyes' identity and commitment to its Southern roots.

2017

Popeyes' Chicken Sandwich Craze

In 2019, Popeyes introduced its now-famous chicken sandwich. The sandwich created a social media frenzy with people lining up for hours to get their hands on this delectable creation. The world went into a frenzy, sparking debates about which fast-food chain had the best chicken sandwich. This unexpected popularity highlighted Popeyes' ability to innovate and capture the imagination of chicken enthusiasts everywhere.

1993

Rebranding as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

In 1993, Popeyes underwent a rebranding effort and changed its name to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. This name change aimed to emphasize the brand's Cajun-inspired flavors, unique Louisiana heritage, and the made-from-scratch cooking techniques used in their menu items. The rebranding further solidified Popeyes' distinct identity in the crowded fast-food market.

2019

The Chicken Sandwich Phenomenon

In 2019, Popeyes unleashed their famous Chicken Sandwich, causing a nationwide frenzy. Social media buzz and viral reviews quickly propelled the sandwich to culinary stardom, with long lines forming outside Popeyes locations across the country. This unexpected craze demonstrated Popeyes' ability to generate excitement and capture the public's attention.

2017

Viral Success of the 'Chicken Sandwich'

2017 marked a significant turning point for Popeyes when they launched their Chicken Sandwich. Going viral on social media, the sandwich generated immense hype and long lines at Popeyes locations across the United States. The unprecedented popularity demonstrated Popeyes' ability to compete with other fast-food giants in the chicken sandwich category.

Present

Continued success and cultural impact

Today, Popeyes has become a beloved fast-food brand known for its mouthwatering fried chicken, flavorful side dishes such as Cajun fries and red beans and rice, and signature biscuits. Its unique blend of Southern hospitality and Louisiana-inspired cuisine has not only delighted taste buds but also influenced popular culture. The term 'Popeyes' has become synonymous with tasty and bold flavors, making it an essential part of the culinary lexicon.

2020

The Chicken Sandwich Wars

In 2020, Popeyes found itself in the midst of the 'Chicken Sandwich Wars.' Fast-food chains, including Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, and McDonald's, launched their own versions of the chicken sandwich, sparking a fierce competition. The ongoing battle for the best chicken sandwich fueled social media debates and created a cultural phenomenon surrounding fast-food rivalries.

2008

Launch of 'Louisiana Fast' rebranding

In 2008, Popeyes underwent a major rebranding campaign, introducing the new tagline 'Louisiana Fast.' This rebranding aimed to emphasize the quick service and authentic Louisiana flavors that Popeyes was known for.

2001

New ownership and rebranding

In 2001, AFC Enterprises acquired Popeyes, bringing in new management and fresh ideas. Under the new ownership, the brand underwent a rebranding effort, modernizing its logo and image to appeal to a wider audience.

2008

Acquisition by AFC Enterprises

In 2008, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen was acquired by AFC Enterprises, a fast-food holding company. The acquisition provided Popeyes with additional resources and support for expansion and development. AFC Enterprises later changed its name to Restaurant Brands International to encompass its diverse portfolio of brands, including Popeyes.

2008

Rebranding as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

In 2008, Popeyes underwent a rebranding effort and changed its name to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, emphasizing its Louisiana-style cooking and the use of fresh ingredients. This rebranding aimed to showcase the rich cultural heritage and authentic flavors associated with the brand.

2008

The $1 million recipe

Popeyes gained massive publicity in 2008 when they announced a $1 million prize to anyone who could accurately recreate their secret fried chicken recipe. This clever marketing campaign generated a lot of buzz and showcased the uniqueness and desirability of their menu.

2017

Acquisition by Restaurant Brands International

In 2017, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen was acquired by Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King and Tim Hortons. This acquisition provided Popeyes with additional resources and global reach, further elevating its status as a prominent fast-food chain.

2020

Continued Growth and Innovations

Popeyes has continued to experience growth and innovation in recent years. In 2020, they introduced a new menu item called the 'Ikea Hemmafrån Låt,' a Swedish-themed chicken sandwich, as part of a collaboration with the Swedish furniture store IKEA. This unique partnership showcased Popeyes' commitment to pushing boundaries and creating exciting new culinary experiences.

2017

The 'Love that Chicken from Popeyes' viral sensation

In 2017, Popeyes gained widespread attention when a tweet about their chicken sandwich went viral. The viral tweet sparked a social media frenzy, leading to long lines and sold-out sandwiches in many Popeyes locations. This unexpected buzz solidified Popeyes' reputation as a fast-food chain with a dedicated fanbase.

2019

Chicken Sandwich Craze

In 2019, Popeyes launched its now-iconic Chicken Sandwich, which quickly took the internet by storm. Social media played a significant role in generating hype around the sandwich, leading to long lines, sellouts, and even shortages at many Popeyes locations. The Chicken Sandwich craze demonstrated the power of viral marketing and how a single menu item can captivate the public's attention and drive significant sales.

2019

Chicken Sandwich Craze

In 2019, Popeyes introduced their now-infamous chicken sandwich, which became a cultural phenomenon. The sandwich's release sparked a viral social media debate and a frenzy of customers lining up to get their hands on one.

2020

Popeyes launches the 'I Love You, Colonel Sanders!' video game

In 2020, Popeyes partnered with KFC to release a humorous and quirky video game called 'I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin' Good Dating Simulator.' This collaboration further showcased Popeyes' ability to stay relevant and engage with its audience in unique ways.

Present

Continued Success

Today, Popeyes is recognized globally as one of the largest fast-food chains, known for its flavorful chicken and distinctive Louisiana-inspired cuisine. With over 3,000 locations worldwide, Popeyes continues to expand its reach and satisfy the cravings of millions.