Popeyes
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen offers quick-service restaurants specializing in fried chicken and seafood. Known for its spicy chicken, the brand operates in the fast-food sector.
About Popeyes
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. is an American-Canadian multinational chain of Southern fried chicken restaurants founded in 1972 in New Orleans and headquartered in Miami. It is currently a subsidiary of Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International. As of 2026, Popeyes operates a global network of 5,413 restaurants across 51 countries and territories, including 48 US states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. About 50 locations are company-owned while the other approximately 98% are franchised.
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Popeyes franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total estimated initial investment, excluding real estate costs, ranges from $504,545 to $1,968,245 for a new in-line facility and between $1,222,045 and $3,923,245 for a new free-standing facility [p.1]. This includes the initial franchise fee of $50,000, as well as other costs such as opening advertising, equipment, fixtures, construction, leasehold improvements, and working capital necessary to commence operations [p.240].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee varies; it can range from $50,000 to $12,500 depending on whether a development incentive program applies or if the franchise is for an alternative venue with a shorter term. [p.24, p.40, p.273, p.282]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD sections discuss the structure of franchise revenues, including royalties and initial fees, but do not detail the specific amounts or percentages for ongoing royalty and advertising fees. For precise details on these fees, you should refer to Item 11 under the subheading 'Advertising Fund' in the FDD.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial term of the franchise agreement is as set forth on the Key Contract Data page [p.194]. At the end of the initial term, you may have the option to extend the term under certain conditions, such as completing a required renovation by a specific date, and then potentially renewing the franchise in accordance with the Renewal Term and Supplemental Term Option provisions [p.211, p.292].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
You can sell or transfer your franchise, but it requires approval from the franchisor for good cause [p.5]. Additionally, you must pay a transfer fee; no additional initial franchise fee or development fee is charged by the franchisor for a transfer [p.227]. This isn't specified in the excerpts regarding the exact process or requirements beyond payment and good cause for approval.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.472]. Additionally, if the average annual restaurant sales for the first four years are less than $1.5 million, the franchisee has the option to close the Franchised Restaurant and terminate the agreement [p.282], though this is not a ground initiated by the franchisor. The franchisor also reserves the right to terminate the agreement if the Franchised Restaurant is operated by an entity or individual other than the franchisee without prior written consent [p.216].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD focuses on the need for working capital to cover three months of expenses but does not provide specific details about net worth or liquid capital requirements for qualifying as a franchisee.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory under the Franchise Agreement. The agreement provides a Protected Area to prevent other Popeyes Restaurants from opening in your area but does not grant you an exclusive right to operate within that area without competition from other Popeyes locations or external competitors [p.65, p.66].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training for new franchisees as well as annual testing and potential additional training at a designated facility, which may be mandatory. The franchisor also offers pre-opening services such as training and inspections, and ongoing services including development of training materials and menu items, as well as restaurant monitoring and inspections [p.573]. These services are bundled into a single performance obligation to provide the right to use the franchisor's intellectual property over the term of the franchise agreement [p.521].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2024, there were 514 franchised in-line Popeyes Restaurants, 196 franchised food court Popeyes Restaurants, and 2,186 franchised free-standing Popeyes Restaurants. A total of 73 franchised restaurants permanently closed during the period, with 25 from the in-line category, 3 from the food court category, and 47 from the free-standing category. [p.93, p.95, p.91]
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor may provide financial performance information if there is a reasonable basis and it includes actual records of an existing outlet being considered, or supplements the information provided in Item 19. However, other than the financial performance representation mentioned, no other financial performance representations are made [p.103].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are not provided with specific restrictions on what you can sell in the excerpts. However, regarding supply purchases, you must buy Trade Secret Products only from designated suppliers, Proprietary Products from approved suppliers, and other necessary items from suppliers who meet certain criteria as outlined [p.43]. This isn't specified in the excerpts.