The Popeyes quick service restaurant operator and the Centras Group have announced plans to develop and open dozens of Popeyes outlets across Kazakhstan in the coming years.
Popeyes’ menu features spicy fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other Louisiana regional items. The chain, founded in New Orleans in 1972, uses proprietary seasonings and techniques developed by an in-house culinary team of chefs. Passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes to become one of the world’s largest chicken quick service restaurant companies with over 3,900 restaurants in more than 30 countries.
“We’re excited to introduce our iconic Louisiana-style chicken to guests in Kazakhstan with Eldar Abdrazakov, a highly reputable local investor,” said Thiago Santelmo, president of Restaurant Brands International EMEA, the parent company of Popeyes. “This is the first deal for the chain in Central Asia, representing a gateway for the region and opening up new expansion opportunities for the brand in the coming years.”
The launch is expected to lead to the creation of thousands of jobs spanning critical operational roles in construction and supply chain and distribution, as well as provide a direct boost to the country’s hospitality sector.
“We are extremely proud to announce the signing of the agreement granting us the exclusive rights to operate Popeyes in Kazakhstan. Chicken is one of the largest and fastest growing categories in the country and is expected to grow rapidly in years to come,” said Centras Group owner Abdrazakov.
Centras is Kazakhstan’s leading private corporation in financial and consumer services. Operating in Russia as well as in the home market, it pioneered the country’s mutual fund in 2005 and international private equity fund in 2007.
The Group is one of four mandated public pensions managers in Kazakhstan. Its Centras and Kommesk-Omir insurance company subsidiaries serve over 1.5 million customers a year. SOS Medical provides medical assistance and clinical services.
