The Popeyes quick service restaurant chain and Gulf First Fast Food Company have announced a plan to develop and grow the Popeyes brand in Saudi Arabia. Gulf First has entered into an exclusive Master Franchise and Development Agreement to hopefully open hundreds of new restaurants in the Kingdom.
Founded in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi in 1972, Popeyes has carved a niche in the global fried chicken market through proprietary cooking techniques and authentic Louisiana flavors. In addition to chicken, its menus typically feature Cajun crispy shrimp surf and turf, flounder sandwiches, Cajun fries, mashed potatoes with gravy, cole slaw, red beans and rice, and cinnamon apple pie.
“We are proud to partner with Popeyes to grow the brand’s presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Gulf First CEO Madhav Kapur. “We are eager to grow our share in the Saudi Arabia quick service restaurant market by continuing to focus on delivering exceptional service and great-tasting food to our guests.”
With over 3,400 locations in more than 25 countries, the expansion into Saudi Arabia builds on Popeyes international operations in China, Spain, Switzerland, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Most recently, the brand announced it will enter the United Kingdom, India and surrounding countries, and will be growing its presence in Mexico.
Popeyes is a unit of Restaurant Brands International Inc., one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant companies with approximately $31 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 27,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. RBI also owns the Burger King and Tim Hortons chains.