Jubilant Foodworks Limited, a part of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, In a statement on 24 March, has announced plans to bring the US-based Fast Food Chain Popeyes to India, Bhutan and Nepal.
One of India’s largest foodservice Company, Jubilant FoodWorks “ has entered into an exclusive Master Franchise and Development Agreement with PLK APAC Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI), to develop, establish, own and operate hundreds of Popeyes® restaurants in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan in the coming years.” read the statement of the company.
In India, Jubilant FoodWorks holds master franchise rights for the famous International brands, Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts, diversifying in two different food market segments.
Now, the company will have the exclusive rights to develop and operate Popeyes® in the Indian subcontinent. On this, Mr Shyam S. Bhartia, Chairman and Mr. Hari S. Bhartia, Co-Chairman, Jubilant Foodworks Limited said, “We are happy to announce the signing of a multi-country agreement to acquire the exclusive rights to operate and sub-license the iconic Popeyes® brand in India and neighbouring countries.”
They added, “Chicken is one of the largest and fastest-growing categories in India and is expected to grow rapidly in years to come. Popeyes® will be an exciting addition to the JFL portfolio and is expected to become one of the key drivers of growth for us in the coming years.”
Founded in 1972, in New Orleans, Popeyes® was opened to sell New Orleans-style chicken. This was the subsequent effort of Alvin C. Copeland Sr, after the months of lacklustre performance of the food place “Chicken on the Run” opened in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi, serving traditional Southern-fried chicken.
Now, the company rejoices in more than 45 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes® New Orleans style menu makes it unique by featuring the iconic chicken sandwich, spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items. It is considered as one of the world’s largest chicken quick-service restaurants, operating over 3,400 restaurants in more than 25 countries across the globe.
With its acquisition by RBI, Popeyes® has reached countries like Spain, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Sri Lanka and the Philippines over the past few years.
On entering this agreement, David Shear, President International at RBI, said, “We’re excited to introduce our iconic Louisiana-style chicken to a new population in the world that already celebrates and loves bold and delicious flavours. At Popeyes®, we believe that the best food takes time, we marinate our chicken for 12 hours in bold Louisiana seasonings, then hand batter and slowly cook it to make it the juiciest and crispiest chicken that I think our guests will ever have.”
“Popeyes® will also enter the United Kingdom and build its presence in Mexico starting in 2021, with plans to open several hundreds of restaurants across both countries,” said the statement.