Customer Mia set up camp outside Popeyes on the Fort Shopping Park at 7:30am the day before it openedThe Fort branch of Popeyes had a ribbon cutting ceremonyThe Fort branch of Popeyes had a ribbon cutting ceremony(Image: Popeyes)

A hopeful food fan queued for 27 hours outside a new fried chicken restaurant that opened at the Fort Shopping Park.

Popeyes opened on Friday, May 23 at 11am but diner Mia set up camp at 7:30am on Thursday, May 22 to be first through the door of the new branch.

The US chain, known for its Louisiana fried chicken, opened on Birmingham’s New Street in August last year, with campers waiting outside for over 14 hours.

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But at The Fort, Mia reached a new record, waiting for 27 hours for food she hadn’t before tasted.

Mia said: “I’ve never had Popeyes before but I’ve heard so many good things – especially about the chicken sandwich.

“As soon as I found out it was opening, I knew I had to be first in line.

“It’s been a long wait, but I’m buzzing to finally try it and see what all the hype’s about!”

A ribbon cutting, complete with confetti cannon and merch giveaway, took place at 11am.

As well as opening at The Fort, Popeyes opened a second new branch – with a drive through – at the Gallagher Retail Park in Wednesday on Friday, May 23.

Popeyes is known for fried chicken tenders, chicken wraps and sandwiches in Louisiana seasoning.

The halal chicken is marinated for 12 hours, breaded and fried to its ‘shatter crunch’ texture.

Sides include biscuits and cajun gravy.

Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes UK, said: “The response across the West Midlands has been amazing – it’s been great to see such a strong turnout at both locations.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming more customers to experience a taste of New Orleans over the weekend, and are excited to open more restaurants across the West Midlands in the months ahead.”

A further launch is planned for Tyseley – on Monday June 2. Then, the first three customers on foot, and the first three cars in the drive through, will get free chicken sandwiches for a year.

The first 25 in each queue will get Popeyes merchandise and the first 50 will get a free chicken sandwich each.