American fried chicken giant Popeyes is opening its third Greater Manchester restaurantPopeyes is opening its third Greater Manchester site later this yearPopeyes is opening its third Greater Manchester site later this year(Image: LAURENCEHOWE.COM)

Popeyes is set to open another restaurant in the the city following the success of its two other sites in Greater Manchester.

The American fried chicken restaurant has now set its sights on Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre and is looking to open it later this year.

The home of Louisiana fried chicken will bring its signature New Orleans flavours to Manchester once again as part of its plans to double its UK footprint by the end of 2025. Its Arndale opening marks the third location in Manchester following the success of its existing Manchester Piccadilly and Bury New Road restaurants.

The famed fast food spot opened its first Manchester site on Piccadilly Gardens in October 2023, with people queuing overnight to be the first ones to try the chicken sandwich that ‘broke the internet’.

Comprising a brioche bun, mayo, pickles and fried chicken, it was introduced to the American market in 2019 sold out in record time, with the internet going into meltdown over the long queues.

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The brand has more than 4,000 restaurants globally. It expanded from the United States into the UK in 2021, opening at Stratford Westfield shopping centre in East London.

Queues outside Popeyes Piccadilly Gardens on its opening day in September Queues outside Popeyes Piccadilly Gardens on its opening day in September (Image: Ryan Jenkinson / Manchester Evening News)

Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer, said: “It’s clear that Manchester has a real appetite for our Louisiana-style fried chicken, and we’re excited to confirm our new restaurant in one of the city’s busiest shopping centres, Manchester Arndale.

“We can’t wait to share more about this exciting opening very soon.”

Manchester residents will be able to dine in or takeaway from the new restaurant later this year, and enjoy a taste of the full Popeyes menu, including fan-favourites like the famed Chicken Sandwich, Tenders, and Signature Chicken Wraps in Classic, Spicy, and BBQ.

A look at the food on the menu at PopeyesA look at the food on the menu at Popeyes(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Each piece of Popeyes chicken is marinated for 12 hours on-site in its signature blend of Louisiana herbs and spices, then hand-breaded and battered to deliver that much-loved ‘shatter crunch’.

As well as sandwiches, wraps, Louisiana chicken, tenders, and hot wings, Popeye’s is well known for its side including mac & cheese, mash and Cajun gravy and original biscuit.

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Drinks wise, there’s a range of milkshakes on offer, in flavours spanning vanilla, chocolate and mocha, alongside specialities like Oreo, Lotus Biscoff and strawberry cheesecake.

Inside Popeyes on Piccadilly Gardens which opened in October 2023Inside Popeyes on Piccadilly Gardens which opened in October 2023(Image: Manchester Evening News)

The new Manchester site will also be serving up its full breakfast menu at the new restaurant, packed with breakfast classics combined with a New Orleans twist. The menu features the Big Cajun Roll, Cajun Hash Browns and indulgent Nutella-topped buttermilk biscuits.

Ahead of the opening day, fried chicken fans can enter for the chance of winning one of its world-famous Chicken Sandwiches by signing up via the Popeyes website.

The new restaurant will be located at Manchester Arndale, Cromford Court, Market St, Manchester M4 3AQ and will bring 50 new jobs in the local area.