Popeyes has opened its fifth restaurant in the region and its first airport outlet in Britain
The new Popeyes restaurant which is where the former main Boots shop used to be at Birmingham Airport
A new restaurant has opened at Birmingham Airport in time for the summer holiday rush.
Fast food brand Popeyes has replaced the larger Boots store airside at the airport and opened for business today, Friday, June 27.
The chain has rapidly expanded in and around the Second City since opening its first store in New Street last year. Three more have opened at The Fort Shopping Park in Erdington, Tyseley and Wednesbury in recent weeks.
READ MORE: Exactly when Popeyes is opening three West Midlands restaurants
Birmingham Airport posted photos online of the new outlet, which is on the left-hand side of the departure lounge when looking from the duty free shop.
It shows touch screen ordering points, a counter for collections and seating. Customers can also order via the Popeyes app.
The restaurant has created 70 new jobs and has space for 68 seated diners.
There was also free Popeyes merchandise including baggage tags and eye masks for the first 150 customers.
Staff at the new Popeyes fast food restaurant at Birmingham Airport are ready to service hungry passengers before they take to the skies (Image: Birmingham Airport)
Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes UK, said: “Opening our first UK airport location is a huge milestone for Popeyes as we roll out our expansion plans.
“We’re thrilled to bring a taste of New Orleans to Birmingham Airport, and to serve our shatter crunchin’ fried chicken to passengers from Birmingham and beyond.”
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The new Popeyes restaurant at BHX takes the place of what used to be the airport’s main Boots (but there’s another one by Gates 1 to 20 (Image: Birmingham Airport)
In a post on social media the airport said: “Popeyes has landed at Birmingham Airport, serving up their famous Louisiana fried chicken!
“Enjoy their New Orleans-style fried chicken, including the iconic Chicken Sandwich, Hot Wings, Saucin’ Boneless range and selection of delicious sides.
“Each piece of chicken is marinated for 12 hours and hand-breaded for that famous shatter-crunch.
“Brekkie is served until 10am daily, then from 10am onwards, the restaurant will serve up an expanded menu.
“Try before you fly from Birmingham Airport.”
The bright Popeyes logo at the counter of the chain’s first airport restaurant which has opened at BHX (Image: Birmingham Airport)
Richard Gill, commercial director at Birmingham Airport, said: “We’re delighted to mark the official opening of Popeyes at Birmingham Airport and to be the first UK airport to welcome the iconic Louisiana chicken brand, which we open in partnership with our Food and Beverage partner SSP.
“After months of planning, and build, customers travelling out of the airport this summer will now have the chance to sample the renowned New Orleans-inspired flavours of Popeyes chicken.
“With an extensive menu that caters for all dietary needs, the arrival of Popeyes bolsters our airside dining options and we’re confident that the new restaurant will prove popular with our passengers.“
Cathy Granby, business development director at SSP UK & Ireland, said: “This is the first in a pipeline of opportunities for SSP and Popeyes, starting with Popeyes’ inaugural journey into UK airport restaurants with our long-standing partner, Birmingham Airport.
“There’s a huge appetite for Popeyes’ tasty menu, so we’re really excited to kickstart our new partnership together and for what the future holds.”