The new store opens very soon and queues are expected for free chicken
The new Popeyes inside the Arndale Centre marks the chain’s 33rd store opening this year(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
With the hype surrounding the Arndale this week, you would think the launch of the new Popeyes store was the first to open in Manchester.
But, in actual fact, the new Arndale store – which opens on Friday (August 29) – is actually the third store across Greater Manchester, with its original city location just moments away in Piccadilly Gardens.
The fried chicken chain opened its first ever store in Louisiana, New Orleans more than 50 years ago but it only arrived in the UK four years ago with the arrival of its Stratford store.
In a demonstration of just how big the street food chain has grown, the new Arndale store marks its 33rd opening just this year alone. Located on the Lower Ground of the shopping centre, it joins recently-joined neighbours including Sephora, Trailberg, and Arc’teryx, as well as a newly-revamped LEGO store.
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Popeyes opens in the Arndale on Friday (August 29)(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Opening from 11am on Friday, queues are expected outside the new Popeyes restaurant as bosses have promised a wealth of freebies in store for the first people in line when the doors open.
Each opening of a new Popeyes restaurant has seen people queuing overnight to try the chain’s viral chicken sandwiches – with some people saying that they had waited for over 17 hours to be first in line.
The first three customers to the Arndale store will win the ultimate prize of free Chicken Sandwiches for a year. The first 50 customers will also get their hands on some exclusive Popeyes UK merchandise.
Popeyes has become known for its iconic Chicken Sandwich, Hot Wings, Tenders, and Signature Chicken Wraps(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The first 100 customers at the opening of the Arndale store will also get a free chicken sandwich to celebrate the big occasion. The opening will also feature some lively music from Mardi Gras-style band The Brass Funkeys.
Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK CEO, said: “The response to our first two Manchester restaurants has been incredible, and we’re sure our new Arndale location will be just as popular.
The new Manchester store features 85 seats, as well as self-service kiosks and collection points(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“The new opening marks an exciting step in our growth across the city, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests to experience the spirit of New Orleans.”
All of Popeyes’ chicken is marinated for 12 hours in a signature blend of Louisiana seasoning, before it is then hand-breaded and battered to deliver its world-famous ‘shatter-crunch’.
Popeyes’ ‘famous Louisiana chicken’ is marinated for 12 hours(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The new Arndale store will also offer diners the chance to try the new Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, which had initially only been available to order for a limited time. Following big demand, the sweet and spicy twist on the Chicken Sandwich features a drizzling of Hot Honey sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and pickles, and served in a soft brioche bun.
The Sandwich is joined by the return of the bigger-than-ever Hot Honey range, featuring the brand-new Hot Honey Saucin’ Boneless, the comeback of Hot Honey Saucin’ Wings, and the Hot Honey Box Meal.
Popeyes will be located at the Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre, M4 3AD.
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