UK. Louisiana fried chicken brand Popeyes UK has officially opened its first UK airport restaurant at Birmingham Airport in partnership with SSP.
The airside 68-cover concession features self-service kiosks and collection points for orders.
The eatery serves up Popeyes’ fan favourites, including hero dish the fried chicken sandwich, plus hot wings, tenders and signature wraps.
The new Saucin’ Boneless and Wings range is also available, inspired by bold New Orleans flavours including cheesy Garlic Parm, smoky BBQ and spicy Buffalo.
The Popeyes breakfast menu features British breakfast classics with a New Orleans twist. It includes Cajun Hash Browns and the Big Brekkie Roll, made with a herby chicken sausage patty.
All of Popeyes’ chicken is halal and marinated for 12 hours in its signature blend of bold Louisiana seasoning, then hand-breaded and battered to deliver the brand’s famous ‘shatter crunch’.
The fried chicken is complemented by tasty extras such as Popeyes Original Biscuits and Cajun Gravy.
The first 150 customers at the new airport restaurant were rewarded with exclusive Popeyes merchandise, including branded eye masks and luggage tags.
Popeyes UK CEO Tom Crowley 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.”
Birmingham Airport Commercial Director Richard Gill commented, “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 & 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.”
SSP UK & Ireland Business Development Director Cathy Granby 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.” 
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