People queue outside from 6pm last night as fast food giant opens in York
The first six in line before midnight (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
A POPULAR fast-food chain has opened its doors in York.
Popeyes – a popular New Orleans style fried chicken chain – has officially opened to the public with around 100 people waiting in line to get the first taste of the American fast-food staple known for catering Beyonce’s wedding.
The opening, which took place at 11am today (October 9) saw a full brass brand performing, merchandise giveaways, and free chicken burgers being handed out to the first 100 inside the new restaurant.
- PICTURES - Salon which transports visitors to 'another world' opens in York
- Band behind iconic Grammy winning album to open tour in York
The new restaurant, located inside the former Game shop, has created 70 jobs in the city and offers dine in options, including delivery to the table, along with takeaway and delivery.
Popeyes have also launched a new rewards app with 2000 extra points for each person who signs up in the York restaurant over the weekend.
First in the queue was Teigan Butterfield from Leeds, who along with her partner Jude and friend Simon, had been waiting outside since 6pm the day before (October 8), with the promise of free chicken sandwiches for a year in return for their efforts.
She said that the idea to line up came from a friend who told her about his experience being first in line at two other Popeyes openings - making her want to try it for herself.
Teigan was first in line at Popeyes (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
She said: “It’s been a crazy night sitting out here. The weather wasn’t too bad as we’re under the canopy, but there’s been a lot of shenanigans going on around here all night.
“We had someone come up to us and talk at us for 90 minutes, and the local homeless people in the area have come to check that we were okay – which was really nice.
“Originally, there was four of us here, but one guy ended up leaving because he said it was too tough, and then we’ve had a few more people join us at midnight. Normally, they only give it to the first three people, but they’ve been really nice and made sure all six of us got it.
Teigan with friends Jude and Simon (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
“I didn’t get any sleep. I’m actually meant to be at uni in a few hours, but I don’t think that’s going to happen after tonight.”
After tasting her burger, she confirmed that the burger was “banging” and “miles ahead of the other competitors, who we will not name.”
Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes UK, said: “We’ve been trying to get to York a long time, it's a great city, but it's one of those locations where it's hard to find the right property.
Big windows face onto Church Street (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
“We were so pleased to finally find the right spot, right on the corner here which is amazing, and we’ve had such a good response here. I’ve done this since day one up and down the country and it’s a bit of a phenomenon.
“The brand has such heritage – it’s 50 years, right out of New Orleans, and it’s one of the biggest brands in the US. It’s nice when people come and try our products and have that big ‘wow, okay’ reaction. We want to just bring a little slice of New Orleans to the city.”
The outside of Popeyes (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
This was echoed by James Clark, Head of Digital Marketing for Popeyes, who is originally from York and was ‘delighted’ to see the opening in his hometown.
He added: “It’s been a long time coming. York is definitely one of the biggest cities that we haven’t opened in and the reaction has been amazing – it’s a great thing for the city and it’s a really great location.”
Popeyes is open from 10.30am to 11pm daily.