Popeyes unveils new CEO to head UK expansion
Following last month’s announcement that it plans to open 350 restaurants in the UK in the next decade, Popeyes has unveiled Tom Crowley as its UK chief executive.
The iconic US chicken brand plans to launch its first UK restaurant by the end of 2021, with Northern Ireland a likely venue for many outlets.
Tom Crowley will now oversee the expansion of a chain which already boasts 3,400 restaurants around the world.
Speaking about his appointment, he said: “I’m thrilled with the opportunity to launch the globally renowned Popeyes brand into the dynamic UK market. I believe we have a truly disruptive proposition rooted in authentic Louisiana culture that will really resonate with UK guests.
“This last year has been incredibly hard on the hospitality industry and I’m pleased that Popeyes will be able to contribute to the industry’s recovery with our ambitious goals for the UK.
“Popeyes is a very special brand and I am very excited about what we can achieve over the next 10 years and beyond.”
Crowley brings over 20 years’ experience leading UK pub, casual dining and QSR brands – more recently, as managing director of Giraffe Concepts and then subsequently as CEO of Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG).
Popeyes’ UK plan is to create hundreds of jobs across the UK as it brings together talented teams of people to deliver the Louisiana hospitality and incredible chicken that makes this brand so famous around the globe.
It is also committed to bringing a market-leading digital experience to the UK and said it will place an emphasis on building the type of connections and community that the British public is craving after months of lockdown.
The UK opening will represent the brand’s 11th country in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, which already has more than 350 Popeyes restaurants.
Founded in New Orleans in Louisiana in 1972, Popeyes is a global player in the fried chicken market and currently boasts 3,400 restaurants across 29 countries.
