Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen to Expand in California

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen may have its home base thousands of miles away, but don’t think that’s going to stop it from taking over as much of California — specifically, Southern California — as it can.

Restaurant News reports that the 39-year-old Louisiana-based fried chicken fast food restaurants “has launched an aggressive growth plan to increase its presence in Southern California.”

To that end, according to Popeyes' own press release, it's “seeking bold, passionate multi-unit operators to invest in new restaurants in Los Angeles and San Diego.”

Restaurant News notes that the company’s dollar share of the chicken quick-serve restaurant business is at a 10-year peak in the US. To help ease fears of potential franchisees, Popeyes is hosting two seminars this month in L.A. and San Diego.

Having refreshed its brand in 2008, Popeyes’ popularity was greatly helped last year when it won a taste test against archrival KFC. It's apparently been eating into KFC's business in China with its limited-time offers.

That may be part of the reason that “Popeyes global system opened 106 new restaurants and total domestic same-store sales increased 2.5 percent (in 2010) compared to 0.6 percent in 2009,” according to Restaurant News.

“Popeyes is a brand with soul, offering a franchise opportunity unlike any other,” said Greg S. Vojnovic, CFE, vice president of development, Restaurant News reports. "It’s not for everyone and requires a leader who believes in accountability and take as much pride in serving the front of the house as managing the back."