Popeyes launches first UK restaurants: US chicken chain co-founder hailed as jobs-creating

US deep-frying chicken chain Popeyes plans to open what will be the first British restaurant as it pushes with an ambitious expansion plan to open hundreds of UK locations.

KFC's rival, which operates 3.400 restaurants worldwide, said it was opening its first store with customers by the end of the year.

Popeyes, founded in New Orleans in 1972, will be launched in the United Kingdom under an agreement between Restaurant Brands International, Ring International Holdings and Mr Sese, a service industry veteran.

The chain, which has been established in New Orleans in 1972, spends 12 hours soaking its chicken in Louisiana spices.

Elias Diaz Sese, co-founder of Popeyes UK, said Mr Sese, who is a non-executive director at Domino's Pizza UK, was "expecting the brand to attract strong support from customers" and believed its expansion plan could create hundreds more jobs.

Elias Diaz Sese, co-founder of Popeyes UK and non-executive director of Domino's Pizza, told PA: 'It's difficult to say exactly what the scale will be right now, but we are looking to create hundreds of jobs in the restaurants and in the supply chain.'

The announcement comes at a time when eateries across the UK remain closed due to lockdown curbs and places will not open outside until April 12 at the earliest.