Popeyes® to bring first drive-thru restaurant to Northern Ireland, opening in Antrim

Popeye’s Deluxe Chicken Sandwich

World-renowned fried chicken brand Popeyes® is set to open its first drive-thru restaurant in Northern Ireland at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park, Antrim, on Monday 7 July at 11:00am, marking a major milestone in the company’s UK expansion.

Following the success of its debut Northern Ireland location at Forestside, Belfast in September 2024, the Louisiana-born brand will now serve up its famous crispy chicken to dine-in and drive-thru customers alike.

The grand opening promises to be a celebration of New Orleans-style hospitality, complete with free Chicken Sandwiches for the first 50 walk-in and drive-thru customers, plus a year’s supply of sandwiches for the first three people in each queue.

A live Mardi Gras-inspired brass band will help bring the spirit of Louisiana to Antrim on launch day, with queues officially permitted from 9:00am.

Hundreds gathered at the Forestside opening in September 2024

Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes® UK, said:

“We’re thrilled to be announcing our first drive thru location in Northern Ireland, following the success of our Belfast Forestside opening last year. Northern Ireland remains a key focus in our expansion plans, and we’re looking forward to bringing a taste of New Orleans to the people of Antrim and the surrounding areas.”

Job creation and regional commitment

A queue of 150 formed at the opening of Popeye’s first Northern Ireland restaurant at Forestside, Belfast, last September

The new Antrim location reflects Popeyes®’s continued commitment to Northern Ireland, with the restaurant expected to create 100 local jobs, in addition to the 90 roles already created at the Forestside branch.

Popeyes® has made clear that both Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland form a key part of its long-term growth strategy, with further sites actively under consideration as the region’s appetite for quality fried chicken continues to soar.

An authentic taste of New Orleans

All Popeyes® chicken is marinated for 12 hours in a signature blend of Louisiana herbs and spices, then hand-breaded and battered fresh daily to create the brand’s distinctive Shatter-Crunch texture. The full dine-in and drive-thru menu at the Antrim site will include:

• Popeyes® iconic Chicken Sandwich range

• Hot Wings, Tenders

• Original Southern Biscuits with Cajun Gravy

• New Saucin’ Boneless and Hot Wings, featuring Garlic Parm, BBQ, and Buffalo flavours

Breakfast on the go

From Tuesday 8 July, Popeyes® will also serve its popular UK breakfast menu from 8:00am–10:00am. A special £1.99 Breakfast Meal Deal – including a Brekkie Roll, Cajun Hash Brown and a drink – will be available exclusively via the Popeyes® UK app.

Stay connected

Fans can follow updates on the launch and future store openings by visiting Popeyes® UK on Instagram and TikTok (@PopeyesUK).

About Popeyes®

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes® has grown into one of the world’s largest fried chicken chains. The brand is famed for its bold Cajun flavours, crispy hand-battered chicken, and distinctive Southern hospitality.

Popeyes® entered the UK market with a mission to shake up the fried chicken and breakfast scenes, and it continues to expand rapidly across the region.