The famous fried chicken chain Popeyes is bringing its signature Louisiana flavour to Southend High Street, with a brand new restaurant set to open just two doors down from rivals KFC and Taco Bell.
The new Popeyes will be located at 90 High Street, SS1 1JN, taking over the site of the former Ironworks building – a once-popular community space which sadly closed its doors last summer due to financial difficulties. The Ironworks had hosted everything from local events to art exhibitions, and its closure was a blow to many in the area.
The building will now begin a new chapter, this time serving up crispy chicken and biscuits rather than community workshops and poetry nights.
This will be one of Popeyes’ first branches in south Essex, as the American chain continues a rapid expansion across the UK. The brand, which is known for its bold Louisiana-style fried chicken and viral sandwiches, is aiming to open 45 new restaurants in 2025 – including a second Essex location at Lakeside Shopping Centre.
A spokesperson for Popeyes UK said:
“Our ambitious roll-out strategy – which will see us open, on average, close to one new site per week in the coming 12 months – will mean that we can bring joy to even more customers across the country, from breakfast through to late-night.
Last year, we opened 33 new spots across the UK and we’re not stopping there. This year, we’re going bigger with a new opening practically once a week, bringing that iconic New Orleans flavour all across the UK.”
The Southend restaurant is now hiring, with jobs available for team members keen to be part of the growing brand. Perks include free chicken while on shift, and a 30% discount on food when off the clock.
Locals have already begun reacting to the news. Gemma Warrilow, a Southend resident, welcomed the addition:
“I’m excited to try this. More restaurants are good for the High Street – more jobs, more reasons for visitors to come from the seafront and pass the shops on their way to eat. And again, more jobs created!”
But not everyone is convinced. Peter Churchill offered a more tongue-in-cheek view:
“Hopefully we’ll make it into the Guinness Book of Records for being the first city to have more fast food restaurants, charity shops and betting shops than any other city per capita.”
Popeyes joins a cluster of fast-food brands competing for attention in the heart of Southend. Are you excited for Popeyes to open in Southend? Or would you prefer a different shop? Share your thoughts in the comments below.