US fried chicken brand spreads wings to Leicester
A former city centre bank and retail store is gaining a brand new identity with the rapid expansion of US fried chicken giant, Popeyes® UK, the master franchise for the United Kingdom.
Marketed by East Midlands commercial property firm Andrew + Ashwell (A+A), the deal for the Gallowtree Gate former bank premises has now been completed. It will soon offer a taste of Louisiana with Popeyes® UK’s famous menu, as the chain is set to refurbish, recruit and start trading within the next month.
Popeyes now has more than 3,000 outlets across the USA, having first opened in New Orleans in 1972. The brand made its debut in the UK in London only last year with ambitious plans to launch hundreds of restaurants. Midlands branches have opened in Nottingham and Derby, soon to be followed by Leicester.
The original banking hall, with an impressive arched atrium and marble columns, offers an open sales area covering over 2,100 sq ft of space at ground floor level, plus storage and offices on the first and second floors. For many years the building was also a popular Dorothy Perkins and Burtons clothing store. This folded early last year following the demise of the Arcadia Group.
Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes® UK, said: “We’re excited to be growing our presence in the Midlands with a brand new restaurant in the heart of Leicester as part of our accelerating UK rollout. We look forward to opening our new restaurant before Christmas.”
Kelvin Wilson, associate director at A+A, said Popeyes is in an ideal location for the changing face of Leicester.
“City premises have faced major challenges everywhere over the past few years. Shopping habits are changing and today there is more of a focus on food-led eating outlets that will create an attractive leisure offering to bring people back into the centre.
“Popeyes is a landmark building right at the heart of Leicester, close to the Clock Tower, with the Highcross and Haymarket shopping centres nearby, as well as major stores, including M&S and Boots just along the street.
“It will add an exciting new element to the various restaurants and takeaways already established around the vicinity, giving even greater choice for visitors to enjoy.”
