Massive Queues as Popeyes® Lands in Edinburgh with a Bang

Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street was buzzing with excitement yesterday as fried chicken fans flocked to the grand opening of Popeyes® UK’s newest restaurant. The American fast food giant made a spectacular Scottish debut, with more than 100 eager customers queuing for over 12 hours to get a first bite of the famous Chicken Sandwich.

The highly anticipated launch, which took place on Friday 14 March, brought a taste of New Orleans to the capital. Doors officially opened at 11am, but queues had already formed the night before, with die-hard fans camping out from 10.30pm. Among them was American student Jonathan McCaleb, who declared Popeyes® his “top-tier fried chicken restaurant” and waited over 12 hours to be first in line.

“I haven’t had a Popeyes® since moving to Edinburgh last September,” said McCaleb. “I’ve been absolutely craving it. This is the taste of home for me!”

The launch event was nothing short of a party. With confetti cannons, live music from brass band The Brass Funkeys, and a Popeyes® bite booth capturing fans’ first bites, the atmosphere was electric. The restaurant brought full-on Mardi Gras vibes to the city centre, and the response was just as spirited.

Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes® UK, was thrilled with the turnout: “The reception in Edinburgh has been phenomenal. People across Scotland clearly love our Louisiana-style chicken, and Princes Street was no exception. We can’t wait to serve even more fans across the city.”

Located at 131–133 Princes Street, the new 86-seat restaurant features self-service kiosks and collection points for online orders via the Popeyes® UK website or app. The full menu is available, including the legendary Chicken Sandwich, hand-breaded chicken tenders and wings, and hearty sides like Cajun Gravy and Original Biscuits.

Also launching this weekend is Popeyes® breakfast menu, available from 8am to 11am daily. Expect southern twists on British staples, including the Big Cajun Roll, Cajun Hash Browns, and Nutella-smothered buttermilk biscuits.

This is Popeyes® UK’s seventh Scottish location, and the brand shows no signs of slowing down. With plans to open over 45 new UK sites in 2025, including more across Scotland, it’s safe to say the southern-fried invasion is well and truly under way.

Follow @PopeyesUK on Instagram or TikTok to stay up to date—or pop by and experience the “shatter crunch” for yourself.

Popeyes® Edinburgh is now open daily from 8am to 10pm at 131–133 Princes Street.