Who Owns Popeyes? The Story Behind the Louisiana Chicken Chain
Popeyes is owned by Restaurant Brands International, or RBI. This is the same company that owns Burger King, Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs. RBI bought Popeyes in 2017 for about $1.8 billion.
Like most fast food chains, its restaurants are mostly run by franchisees. These are local owners who pay to use the brand name, recipes and look.
When did RBI buy Popeyes?
RBI announced the deal in February 2017 and closed it in March 2017. It paid $79 per share. Before that, it was its own public company called Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
Since then, the chain has grown a lot, both in the U.S. and in other countries. By 2026 it had more than 5,400 restaurants around the world.
Who started Popeyes?
Al Copeland opened the first restaurant on June 12, 1972, in Arabi, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans. It was first called Chicken on the Run, and it sold mild fried chicken. Sales were slow, so Copeland closed it, reopened it with spicy Cajun style chicken, and gave it a new name.
That spicy chicken is still the heart of the menu today.
Why is it called Popeyes?
Many people think it is named after Popeye the Sailor, the cartoon who eats spinach. It is not. Copeland said he named it after Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, a tough detective in the 1971 movie The French Connection.
For a while, the chain did use Popeye the Sailor in its ads, which made the mix-up even more common. The name has no apostrophe because, as the old joke goes, Copeland said he was too poor to afford one.
A quick timeline
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Al Copeland opens Chicken on the Run in Arabi, Louisiana |
| 1972 | Reopens with spicy chicken as Popeyes |
| 2014 | Company renames itself Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen |
| 2017 | RBI buys the chain for about $1.8 billion |
| 2019 | The chicken sandwich launch causes long lines and sellouts |
Is Popeyes owned by KFC?
No. KFC is owned by Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. The two chicken chains are rivals. If you want to compare them, look at the KFC menu next to the Popeyes menu.
What is it known for?
It is best known for spicy, crunchy bone-in chicken that is marinated for hours before it is breaded and fried. Fans also come for the buttermilk biscuits, red beans and rice, and Cajun fries. Then in August 2019, the chicken sandwich launch turned into a national craze. Stores ran out within weeks, and people waited in long lines just to try one. That sandwich is still one of the top sellers on the menu.
Where is it based?
It started in Louisiana, and its New Orleans roots still shape the menu, with red beans and rice, Cajun fries and biscuits. Today its main offices are in Miami-Dade County, Florida, near Burger King, and in Toronto, Canada, where RBI is based.
How much does the food cost?
A Classic or Spicy Chicken Sandwich costs about $5.49, and a sandwich combo is about $9.49. The sandwich has about 700 calories. Prices change by location. See every item on our Popeyes menu with prices, or compare sandwiches in our chicken sandwich comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Popeyes?
It is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which also owns Burger King, Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs.
When did Burger King’s parent buy Popeyes?
RBI bought it in March 2017 for about $1.8 billion.
Who founded Popeyes?
Al Copeland founded the chain in 1972 in Arabi, Louisiana, near New Orleans.
Is Popeyes named after Popeye the Sailor?
No. The founder said he named it after Jimmy Popeye Doyle, a detective in the 1971 movie The French Connection.
Is Popeyes owned by KFC?
No. KFC is owned by Yum! Brands. The two are competitors.
How many Popeyes restaurants are there?
The chain had more than 5,400 restaurants around the world in 2026.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
