Popeyes takes aim at KFC’s hold on China
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Popeyes has its sights set on China. On Monday, the American fried chicken chain officially announced that it would open its first China-based store right here in Shanghai sometime next year.
But that’s just the beginning. Popeyes has big plans to become China’s most popular fried chicken joint. No easy feat considering KFC – the world’s most successful fried chicken brand – currently holds the top spot.
“I think we can be the no.1 chicken brand here in China and all around Asia,” said Jose Cil, CEO of Restaurant Brands International (RBI).
Popeyes aims to open 1,500 restaurants in China over the next 10 years. KFC currently has a whopping 6,300 branches in over 1,300 cities across the country.
Popeyes is all the rage in the US right now, after its latest spicy fried chicken sandwich went viral. The sandwich proved to be so popular it sold out and was removed from the menu a few weeks later due to lack of supply.
The good news is that the famous spicy chicken sandwich will be offered at the Shanghai branch. The bad news is you’ll just have to wait until 2020 to try it.
Popeyes will be the last of RBI’s major brands to enter the Chinese market. Burger King and Tim Hortons have both proven to be immensely popular in China. Since 2012, Burger King has opened 1,100 stores in China and Tim Hortons has expanded to 28 stores in just one year.
Hence, Popeyes lofty expectation to take on KFC here in China.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which other Restaurant Brands International brands have already entered the Chinese market?
Which other Restaurant Brands International brands have already entered the Chinese market?
Burger King and Tim Hortons are the other major brands from RBI that have already expanded into China. Burger King has opened 1,100 stores since 2012, while Tim Hortons has established 28 stores within a single year.
Q.What is Popeyes' long-term expansion plan for China?
What is Popeyes' long-term expansion plan for China?
Popeyes aims to open 1,500 new restaurants across China within the next ten years. This ambitious expansion plan is part of their strategy to challenge KFC's dominant position in the Chinese fried chicken market.
Q.How many branches does KFC currently operate in China?
How many branches does KFC currently operate in China?
KFC currently operates a substantial 6,300 branches throughout China. These outlets are spread across more than 1,300 cities, highlighting the brand's extensive presence and market leadership in the region.
Q.When will the famous spicy chicken sandwich be available in China?
When will the famous spicy chicken sandwich be available in China?
The famous spicy chicken sandwich will be offered at Popeyes' first Shanghai branch, but customers will need to wait until 2020 to try it. This item gained significant popularity in the US recently.
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