Tims China aims to open 1700 Popeyes eateries across China

1 min readUpdated May 26, 2025Aug 22, 20236:03 AM

In this article (4)

TH International Limited has set a goal to open 1,700 Popeyes eateries across China in the next decade, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said, after it relaunched the Cajun-inspired fast food chicken chain Popeyes in the country last Saturday.

TH International, also known as Tims China, took over as the exclusive operator and developer of the Restaurant Brands International-owned Popeyes brand in China from TFI TAB Food Investments in March.

Tims China, which also operates the Tim Hortons coffee chain in China, also aims to increase the number of Popeyes restaurants in Shanghai to 10 by the end of this year, the source said, declining to be named as the information was not yet public.

AdvertisementAdvertise with usMobile 320×100

What this means

Tims China's ambitious 1,700-store Popeyes rollout over a decade marks a high-stakes bet on China's quick-service chicken demand. This move parallels Panpuri's aggressive 16-store Asian expansion and Alo Yoga's Tmall market entry, demonstrating a common strategy of rapid penetration in China. Operating both Tim Hortons and Popeyes under one roof gives Tims China operational synergies, but the sheer scale of this plan will test its logistics and brand localization capabilities. This pressures KFC and other established fast-food chicken chains already navigating a competitive landscape. The primary risk lies in scaling too quickly without sufficient local market adaptation. Watch for the 10 Popeyes restaurants planned for Shanghai by year-end, which will provide an early gauge of public reception and operational efficiency.

Minjun Park · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What is the long-term expansion goal for Popeyes in China?

TH International Limited, also known as Tims China, aims to open 1,700 Popeyes eateries across China within the next ten years. This significant expansion follows the recent relaunch of the chain in the country last Saturday.

Who is currently responsible for operating the Popeyes brand in China?

Tims China, also known as TH International Limited, became the exclusive operator and developer of the Popeyes brand in China in March. They took over this role from TFI TAB Food Investments.

What is the short-term goal for Popeyes restaurants in Shanghai?

Tims China intends to increase the number of Popeyes restaurants in Shanghai to ten by the end of the current year. This is part of their broader strategy for the fast-food chicken chain.

Reader pulse

What is your take on Tims China's Popeyes expansion plan?

19,913 votes so far