ATLANTA, May 24, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Popeyes(R) Chicken & Biscuits, the world's second-largest chicken chain and a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (TICKER:AFCE), is targeting 12 key markets for expansion. These markets are Albuquerque, N.M.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colo.; Detroit, Mi.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Los Angeles, Cal.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; and Tulsa, Okla. Popeyes is looking for franchisees to develop traditional freestanding and in-line restaurants throughout these areas.
"Popeyes is committed to the traditions, cuisine and culture of Louisiana and we exhibit this through our heritage menu and restaurant design," said John Fajfar, vice president of new business development for Popeyes. "The company recently announced an improved franchise support system, including additional field staff that will give new and existing franchisees tremendous support."
The Popeyes concept is based on the traditions of New Orleans cuisine and culture and features spicy and mild chicken, buttermilk biscuits, world-famous red beans and rice and a line of over-rice dishes called Popeyes Louisiana Legends(TM). In recent years, seafood items such as popcorn shrimp and crawfish have moved from limited time offers to menu mainstays.
"Popeyes looks for entrepreneurs who are experienced in restaurant operations, are able to develop at least three locations and can embrace the Popeyes vision of the future," Fajfar said. "We will be hosting open houses in our target markets to give prospective franchisees an opportunity to see our new heritage restaurant design and to experience our flavorful menu items."
Popeyes is committed to promoting equity and opportunity within the franchise system by ensuring women and minorities are included in outreach efforts. "We want to become the Franchisor of Choice(R) by supporting and encouraging our franchisees throughout the entire franchising cycle. Our new focus shows a significant investment toward that end," Fajfar added.
To provide this world-class support, the Popeyes market development group helps franchisees select, develop and open sites for their restaurants and advises them throughout the opening process. Once a restaurant opens, Popeyes franchise consultants and field operations support teams work closely with franchisees to provide support that helps franchisees successfully run their restaurants. From consumer relevant marketing to realistic development schedules, the focus is on making the brand not just a solid concept, but also a thriving one with solid sales growth.
Jim Eddy of Heartland Chicken, Inc. in Kansas City, Mo., has been a Popeyes franchisee for 19 years. "The support that Popeyes provides is very valuable," he said. "My brother and I operate 14 restaurants and have one under construction. We want to stay with Popeyes and continue to grow. In fact, we've committed to build seven more restaurants to ensure our business continues long after we're gone!"
"Popeyes franchise support has been with me every step of the way," says Ellen Hui, president of Fast Food Properties and the brand's 2004 Franchise Partner of the Year. "I own four restaurants and have 29 development options and am thrilled to continue to grow with the company. The new focus on franchise support and brand revitalization can only make things better for everyone!"
For more information on franchising with Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits please visit the new and improved website at www.popeyesfranchising.com.
Popeyes is a leader in the New Orleans segment of the foodservice industry and is the world's second-largest quick-service chicken concept. Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes had 1,803 locations as of Feb. 22, 2004, in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 21 other countries. Visit Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits' website at www.popeyes.com.
AFC Enterprises, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of 4,091 restaurants, bakeries and cafes as of Feb. 22, 2004, in the United States, Puerto Rico and 36 foreign countries under the brand names Popeyes(R) Chicken & Biscuits, Church's Chicken(TM) and Cinnabon(R), and the franchisor of Seattle's Best Coffee(R) in Hawaii, on military bases and internationally. AFC's primary objective is to be the world's Franchisor of Choice(R) by offering investment opportunities in highly recognizable brands and exceptional franchisee support systems and services. AFC Enterprises had system-wide sales of approximately $2.6 billion in 2003 and can be found on the World Wide Web at www.afce.com.
The Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=341