Following last month’s announcement of its expansion into the UK in 2021, Popeyes UK has announced the appointment of Tom Crowley as its chief executive officer.
Crowley brings over 20 years' experience leading UK pub, casual dining and QSR brands - more recently, as managing director of Giraffe Concepts and then subsequently as CEO of Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG).
Now at the helm of Popeyes UK, Crowley will be responsible for the brand’s UK expansion. Its ambitious plan is set to create hundreds of jobs across the UK as it brings together talented teams of people to deliver the Louisiana hospitality and incredible chicken that makes this brand so famous around the globe.
Popeyes UK is also committed to bringing a market-leading digital experience to the UK with an emphasis on building the type of connections and community that the British public is craving after months of lockdown. The digital experience is set to utilise personalisation to serve guests in the iconic hospitable way that is characteristic of the brand.
Crowley commented, “I’m thrilled with the opportunity to launch the globally renowned Popeyes brand into the dynamic UK market. I believe we have a truly disruptive proposition rooted in authentic Louisiana culture that will really resonate with UK guests.
This last year has been incredibly hard on the hospitality industry and I’m pleased that Popeyes UK will be able to contribute to the industry’s recovery with our ambitious goals for the UK. Popeyes is a very special brand and I am very excited about what we can achieve over the next 10 years and beyond.
The first Popeyes restaurant in the UK is expected to open by the end of 2021 and will represent the brand’s 11th country in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, which already has more than 350 Popeyes restaurants.
Founded in New Orleans in Louisiana in 1972, Popeyes is a global player in the fried chicken market and currently boasts 3,400 restaurants over 25 countries. The group has yet to create a UK head office.