Save the Date: US Favourite Popeyes Fried Chicken Is Touching Down in Auckland This April

It's been a long time coming, but Auckland is finally catching up with the rest of the fried chicken world, by welcoming the country's first ever Popeyes to its shores. The rumoured celebrity favourite (that Beyonce and Jay-Z reportedly served at their wedding) is set to open in Takanini in south Tāmaki Makaurau.

The Takanini restaurant will be the first of many Popeyes in Aotearoa, with multiple joints popping up by the end of 2024. The franchise is estimated to bring $25 million into New Zealand's economy, as well as creating 150 jobs. Popeyes is planning to take advantage of the country's quality producers and suppliers by sourcing local ingredients to make its fried chicken.

Despite the global expansion of Popeyes, the menu stays true to the area it was first founded in, with fried chicken remaining its hero item. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, before being deep fried in a crispy batter by hand and served up in one of the brand's signature sandwiches, or on its own. Sides include mash with spicy gravy, mac and cheese, and biscuits (America's version of a scone).

Popeyes New Zealand's Sharn Phillips said the Kiwi Popeyes team is excited to finally spill the beans on its fried chicken secret. "The chicken sandwich that broke the internet will finally be ready for Kiwis to try themselves. Our vision is to bring the heart and soul of our world-renowned recipes to Kiwis, through passionate teams and tasty food. We cannot wait to see the reaction come opening day."

The 300-square-metre fried chicken joint will boast a multi-million dollar design, which will be revealed to the public in April.

Popeyes is set to open in April 2024, in south Auckland's Takanini, with an exact opening date and address to come. The fried chicken joint is now recruiting restaurant staff — find out how to apply on Popeyes website.