Popeyes Vows Africa Caution After Johannesburg Opening
- Restaurant Brands chain to start with three S. Africa outlets
- Owners are buying land in preparation for future expansion
Popeyes Chicken
Photographer: Luke Sharrett/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, the latest in a flurry of well-known U.S. fast-food chains to test the South African market, will adopt a cautious approach to expansion as the company takes time to lure customers from more established brands such as KFC and Chicken Licken.
The seller of fried chicken will open the first of three South African outlets in the Johannesburg financial district of Sandton on July 13. Siyaghopa Trading Group, a closely held investment vehicle that was awarded the Popeyes license by Canadian parent Restaurant Brands International Inc., is buying up land to support a future roll out at a yet-to-be determined date, according to Chief Executive Officer Jaye Sinclair.