Popeyes is making a comeback here in the Philippines.
Netizens rejoiced yesterday after the news came out via a Business Wire press release that the American fried chicken chain Popeyes is returning to the country — the result of a franchise deal with local restaurant company Kuya J Holdings Group.
Reactions across social media have been pretty positive: Twitter user @ehzikehl, for instance, wrote in all caps:
THEYRE OPENING POPEYES HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES
THEYRE OPENING POPEYES HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES
THEYRE OPENING POPEYES HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES
THEYRE OPENING POPEYES HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES— THE MAGICIAN (@lordzekey) August 19, 2018
@Ivesscream said it was “the best news” she heard that day.
https://twitter.com/Ivesscream/status/1030885993467924482
@MartinBanana wants everyone to know that yes, Popeyes really is that good. “Y’ALL BEST BELIEVE THE HYPE,” he wrote.
https://twitter.com/MartinBanana/status/1030991708450770945
While @Jayvilee dared to say what many are probably thinking: “Jollibee is shaking.”
https://twitter.com/Jayvilee/status/1030992247465029633
Popeyes’ crispy, lightly breaded fried chicken has often been compared to Jollibee’s famous Chickenjoy, but unlike the local favorite that is often eaten with rice, theirs is typically paired — at least in the U.S. — with biscuits, honey, and mashed potatoes covered in a mildly spicy Cajun-style gravy.
True fans, though, would know that Popeyes has tried making it in the Philippines before. It first came to the country in 2011 but left in 2007, likely due to unresolved issues between the brand and its previous domestic franchisees.
Still, many Filipinos are excited about its upcoming return.
If you’ve ever lived in or visited Manila, then it’s clear to you that international food chains are huge in the city. Jollibee remains number one, but global fast food brands like McDonald’s and KFC have also become part of everyday Filipino life.
Before Popeyes, Filipinos were ecstatic to find out that U.S. burger chain Shake Shack will finally be opening a store in the Philippines. Other international casual-dining restaurants that have opened in recent years include Canadian donut and coffee brand Tim Hortons and American diners Denny’s and IHOP.
No word yet on when and where Popeyes is going to open. We’ll be back with updates as they come in.
