Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen recently announced plans to open additional 4,000 stores in the next seven years in hopes of beating big burger chains, such as McDonald's and Burger King. Cheryl Bachelder, CEO of the company, revealed to Business Insider, "A lot of people might think Popeye's biggest competitor might be another chicken QSR chain, but actually, our customers more often are in the large burger chains. They've chosen - their favourite chicken is Popeyes, and their alternative is a burger chain."
The fried chicken store is certainly beating out other similar chains. According to Forbes, the store conquered the fried chicken wars through contemporary marketing and appealing to customers with their homey chicken. In effect, they are attracting more consumers and investors.
Bachelder said in a statement, "At Popeyes, we don't use the word loyal. You become a Popeyes' zealot as soon as you experience Popeyes food."
Aside from the 4,000 stores, another goal that the company had in mind is to grow domestic average unit volumes to $2 million in hopes of increasing franchising prospects. These goals were announced at the same time the company announced some of its milestones, which include an increase of 5.9 percent increase of sales in the restaurant. The company also aims to invest additional $2 million for locations, training, and technology.
A lot of the company's success is thanks to its CEO. There was a time when the fried chicken shop was close to shutting down. Now, it is clear that the company is growing and expanding quite well, and that is because Bachelder decided to remodel a lot of the restaurants similar to Chipotle and Panera, which exuded a more high-class vibe among customers. Bachelder also took advantage of the authentic Louisiana flavour of their products.
Bachelder adds, "I think of us as the exporter of Louisiana food, both in the United States and around the world."
