Popeyes signs restaurant development agreement to foray into Romania
Popeyes aims to open more than 90 restaurants over the next decade in Romania. Credit: Popeyes via Business Wire.

US-based fast-food chain Popeyes has signed a development agreement with multi-brand restaurant group Sterling Cruise to foray into Romania.

Under the deal, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, which is better known as Popeyes, aims to open more than 90 restaurants over the next decade.

This agreement represents Popeyes’s first major entry into the market of Eastern Europe.

The first restaurant opening in Romania is planned for 2022.

Popeyes international markets president David Shear said: “We’re excited to share big news from Romania, where we have announced ambitious plans to bring the country one of the globe’s most popular fried chicken restaurants.

“Popeyes is one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the US. Our entry into Romania illustrates our commitment to serving our signature blend of spices, flavours and experience to more guests around the world.”

Popeyes claimed that it intends to offer a ‘best-in-class’ in-restaurant and online experience to its guests.

Its restaurants will feature digital ordering screens, table service, mobile ordering and delivery service.

The agreement with Sterling Cruise is part of Popeyes’ expansion plans in Europe.

Established in 2014, Sterling Cruise currently operates close to 40 restaurants across Romania.

A Sterling Cruise spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud to bring the famous Popeyes brand to diners in Romania. Our guests will love the iconic Popeyes experience and incredible chicken that makes this brand so famous around the globe.

“In addition, this new market entry will contribute to the Romanian economy by creating hundreds of new jobs over the coming years. We couldn’t be more excited.”

Popeyes is scheduled to bring its brand to the UK later this year and has already opened restaurants in Spain and Switzerland.

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