Pictures: Hundreds queue as Popeyes opens the doors of its first restaurant in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s first Popeyes restaurant officially opened its doors at Lesley Forestside Shopping Centre this morning, with some fans eagerly queuing from 1:30am to be the first to try the brand’s world-famous fried Louisiana chicken.

Ahead of the doors opening at 11am, a queue of more than 150 eager customers had formed outside, a marker of the anticipation that had built around the brand’s arrival, and its potential here in Northern Ireland.

The first customer to arrive was 22-year-old James Wilkinson, who, along with his friend Oran Smyth, had been queuing since 1:30am to be the first through the door.

James said: “We came straight from work, brought chairs, and lined up early because we’ve heard so much hype about Popeyes. We’ve never had it before.”

21-year-old Oran Smyth added: “We’ve heard so much about the Chicken Sandwich that we had to be first here.”

Popeyes brought the spirit of New Orleans to Northern Ireland to celebrate its arrival and opening in style. Local brass band, Boom Strutt Brass, entertained crowds bringing a high energy, authentic New Orleans atmosphere, whilst Belfast-based American Football team, the Belfast Trojans, added to the Americana fanfare.

The Belfast restaurant has created 90 local jobs. Since its arrival to the UK in November 2021, Popeyes® has opened more than 56 locations. The brand intends to double the size of its current estate over the coming months, and is on track to deliver 30 new restaurants, drive-thrus and delivery kitchens in 2024.

CEO of Popeyes UK, Tom Crowley, said: “We’re thrilled to have landed in Northern Ireland. This Belfast opening is a key milestone in our expansion plans across the UK and Ireland. To be met with such excitement and enthusiasm at the restaurant this morning exceeded our expectations and made this an opening we’ll remember for some time.”

Margaret McClelland, centre manager at Lesley Forestside Shopping Centre, added: “We are delighted to welcome the brand as one of our newest food retailers. It’s wonderful to be the first location to host it in Northern Ireland and as today’s successful first day confirms, we’re confident it will be a favourite amongst our diverse and vibrant community.”