Popeyes UK, the QSR brand with more than 80 sites across the UK, is set to open a new restaurant at Manchester Arndale.
Popeyes UK has signed a lease agreement which will see it occupy a 2,816sq ft space in the centre’s food court alongside other leading QSR and food-on-the go-brands. Manchester Arndale sees over 42 million shoppers pass through each year, and this new location will mark Popeyes UK’s third in Manchester with existing restaurants in Manchester Piccadilly and its drive-thru on Bury New Road.
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes opened its first UK restaurant in 2021 and now has over 80 locations across the country, with the Manchester Arndale opening forming part of its ambitious strategy to open more than 45 new restaurants in 2025, almost doubling its UK footprint.
Renowned for its shopping, leisure and dining, Manchester Arndale offers a full day out experience. The addition of Popeyes continues the expansion of its food and beverage offer and follows other recent arrivals such as Sides and Joe & The Juice. Additionally, Popeyes’ arrival comes after a run of retail lettings to Alo Yoga, Arc’teryx, Sephora and PureSeoul.
Scott Linard, portfolio director for M&G Real Estate, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Popeyes to Manchester Arndale as it is the perfect addition to our strong and varied food and beverage offer.
“We strive to create a vibrant destination that appeals to a wide variety of visitors. Our focus goes beyond retail – as we integrate innovative leisure and entertainment offerings. As the premier retail destination in the North West, we’re pleased to see strong visitor numbers and continued demand for space from international brands like Popeyes.”
Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK CEO, said: “It’s clear that Manchester has a real appetite for our Louisiana-style fried chicken, and we’re excited to confirm our opening in one of the city’s busiest shopping centres, Manchester Arndale. This marks our third location in the city, and we can’t wait to share more information about this exciting launch very soon.”
Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are Manchester Arndale’s retained letting agents.
