An American fried chicken chain could replace a Watford Korean restaurant which shut unexpectedly, new plans have revealed.

A planning proposal appeared on the Watford Borough Council website today, April 19, which suggests that Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen could open at 43 High Street.

The application for an illuminated shop sign includes drawings of the chain’s distinctive orange branding and logo.

Watford Observer: A new planning application has revealed that a Popeyes branch could be coming to Watford.A new planning application has revealed that a Popeyes branch could be coming to Watford. (Image: Popeyes/Watford Borough Council)

After launching its first UK branch in 2021, Popeyes announced in January that it aims to open 30 new restaurants this year.

The planning application for the two-storey Watford branch is currently “pending consideration” by the council.

The unit was formerly home to Grounded Kitchen, a Korean-inspired chain, which shut unexpectedly earlier this year less than two years after opening.

Watford Observer: The Korean chain Grounded Kitchen opened in Watford in 2022.The Korean chain Grounded Kitchen opened in Watford in 2022.

A sign on the door said the branch was “temporarily closed”, but the unit was put up for lease on February 19, costing £100,000 a year or £8,333 per month.

Watford Borough Council said it had no information on why it closed and did not order it to do so, while the landlord, Atria Watford did not respond to requests for more information..