A chicken brand has included Watford in its list of upcoming sites, confirming it will be coming to the town.

Watford Observer readers may already have been expecting Popeyes to be on its way to the two-storey former Grounded Kitchen unit at 43 High Street because a planning application
for permission to display the business’ branding was approved earlier this month.

The chicken chain has also recently been recruiting part-time and full-time staff in Watford.

Now, as Popeyes announced the opening of its 50th UK store in Glasgow, it also officially confirmed that it will be opening a Watford store this year alongside announcements for Wimbledon and Nottingham Teal.

The Glasgow launch was the 18 Popeyes opening of 2024 as the brand plans to double the size of its UK estate this year.

UK CEO Tom Crowley said: “Currently, Popeyes UK is the fastest-growing chicken QSR (quick service restaurant) brand in the UK, with a 125 per cent year-on-year growth from May 2023 to May 2024.

Popeyes location in Chelmsford, Essex.Popeyes location in Chelmsford, Essex. (Image: Alamy/Pa)

“The sustained demand for Popeyes in the UK is incredible, but not unexpected.

“We’ve seen overnight queues for almost every opening since our UK launch in 2021, with fried chicken fans turning up to queue over 24 hours before the opening of new Popeyes restaurants.

“We remain committed to our expansion plans and look forward to achieving new milestones in the upcoming years.”