Network Rail has welcomed the Louisiana chicken restaurant Popeyes to Waterloo station, marking its first entry into travel retail. The new restaurant spans over 1,820 square feet of prime retail space, making it the first Popeyes to open in any of Network Rail’s 19 managed stations in Great Britain.
Popeyes, known for its New Orleans flavors, operates more than 3,700 restaurants worldwide and is one of the largest chicken brands globally. It serves customers in over 30 European countries, offering a mix of classic American dishes and locally exclusive items.
The restaurant is famous for its 12-hour marinated Louisiana chicken, freshly hand-prepared. At Waterloo, Popeyes will serve both takeaway and dine-in meals from breakfast to dinner, featuring popular items like The Chicken Sandwich and Hot Wings.
To celebrate the opening, Popeyes offered free meals to the first 50 diners, with the first three customers winning a special prize to eat free at the restaurant for a year. Enthusiastic customers began queuing 18 hours before the opening, and a brass band performance marked the occasion.
Over the past year, Network Rail has been enhancing the retail mix at its 19 managed stations by introducing new brands and experiences. The addition of Popeyes diversifies Waterloo’s offerings, joining 25 other food and beverage brands, including Benugo, Marugame, and The Victory pub, to provide a well-rounded selection for passengers.
Network Rail owns and manages over 600,000 square feet of prime retail space in major city centers. Its stations attract over 700 million visits annually, with retail sales surpassing £800 million in the most recent year. The income generated from retail and food and beverage sales is crucial for Network Rail’s continued investment in transforming British railways.
Hamish Kiernan, Commercial Director of Property at Network Rail, said, “Passenger appetite for food and drink continues to grow across our stations, making Popeyes an exciting addition to our food and beverage lineup. Introducing international and popular brands to our stations is essential to our retail strategy, aiming to offer a varied selection for customers. The opening of Popeyes is a proactive step in developing a curated retail mix.”
Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes UK, added, “We are delighted with the turnout and popularity of our new Popeyes Waterloo restaurant on opening day. There was a real buzz of energy as everyone waited for the first famous Chicken Sandwich to be served. Waterloo is not only our first travel hub but has been a key location for us since we launched in the UK. We look forward to welcoming people to Waterloo and becoming a regular stop-off for those working and living in the area.”