SSP and Popeyes UK launch strategic partnership with first restaurant at Birmingham Airport

SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations, and Popeyes UK, the UK’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brand, have announced the launch of an exciting strategic partnership to open a pipeline of Popeyes restaurants across UK travel hubs, starting at Birmingham Airport.

The opening of the new Popeyes’ restaurant at Birmingham Airport in early summer 2025, in time for the peak summer travel season, will be Popeyes’ first UK airport restaurant as it partners with SSP to grow the brand’s travel hub presence. The restaurant will be located airside and will offer Popeyes’ full all-day menu as well as its recently launched breakfast menu.

With both dine-in and speedy takeaway options available, customers will soon be able to enjoy Popeyes fan-favourites like the iconic Chicken Sandwich, Hot Wings, Tenders, and Signature Chicken Wraps. The new Saucin’ Boneless and Hot Wings range will also be available, featuring bold, New Orleans-inspired flavours: cheesy Garlic Parm, bold BBQ, and spicy Buffalo. The ‘Brekkie’ menu will be served until 11am daily, including its Big Cajun Roll, Cajun Hash Browns, and indulgent Nutella-topped buttermilk biscuits.

All of Popeyes chicken is halal certified and marinated for 12 hours in its signature blend of bold Louisiana seasoning, then hand-breaded and battered to deliver that world-famous and much-loved ‘shatter-crunch’ chicken.

“As the food travel experts, we’re always working to ensure we meet the evolving needs of customers while offering variety across our portfolio,” said Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland. “There’s a huge appetite for Popeyes’ tasty menu, so we’re really excited to launch our new partnership together at UK travel hubs, starting with the brand’s inaugural journey into UK airport restaurants at Birmingham Airport.”

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes is one of the world’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands and operates from around 4,000 restaurants globally. Popeyes® UK, which holds the UK and Ireland franchise for the brand and entered the UK market in November 2021, has since successfully expanded to more than 65 sites across the UK. The brand has ambitious expansion plans and is targeting 350 UK outlets by 2031 with a plan to almost double its current restaurant portfolio during 2025.

Tom Byng, Chief Development Officer at Popeyes UK commented: “Everybody is delighted to be working with SSP to open Popeyes’ first UK airport restaurant. This is the first of a number of locations we will open in partnership with SSP, marking a significant milestone for the business as we roll out our ambitious growth plans for 2025, and reflects the continued strength of our customer proposition and brand appeal.”

Richard Gill, Commercial Director of Birmingham Airport said: “We are delighted that Popeyes will be opening its next restaurant in our departure lounge, the first UK airport to welcome the iconic New Orleans chicken brand. This hugely popular restaurant ensures customers have the chance to dine in, or grab a takeaway for their journey, whilst catering for all dietary needs too. Over the last month our departure lounge has welcomed new brands to ensure choice and convenience for our passengers as we grow sustainably to our goal of 18 million passengers.”

The article SSP and Popeyes UK launch strategic partnership with first restaurant at Birmingham Airport first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.