Popeyes appoints UK CEO

Tom Crowley joins chicken brand to spearhead expansion plans

US chicken brand Popeyes has appointed Tom Crowley as its UK chief executive, following the recent announcement of its UK expansion plans.

Tom has over 20 years’ experience leading UK pub, casual dining and quick service restaurant brands, more recently as managing director of Giraffe Concepts and then CEO of Boparan Restaurant Group.

Now at the helm of Popeyes UK, he will be responsible for the brand’s UK expansion.

Popeyes is also committed to bringing a market leading digital experience to the UK, with an emphasis on building the type of connections and community the British public is craving after months of lockdown.

The digital experience is set to utilise personalisation to serve guests in the hospitable way that’s characteristic of the brand.

Tom says: “I’m thrilled with the opportunity to launch the globally renowned Popeyes brand into the dynamic UK market.

“I believe we have a truly disruptive proposition rooted in authentic Louisiana culture that will really resonate with UK guests.

“This last year has been incredibly hard on the hospitality industry and I’m pleased that Popeyes will be able to contribute to the industry’s recovery with our ambitious goals for the UK. 

“Popeyes is a very special brand and I’m very excited about what we can achieve over the next 10 years and beyond.”

The first UK Popeyes restaurant is expected to open by the end of 2021, giving the brand a presence in 11 countries in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, which already has more than 350 Popeyes restaurants. 

Founded in New Orleans in Louisiana in 1972, Popeyes has 3,400 restaurants in 29 countries.