A NEW fast-food restaurant will be opening soon in Reading town centre, but there’s not a hint of spinach in sight.
Instead, there will be a ‘shatter-crunch’ New Orleans fried chicken sandwiches, as well as American-style biscuits, and cajun inspired dishes.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is opening on Broad Street in the former GAP store next to Heelas.
The company was launched in the States in 1972 by Al Copeland. His fried chicken restaurant in New Orleans took off, and spread across the country as it became franchised in 1976.
As well as chicken, its menu includes Popcorn Shrimp. Mashed Potato with Gravy, Red Beans and Rice, Cajun Fries, and a dessert of Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pie.
In November last year, Popeyes came to the UK, with a branch at Westfield shopping mall in London, and a second in Chelmsford, Essex, in June this year.
A number of branches have opened in England since then, with more stores in London, Oxford, Brighton and other locations.
The company’s UK website states Popeyes will be ‘coming soon’ to Reading, with no date set.
It says it does not offer zero-hour contracts, instead it has flexible full- and part-time shifts, and perks include meals while on duty. Pay is between £8 and £10.50 per hour. There are also various management positions available.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has asked the company for a ‘hoped-for’ opening date and how many jobs will be created in Reading.
Additional reporting: Phil Creighton
