They came, they saw, they got free chicken sandwiches for a year. Popeyes, Reading’s newest restaurant, opened on Thursday, with free food for the quickest queuers.
The diner promises to bring a taste of New Orleans to Broad Street. Its menu includes a range of chicken sandwiches and wraps, as well as Louisiana staples such as American biscuits and gravy, and Cajun fries.
Its unique selling point is the batter its uses, which promises a crunch when bitten into.
The store opened on Thursday, February 23, taking over the unit where GAP used to be.
The venue has had a complete makeover and seats 90 people.
First in the queue was university student Jakaria Uddin, who came from Cambridge so he could be the winner.
His prize is free chicken sandwiches from Popeyes for a whole year.
He had missed out on the honour when the Cambridge store opened last week, and was so determined to be top, he started queuing at 8.40pm on Wednesday evening.
“I haven’t actually had a Popeyes before,” he said. “I didn’t want to try it Cambridge. I wanted to really save it for Reading.”
Jakaria said it was a case of third time lucky: he missed out in London and arrived at midnight for the opening of the Cambridge one, only to find two other people ahead of him.
“I thought I had to do myself justice and see where the next one was popping up. So, I came to Reading and redeemed the situation.”
Joining him at around 11pm were brothers Henry and Damien Hall.
“We were awake the whole night keeping each other company and our morale high. And now, here we are,” said Damien.
He said it felt good to be the winner.
“I’m pretty happy I’ve been able to win this for a whole year, especially as I’m a student.”
Damien admitted the night had been cold, but the trio “pretty much soldiered through the night”.
“Wenzels Cafe across the road opened at 4am to start baking bread, and a lady in there was kind enough to come out and give us some free coffee.
“Apart from the cold, it’s been quite a pleasant experience.”
Damien felt the whole experience had been worthwhile.
“I recommend anybody go to a Popeyes,” he said. “Some people might think it’s a bit mad waiting outside for 11 hours just to win a chicken sandwich, but at the end of the day, you’ve only got one life. You’ve got to make the most of it.
“It’s funny, it’s a good story.”
And brother Henry was counting down the minutes before the store opened.
“Yeah, I’m hungry. The tiredness doesn’t help the hunger at all, I will admit, but I’m raring to go in there.”
The queue built up all morning with a stream of people eager to be the first ones in Reading to try the new menu.
As part of the excitement, a New Orleans band performed, and staff cheered during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The restaurant is giving away free chicken sandwiches to the first 25 people to be served on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25.
