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 Popeyes® restaurant 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.
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.”
SSP is a key partner to Birmingham Airport, with Popeyes® UK joining its diverse portfolio of F&B outlets which includes Shelby & Co, SSP’s Peaky Blinders-inspired bar and kitchen which opened in December 2024. The airport welcomed more than 12 million passengers in 2024.
