Popeyes bringing back chicken sandwich on Sunday

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Popeyes  will relaunch its chicken sandwich on Sunday – a day   that appears to be aimed at Chick-fil-A.

The company, owned by Restaurant Brands International, announced the Nov. 3 date via Twitter. Rival Chick-fil-A has always closed on Sundays in keeping with the religious beliefs of the Cathy family, the owner of the company.

https://twitter.com/PopeyesChicken/status/1188780503601680384

Popeyes ended up with a hit on its hands with the fried chicken sandwich on a brioche roll rather than one of its biscuits. Demand was so strong that the sandwiches sold out in a short period of time in the latter part of August.

In Delaware and throughout the nation, parking lots and drive-throughs were busy and lines were long at a chain known for doing a modest amount of business with spicy Louisiana-style chicken.

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The company announced the sandwich would return as a full-time offering. Franchisees have reportedly been beefing up  staff and taking other steps to meet demand. 

The company used its social media skills in promoting the sandwich,  trolling competitors like Chick-fil-A, which has emerged as a formidable competitor. to McDonald’s and another Restaurant Brands unit, Burger King.

The shortage generated millions of dollars worth of publicity for the mid-sized chain and led to debates over the merits of fried chicken sandwiches from restaurant operators large and small, as well as recipes that attempt to replicate the menu item.

Fried chicken sandwiches have been making their way to menus of more upscale restaurants, thanks to the growing popularity of southern food and a price that can run $10 to $12 with a side order.  Popeyes and Chick-fil-A sandwiches sell for a fraction of that figure.

Chick-fil-A is best known for a fried chicken sandwich, although it has has other boneless chicken offerings as well as breakfast. The Sunday closing policy has not held back the company since it guarantees workers and managers a day off on the weekend and helps to retain employees in a high-turnover industry facing labor shortages.

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