US-based chicken restaurant chain Popeyes has marked its entry into the Albanian market by launching its first franchise, as reported by See News.  

The new outlet opened on 27 November 2024 at the Tirana East Gate mall, and was announced by Popeyes Albania via a Facebook post.  

The move is part of the chain's broader strategy to expand its global footprint. 

Balkan Foods, a Kosovo-based restaurant chain operator of Burger King outlets across several countries, oversees the Popeyes franchise in Albania.  

The company announced in March its intentions to introduce the Popeyes brand to Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina - part of its continued growth since its establishment in 1972 and subsequent acquisition by Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International, in 2017. 

The fast-food giant aims to replicate its success in new markets by leveraging local partnerships such as that with Balkan Foods. 

In August 2024, Popeyes expanded its dessert menu with the launch of Chocolate Chip Biscuits in the US. 

The new offering combines the brand’s classic Buttermilk Biscuit with chocolate chips and is topped with icing. 

The chain also launched Apple Caramel Cheesecake – a caramel apple swirl set in rich cheesecake on a graham cracker base. 

Popeyes offers a New Orleans-inspired menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders and fried shrimp. 

It has grown into one of the world's largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains with more than 2,700 outlets globally.