Restaurant company Popeyes plans to double its UK footprint by opening an additional 30 outlets in 2024.

The brand, which made its UK debut in November 2021, currently has 36 locations, including five drive-thrus and seven delivery kitchens.

By December 2024, Popeyes aims to increase its total number of UK restaurants to more than 60.

The expansion strategy includes the imminent opening of new London restaurants in Ilford and Hammersmith on 22 January and 29 January respectively.

Popeyes' growth trajectory will also see new venues springing up in locations such as Bishop Auckland, Exeter, Bury New Road, Glasgow Sauchiehall and Aberdeen Union Street.

As part of the expansion plans, new Popeyes locations are set to appear in Nottingham, Aberdeen, Swansea and Birmingham.

The Birmingham site, a delivery kitchen, will mark Popeyes' first foray into the city, with additional sites expected as the expansion progresses.

Popeyes is also preparing to launch its first travel hub restaurant at London Waterloo station.

Popeyes UK chief development officer Tom Byng said: “We opened our first store in November 2021, to huge hype and acclaim, and customer appetite shows no sign of slowing down.

“To date, we’ve opened 38 locations up and down the country, and converted legions of fried chicken fans to Popeyes. We’re excited to be giving even more people their first taste of New Orleans as we double our estate in 2024.

“We’re particularly proud of our geographical spread of expansion, including our first ever travel hub restaurant in Waterloo Station, which will be fuelling hungry travellers with great food and a dose of the famous New Orleans spirit.”

In January 2024, British private equity firm TDR Capital acquired majority ownership of Popeyes UK, following its initial investment in the company in August 2023.