Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, the renowned American fried chicken chain, opened its third Merseyside restaurant on March 17, 2025, at Orbit Development’s award-winning Academy Business Park in Knowsley, Liverpool. The expansion was expected to provide over 87 new employment opportunities, bolstering the local economy.
The newly launched restaurant boasts 76 indoor seats and ample car parking facilities, as well a drive-thru, and is open from 8am to 10pm every day. This opening follows the successful debut of fellow American brand, Wendy’s, which opened at Academy Business Park in July last year.
Originating from New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has grown exponentially, captivating taste buds worldwide with its unique blend of Cajun and Creole flavours. The menu features signature items such as the iconic Chicken Sandwich, and spicy chicken tenders, which have positioned Popeyes as a beloved brand among fried chicken enthusiasts globally.
Academy Business Park, owned by Orbit Developments, one of the largest commercial property developers in the UK, was crowned winner of the ‘Commercial development of the year’ award at The Knowsley Business Awards. Since then, the park has continued its development adding prominent brands like Popeyes and Wendy’s alongside established names such as Costa Coffee and Greggs, enhancing the park’s appeal and offering visitors and tenants a diverse range of dining options.
The Knowsley location is part of Popeyes’ ambitious UK expansion plan, which aims to open over 45 new sites in 2025, including major cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Bristol. This growth strategy reflects the brand’s dedication to bringing its famed Louisiana-style chicken to a broader audience across the United Kingdom.
To celebrate the grand opening, Popeyes offered the first three customers free Chicken Sandwiches for a year, while the first 100 customers were treated to a free sandwich and exclusive Popeyes merchandise. The full menu was available from launch day, with breakfast service commencing on March 18, offering guests a comprehensive dining experience from the outset.
Academy Business Park also boasts a strong lineup of existing tenants in its business units, including Screwfix, Liverprint, Rexel, Associates of Cape Cod, and Fareshare, contributing to the park’s thriving business community. It’s located in Knowsley, on one of the main arterial routes which connects Liverpool to Manchester. Junction 4 of the M57 is a three-minute drive from the park, allowing access to the M62 in under 10 minutes and M6 in just 15 minutes, and within easy reach of both Liverpool and Manchester airports.
