Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: where the chicken has a special kick to it

Photo byPhillip Pessar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

There are 11 Popeyes in the Kansas City, Missouri area, including Blue Springs, Belton, Gladstone, Grandview, Independence, and Raytown.

There are six locations in Springfield, Missouri, including Republic, Nixa, and Ozark. There's also one in Cape Girardeau.

There are 13 in St. Louis, including its surrounding suburbs.

Ghost pepper wings.Photo byPopeyes via Facebook.

What makes Popeyes chicken so special?

The flavor and texture of the chicken is a differentiator. You either like it or you don't. It's not cheap chicken, but of the times I've been there, I felt I got what I paid for. The Louisiana-style seasoning is unique. It gives this brand's chicken a special kick which is why it's one of my favorites. It's also about the crunchy batter.

According to Chefs Resource, Popeyes marinates its chicken "in a blend of Louisiana-inspired spices and a unique buttermilk mixture." Marinating the chicken helps to keep it moist and tender. The spice blend used by Popeyes is a secret. Chefs Resource states it includes "paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and various herbs and spices."

You have to grab some sweet tea to go with the chicken.Photo byPopeyes via Facebook.

Some chicken backstory

Popeyes started in a small restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was opened in 1972 by Alvin C. Copeland Sr. and was initially called Chicken on the Run. After a few months, the name was changed to Popeyes and it got a little spicier, New Orleans style. Copeland's life reads as a rags-to-riches story.

The first franchise opened in Louisiana in 1976. The buttermilk biscuits came out in 1983. By 1985, Popeyes had opened its 500th restaurant

In 1992, Popeyes and Church's Chicken was acquired by America’s Favorite Chicken Company (AFC Enterprises, Inc.).

In 2008, Popeyes rebranded itself as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. It's now over 50 years old. By 2011, it had 2,000 restaurants. Visit here to see a list of all of Popeyes' trademarks. Popeyes continues to stand out and isn't just another chicken joint. It was named after Gene Hackman's character, Popeye Doyle, of the 1971 movie, The French Connection.

Al Copeland died on March 23, 2008, at age 64 from a rare form of cancer. He was a larger-than-life person. He had four wives, five sons, and four daughters. Visit here to learn more about Copeland and the Al Copeland Foundation which has a mission to end cancer.

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