Popeyes Launches Chicken Nuggets Despite Chicken Shortage

Popeyes has found itself in the middle of a logistical nightmare when it comes to acquiring chicken, but that hasn’t stopped the iconic franchise brand from launching its high-profile new menu item: chicken nuggets. 

On Tuesday, Restaurant Business Online offered a closer look a the new menu item. According to the article, the new chicken nuggets are seasoned and fried just like Popeyes’ hot-item chicken sandwiches.

Last week, 1851 highlighted the risks of menu expansion amid ongoing supply chain shortages. In Popeyes’ case, the issues from a shortage can be minimized when they don’t always need to depend on full-sized chicken filets. That means the brand may have found a way to accommodate the shortage while expanding its menu and drawing customers away from items in shorter supply. 

Sami Siddiqui, the president of Popeyes Americas, says the brand has been “working closely” with chicken suppliers for around six months. “We believe we will be able to serve our new Nuggets to eager guests despite any industry supply issues.”

“The marketing for the nuggets aims to put an end to the chicken sandwich wars—a battle that many acknowledge Popeyes started,” the Restaurant Business Online article points out. When the franchise launched its chicken sandwich in 2019, most stores sold out “just two weeks after launch.” The franchise’s corporate team started development on their chicken nuggets shortly after the debut of their sandwich.

Restaurant franchises have been forced to deal with increased food prices, and many are still deciding if they should either raise menu prices in response or take the losses to preserve customer loyalty. Popeyes has started navigating a ‘bite-sized’ trend, and similar strategies may soon appear on other franchise menus if supply issues persist.