Popeyes Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Quick-service restaurant franchise known for its Louisiana-style fried chicken and signature sides, offering a variety of flavorful and spicy options.

Based in Miami, Florida, Popeyes is a prominent American multinational fast-food chain, celebrated for its mastery in fried chicken.

Beyond their famous fried chicken, Popeyes features a diverse menu that includes seafood, Cajun dishes, vegetables, and delicious biscuits.

Founded in 1972, Popeyes has expanded its presence to 46 US states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and over 30 countries globally. The company began franchising in 1976, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to operate under its well-established brand.

Popeyes has garnered a loyal customer base due to its distinctive Louisiana-inspired flavors and commitment to quality. The chain is also known for its innovative marketing campaigns and limited-time offerings, which keep customers excited and engaged.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $50,000
Real Estate Variable
Soft Costs $8,000 – $420,000
Site Work $40,000 – $800,000
Building $100,000 – $1,600,000
FF&E, Signage and Technology $265,000 – $865,000
Initial Training $17,200 – $24,200
Opening Supplies $13,000 – $26,000
Insurance $23,000 – $47,000
Utility Deposits $2,500 – $50,000
Business Licenses $1,300 – $6,500
Sitewise $4,545
Additional Funds – 3 months $20,000 – $30,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $504,545 – $3,923,245
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $50,000
Real Estate Variable
Soft Costs $8,000 – $420,000
Site Work $40,000 – $800,000
Building $100,000 – $1,600,000
FF&E, Signage and Technology $265,000 – $865,000
Initial Training $17,200 – $24,200
Opening Supplies $13,000 – $26,000
Insurance $23,000 – $47,000
Utility Deposits $2,500 – $50,000
Business Licenses $1,300 – $6,500
Sitewise $4,545
Additional Funds – 3 months $20,000 – $30,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $504,545 – $3,923,245

Popeyes

2025

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

Popeyes provides a comprehensive training program to ensure franchisees are thoroughly prepared to run their franchises effectively.

Initial Training

The training begins with an initial phase conducted at a Certified Training Restaurant and other designated training locations.

Designated Management Employees

For a franchisee opening their first Popeyes Restaurant, at least five designated management employees must complete this training program. For subsequent restaurants, at least four designated management employees are required to complete the training. Among these employees, one must be the Managing Director for the franchised restaurant.

Training Content

The initial training encompasses various operational and managerial aspects essential for running a Popeyes restaurant.

Ongoing Training

Popeyes also offers additional training programs periodically, which may be mandatory for franchisees to attend. This ongoing training ensures franchisees stay updated with the latest operational standards and business strategies.

Territory Protection

Franchisees are granted the right to operate a Popeyes Restaurant within a defined geographic area referred to as the "Territory," as specified in the Area Development Agreement. This right is limited to the Territory and specific areas within it, called "Target Locations."

Alternative Venues

If Popeyes provides an opportunity to operate a restaurant in an "Alternative Venue," such as an airport or stadium, these venues must be approved by Popeyes.

Designated Area

Franchisees have the right to operate within their designated Territory, but they do not have a broader exclusive territory. Their operations are confined to the designated and approved areas as outlined in their agreement with Popeyes.

Competitors

Below are some of

Popeyes

key competitors in the

Chicken

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

3079

New
+
6%
6%

$50,000

$505,000

$3,923,000

n.a.

$1,824,000

$xxx,xxx

69.0%

xx%

n.a.

12.0%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Houston TX Hot Chicken

Houston TX Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sides, serving spice-loving diners and families, and known for tiered heat levels, modern interiors, and rapid expansion across multiple U.S. markets.

Franchisees

?

17
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$671,000 - $1,760,000

Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken is a fast-casual fried chicken franchise offering spicy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and fries, serving guests seeking bold Southern flavors, and known for proprietary sauces, flexible restaurant, food-truck, and ghost-kitchen models, and streamlined operations designed for rapid expansion.

Franchisees

?

9
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$237,000 - $482,000

Starbird

Starbird is a fast-casual chicken restaurant franchise offering crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads, and digital-forward ordering, serving convenience-driven diners, and known for super-premium fast food positioning, tech-driven guest experience, and craveable feel-good chicken focused on quality ingredients.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$843,000 - $2,027,000

Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse

Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse is a sports-bar franchise offering wings, burgers, craft beer and live game broadcasts, serving sports fans and groups, and known for high-energy environment, full-menu variety and strong franchise support.

Franchisees

?

14
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$399,000 - $1,499,000

Hot Chikn Kitchn

Hot Chikn Kitchn is a fast-casual franchise offering elevated chicken sandwiches, tenders and comfort sides, serving millennials and lunch-dinner diners, and known for chef-driven taste, quality ingredients and modern franchise model.

Franchisees

?

5
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$206,000 - $688,000

Duff's Famous Wings

Duff's Famous Wings is a casual restaurant franchise offering Buffalo-style wings, sauces, and pub fare, serving sports fans and families, and known for authentic heat levels, hometown heritage, and a lively, welcoming environment.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$535,000 - $1,155,000

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