Popeyes Faces Challenges with Chicken Wing Offerings

Many consider cooking chicken wings to be an art form, but for Popeyes, it seems to have brought some complications, which contributed to mixed results for the third quarter at its parent company, Restaurant Brands International.

In the US, same-store sales for Popeyes fell by 2.2%, and executives cited a menu change as a factor in this decline.

“To streamline operations and focus on our core menu, we decided to reduce our wings offerings,” noted Restaurant Brands CEO Joshua Kobza during a Thursday earnings call.

Despite this, he mentioned that customer satisfaction with their core chicken items is at an all-time high, and they have observed positive trends in traffic, which are improving segment by segment.

Popeyes recently brought wings back to the menu, generating some excitement, especially on social media where fans showcased them. Initially, the wing options included five varieties, such as garlic parmesan and ghost pepper.

However, the chain quietly reduced its wing flavors last quarter, leading to some customer complaints. For instance, a Reddit user posed a question about the previous variety, asking, “Weren’t there a bunch more different flavors before?” They expressed feeling confused by the app’s offerings.

Another user expressed disappointment upon discovering that their favorite signature hot wings would be discontinued. “What a loss for those who like a little heat,” they remarked, although they oddly found a silver lining in not having to consume so many calories from the wings anymore.

On a positive note for Restaurant Brands, Burger King performed well last quarter with an 8.4% increase in same-store sales in the US.

Overall, the parent company reported $2.53 billion in revenue, slightly below the expected $2.54 billion, leading to a 2% decline in their stock value on Thursday morning.

Still, there was an indication of growth in international sales for Popeyes in locations such as the UK, India, and, gradually, China. “Our entrance has been met with long lines and excellent feedback, and we plan to push forward with Popeyes International,” said Sami Siddiqui, the company’s CFO.

In 2024, Restaurant Brands acquired Popeyes China for $15 million, identifying it as a significant long-term market opportunity. Earlier in the year, McDonald’s announced plans to try hand-breaded tenders, inspired by Popeyes’ method of food preparation, but one market analyst cautioned that it might be “doomed for failure,” according to MarketWatch.

The Post has reached out to Popeyes for comment.