RBI: announces launch of «Popeyes» in Kazakhstan

Toronto / CA. (rbi) «Popeyes», franchise system of Canada’s Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI) and Eldar Abdrazakov, Founder and CEO of Kazakhstan’s Centras Group, announced new plans to develop and open dozens of «Popeyes» restaurants across Kazakhstan in the coming years.

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, «Popeyes» has more than 50 years of history and culinary tradition. The brand’s passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavourful authentic food has allowed «Popeyes» to become one of the world’s largest chicken quick service restaurant companies with today over 3,900 restaurants in over 30 countries around the world.

«We’re excited to introduce our iconic Louisiana-style chicken to guests in Kazakhstan with Eldar Abdrazakov, a highly reputable local investor,» said Thiago Santelmo, President RBI EMEA, parent company of «Popeyes». «This is the first deal for «Popeyes» in Central Asia, representing a gateway for the region and opening-up new expansion opportunities for the brand in the coming years.»

The launch in Kazakhstan is expected to lead to major investment in market-leading talent. Centras Group’s «Popeyes» business in Kazakhstan plans to create thousands of new jobs, spanning critical operational roles in construction, supply chain and distribution as well as provide a direct boost to the Kazakhstan hospitality sector by hiring talent to prepare and serve «Popeyes» products to guests.

Eldar Abdrazakov, owner of Centras Group, said, «We are proud to announce the signing of the agreement granting us the exclusive rights to operate the brand in Kazakhstan. Chicken is one of the largest and fastest growing categories in the country and is expected to grow rapidly in years to come. We are confident that guests will love their fried chicken.»

Today’s announcement contributes to the ambitious brand expansion plan in the EMEA region. «Popeyes» has previously entered into agreements to enter France, Poland and Czech Republic in 2023.