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Restaurant Brands Iberia has announced that in 2024 it will land in Italy with the Popeyes franchise. The Spanish company, which has obtained the master franchise of the brand specializing in chicken in the country, continues its international expansion strategy, being the third European country where it will have a presence, after Spain and Portugal, as detailed in a statement.
The first Popeyes restaurant will open in Italy before the end of 2024. The Spanish company expects a growth rate similar to that achieved in Spain. RB Iberia explains that Popeyes’ goal is to lead the chicken market in Spain. The first restaurant it opened in Madrid was 2019 and since then it has already reached 120 locations, with a workforce of over 5,000 employees.
Becoming one of the largest restaurant chains in Europe
In addition, Restaurant Brands Iberia points out that it has more than 900 of its own restaurants in the Iberian Peninsula and a well-established presence in Spain (640 Burger King, 100 Popeyes and 6 Tim Hortons cafeterias), as well as a notable presence in Portugal (more than 160 Burger King stores).
The Group manages a network of more than 1,200 restaurants, including the 365 franchise-operated establishments of the three brands in the two markets. It also adds that, with a regular rate of 80 restaurant openings of its own, the Group generates around 2,500 new jobs each year, excluding the openings of franchised restaurants. RB Iberia currently employs around 24,000 people.
“We are very pleased to be able to manage the landing of Popeyes in Italy. It is an iconic brand, which is having a very good reception in our country and for which we are firmly committed from the Group”, explains the president of Restaurant Brands Iberia, Gregorio Jiménez.