On March 27, 2025, the first Popeyes restaurant in the Silesian Voivodeship officially opened its doors in Katowice, serving up the famed flavors of New Orleans. The opening event drew significant attention, with the first 100 guests receiving complimentary Chicken Sandwiches, while the first three in line were awarded a year’s worth of free sandwiches.
Located in Galeria Katowicka, the new Popeyes is the sixteenth location in Poland and marks a significant milestone for the brand’s expansion in the country. Kamila Węcka, the Marketing Manager for Popeyes in Poland, expressed her excitement about the opening, stating, "This is our first location in Silesia. We are thrilled to be here. Many people have been messaging us on Instagram and TikTok asking when we would finally come to Katowice."
The anticipation was palpable in the hours leading up to the opening, with eager fans camping out overnight to secure their spot in line. The first person, Paweł, arrived at 2 PM on March 26, while Mateusz and Andrzej joined later that evening, waiting a total of 16 hours for the chance to enjoy the iconic Chicken Sandwich. "I’m a bit tired, but mostly hungry. I think it was worth it," Mateusz said, who was the second in line.
As the clock struck 11 AM, the restaurant’s doors swung open, welcoming a diverse crowd of patrons, from children to seniors, all eager to taste the renowned Chicken Sandwich. The first three guests were not only given vouchers for free sandwiches for a year but also received promotional gifts, including a cup, t-shirt, keychain, and socks adorned with the restaurant's logo.
The opening festivities were lively, featuring a brass band that performed to entertain waiting guests. This musical element resonated with both the culinary roots of Popeyes and the rich cultural scene of Katowice. In addition to the live music, guests could participate in various activities, including a special instaspot for capturing memories with analog cameras and a station for creating personalized jewelry.
The menu at Popeyes Katowice includes a variety of offerings centered around their signature chicken dishes. Customers can enjoy the Chicken Sandwich, available in both mild and spicy versions, as well as Cajun fries and the newly introduced New Orleans Beignets, which are light pastries filled with chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar.
Popeyes has been rapidly expanding in Poland since its entry into the market in July 2023, beginning with its first location in Wrocław. In March 2025 alone, the brand has opened five new restaurants across the country, including locations in Wałbrzych, Oleśnica, Wrocław, and Koszalin.
Węcka emphasized the importance of Katowice as a strategic location, stating, "Katowice, with its rich culinary tradition and dynamic gastronomic scene, is a vital point on the map of Poland. We are excited to bring our flavors to this unique region and invite residents to discover our offerings."
As the day unfolded, the atmosphere remained festive, with additional attractions for guests who made a purchase of at least 30 złotych. They had the chance to win prizes from a machine, including more promotional merchandise and coupons for food. This promotional strategy reflects Popeyes’ marketing approach, which primarily targets a younger demographic eager for new culinary experiences.
The opening of Popeyes in Katowice is not just about the food; it represents a growing trend of American fast-food chains establishing a foothold in Poland, appealing to local tastes while maintaining their unique brand identity. The restaurant's commitment to quality and generous portion sizes, often described as "jak u mamy" (like mom's), is expected to resonate well with the local community.
In conclusion, the successful launch of Popeyes in Katowice is a testament to the brand's increasing popularity in Poland, and it sets the stage for further expansion in the region. As locals eagerly embrace the New Orleans flavors, the competition among cities for the longest wait times for the coveted Chicken Sandwich continues, adding a fun twist to the fast-food landscape.
