Popeyes introduced to Waterloo Station in a first for Network Rail’s retail portfolio

Network Rail has welcomed the opening of Louisiana chicken restaurant Popeyes at Waterloo station, marking Popeyes first foray into travel retail.

Comprising over 1,820 sq ft of prime retail space, the restaurant is new to Network Rail’s retail portfolio and the first Popeyes to open across its 19 managed stations in Great Britain.

Bringing a taste of New Orleans to Waterloo, Popeyes has over 3,700 worldwide restaurants and is one of the largest chicken brands globally. Popeyes operates in over 30 European countries, with a well-balanced offering including classics from their American menus and locally exclusive items.

Known for their 12-hour marinated Louisiana chicken, all Popeyes food is freshly hand prepared. At Waterloo, Popeyes will be serving takeaway and dine-in eating from breakfast through to dinner, with customers able to pick from internationally enjoyed items including The Chicken Sandwich and Hot Wings.

Popeyes launched by offering the first 50 diners free meals, with the first 3 customers given a special prize to eat free at the restaurant for a year. Queuing started 18 hours ahead of opening, with a brass band performance marking the occasion at Waterloo station.

Over the last 12 months, Network Rail has proactively evolved the retail mix across its 19 managed stations by introducing new brands and experiences at destination stations. The opening of Popeyes further diversifies Waterloo’s offering, joining 25 other F&B brands including Benugo, Marugame and The Victory pub to create a balanced selection for passengers on the move.

Network Rail own and manage over 600,000 sq ft of prime retail space in major city centre locations. Across all stations, there are over 700 million visits per year with Network Rail’s most recent annual retail sales surpassing £800m. Income generated from retail and F&B is crucial to Network Rail’s ongoing reinvestment into the transformation of British railways.

 Hamish Kiernan, Commercial Director, Property at Network Rail, commented: “Passenger appetite for food and drink continues to go from strength-to-strength across Network Rail stations, making Popeyes an exciting addition to our F&B line up. Introducing international and popular brands to our stations is an essential aspect of our retail strategy, as we strive to make our offering varied for customers. The opening of Popeyes further demonstrates our proactive steps to develop a curated retail mix.”

Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes® UK, said: “We are delighted with the turnout and popularity of our new Popeyes® Waterloo restaurant on opening day. There was a real buzz of energy as everyone waited for the first famous Chicken Sandwich to be served.

Waterloo is not only our first travel hub, but has been a key location for us since we landed in the UK, so the response to our opening has been incredible to see.

We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to Waterloo and hope to become a regular stop-off for those working and living in the area.”