Headlines

Fast-Food News: International Moves

Johnny Rockets, Popeye’s set expansions outside U.S.

Published

4 months ago

October 2, 2025

VMSD Staff

Fast-Food News: International Moves — Popeyes plans to bring 300 of its restaurants to Mexico in the coming decade. Image: Courtesy of CNW Group/Restaurant Brands Intl.

Popeyes plans to bring 300 of its restaurants to Mexico in the coming decade. Image: Courtesy of CNW Group/Restaurant Brands Intl.

These two U.S.-based restaurant chains have unveiled plans for added units in other countries:

* Johnny Rockets (Los Angeles) is adding seven locales in six overseas countries. The burger chain, a unit of FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., said it has franchise units opening this year in the following cities: Baghdad, Iraq (Al Jadriya Mall and Dhubbat Street); Antofagasta, Chile (Mall Plaza Antofagasta); Cancun, Mexico (Grand Outlet Riviera Maya); Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Jumeirah); Mexico City, Mexico (Averanda); and Sao Paolo, Brazil (Belem do Para).

* Popeyes (Miami) said it has signed pacts with four franchises to open a total of 300 restaurants in Mexico over the coming decade. The franchisees and their territories are:

• Star Louisiana, an existing Popeyes developer, is renewing its commitment to develop the brand in Jalisco in the West region.
• Border Crunch will lead the expansion in the Northwest region.
• Grupo Euro will drive development across the Central region.
• Grupo Berny will oversee growth in the Southeast region.

A unit of Restaurant Brands Intl., Popeyes offers a Louisiana-style Cajun menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders. Its other recent overseas forays include opening locales in Costa Rica, Italy and the Balkans.

VMSD Staff

Drawing on more than 125 years of history serving the retail design market, VMSD magazine provides retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news through its industry-leading magazine, website, social media channels and bulletins.

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