Some say cooking chicken wings is an artwork — for Popeyes, it was a massive ache in the neck that contributed to blended third-quarter outcomes for mother or father company Restaurant Brands International.
Same-store gross sales for Popeyes outposts in the US dropped 2.2%, with execs blaming a menu change for the droop.
“As part of our efforts to streamline operations and refocus on our core menu, we made a deliberate decision to scale back our wings offering,” Restaurant Brands CEO Joshua Kobza said on a Thursday earnings call.
Popeyes chicken meal with a drink. Nik’s Pics – stock.adobe.com
“Satisfaction with our core chicken is the highest it’s been on record, and we’re seeing encouraging signs in our traffic trends, which have strengthened sequentially,” he added.
The chain lately reintroduced wings to some fanfare, with the menu merchandise changing into a widespread “mukbang” characteristic.
Options initially included 5 flavors, like garlic parmesan, ghost pepper, “signature hot” and honey BBQ.
But Popeyes quietly scaled back the choices last quarter, drawing some gripes from prospects.
“Wasn’t there a bunch more different flavors before?” one Reddit person wrote earlier this month.
“I’m having an existential crisis over here because I feel like the app is gaslighting me.”
A Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant in Paramus, New Jersey photographed in 2025 Christopher Sadowski
Another buyer recounted dismay at lately studying the signature sizzling wings were being discontinued.
“What a loss for those who like a little heat,” the individual wrote. “I guess on the plus side, I won’t be consuming a thousand plus calories on their wings anymore.”
Last quarter, Burger King was a brilliant spot for Restaurant Brands. The chain had same-store gross sales growth of 8.4% in the US.
Overall, the mother or father company $2.53 billion in income, barely decrease than the. $2.54 billion that was expected. Share of the company slipped on the information 2% Thursday morning.
Still, Popeyes pointed to growing worldwide gross sales in the UK, India and, slowly, in China.
“We see it in the long lines and the amazing guest reviews and feedback when we enter, and we’re going to continue hitting the gas on Popeyes International,” said Sami Siddiqui, the company’s CFO.
In 2024, Restaurant Brands acquired Popeyes China at a worth of $15 million and called the nation one of the “most compelling long-term market opportunities.”
Earlier this yr, McDonald’s announced it would strive hand-breaded tenders, cuing off Popeyes’ strategy to food prep. One market analyst said the transfer was “doomed for failure,” according to MarketWatch.
The Post has sought remark from Popeyes.