Popeyes Hires Crowd Control For March 30 Opening In Bedford
HALIFAX-It’s rare that a fast food joint opening generates so much buzz. But ever since Haligonians learned Popeyes was coming to Hogan Court, in Bedford, the city has been eagerly waiting.
On social media, people have been asking for months exactly when the restaurant is opening. Now, the debut is less than two days away. On March 30, 11 a.m. sharp, Haligonians can sample the joint’s Cajun-inspired fried chicken.
Those responsible for overseeing the restaurant understand the hype over the grand opening and have taken extraordinary steps to manage the expected crowd.
“This is going to be a busy, busy place that we’re looking at,” said Popeyes Bedford General Manager Wilmer Morales. “For the drive-thru, we hired security so they can manage the flow of cars. It will definitely be busy coming here.”
Popeyes has 3,300 locations throughout the world. According to Retail Insider, more than 260 are in Canada. But the Bedford Popeyes will be the first in Atlantic Canada.
“I’m so excited as well because I was given the opportunity to manage this first restaurant here in Atlantic Canada,” said Morales, stating they want people to experience Cajun hospitality on top of the Cajun cuisine.
“All I can say is I really want to bring my A-game in here so that people who come here really enjoy what is Popeyes.”
Even though this is the first Popeyes in Atlantic Canada, it is far from the last. Wilsons is the company holding the Popeyes licensing rights in this region. Morales says the company plans to open approximately 20 more in the region.
“This is going to be a training ground for the other Popeyes that will open,” he said.
Even though Wednesday’s opening marks a big beginning for the brand in Atlantic Canada, don’t expect any pomp and circumstance in Bedford. There will be no ribbon-cutting or marching band; the crew wants to get right down to business.
“We’ll just open the doors,” said Morales.
Given the current labour market, Morales and his team had to work hard to hire 85 staff for the restaurant–but that’s still not enough. Morales says such a busy location will ultimately require 90-95 people, with 22-24 people on during each shift.
So, what can people expect when they try Popeyes chicken for the first time? Given the chain’s Cajun influence, it’s all about the spice.
“Our chicken is fresh; It’s delivered here and seasoned for almost half a day before we do the battering and frying,” said Morales. “Our chicken sandwich is one of the best-sellers, not only here in Canada, but also in the US.”
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].
Ed
March 29, 2022 @ 3:33 pm
Really ! well that will soon change. Yikes
Dude
March 29, 2022 @ 11:10 pm
I am not so sure about this, I don’t think many people around here are franchise crazy
Dcs4669
March 30, 2022 @ 6:30 am
Funny but not surprised with the Maritimes, they probably will be lined up for something new. I ate there twice and only the second time because I thought it can’t be as bad as I remember. Well it was.
Wigs
March 30, 2022 @ 9:27 am
It would be much better if you try it when the store is actually open!
donna
March 31, 2022 @ 9:30 pm
when we lived in Mississauga we ate at Popeyes a lot we loved it the chicken was always fresh always juicy the place was very very clean we love to go in there the people who work there we’re always in a good mood laughing and carrying on even though it was so busy all the time couldn’t wait when I heard it coming to Halifax where I am from I’m so glad they’re here and you definitely will get a couple visits for me probably more