Popeyes Has A Sister Chain, But It Isn't Known For Fried Chicken

People love Popeyes for many things — its fried chicken sandwich that sold out and drew long lines across the U.S. when first released, its iconic red beans and rice, and its refreshing lemonades, to name a few. But what most people don't know is that this fried chicken franchise has a sister restaurant that serves a very different type of food. Established almost 20 years before Popeyes, Burger King later became affiliated with the popular chicken spot when they were both acquired by the same parent company.

Burger King and Popeyes are owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI), a Canada-based fast-food holding company and one of the biggest businesses in the fast-food industry thanks to its 33,000 restaurants. Burger King has changed ownership several times since opening in 1954. In 2014, Burger King and Tim Hortons combined in a deal backed in part by Berkshire Hathaway, creating Restaurant Brands International. 

Popeyes' ownership history rivals the complexity of Burger King's, including bankruptcy, a stint as the acquirer of Church's Chicken, and a revolving door of CEOs. Started in 1972 by businessman Al Copeland, the chicken restaurant was known as "Chicken on the Run" until it closed and came back as Popeyes. It was eventually bought by RBI in 2017, enabling it to reach new heights domestically and overseas and even surpass KFC in sales. In addition to Popeyes, Burger King, and Tim Hortons, RBI owns Firehouse Subs, making it yet another chain with sister restaurants you might not have known about.

Popeyes and Burger King owe their successes to both domestic and international markets. Popeyes has been a player on the international front since its expansion to Canada in 1984, while Burger King was already in Puerto Rico and Canada by the 1960s. The brands have seen countless ups and downs through the decades but continue holding strong by adapting to changes in consumer eating habits, such as answering the desire for a plant-based fast-food sandwich option. Burger King is currently refranchising 200 of its locations in an effort to revitalize operations after a downturn and maintain its achievement as the second-biggest U.S. burger chain. RBI's shares increased by 6% over 2025, boosted by Burger King's resurgence.

Popeyes, on the other hand, had several locations close in early 2026 after one of the brand's biggest franchisees, Sailormen Inc., went into bankruptcy. The company had already sold several Popeyes locations over the past decade. Though financial troubles have affected numerous restaurant chains, Popeyes' recent closures highlight the challenges that arise when franchisees struggle. How Popeyes navigates these headwinds remains to be seen, but its struggles speak to the different fortunes of these two sister chains.