We routinely ask listeners about restaurants and businesses they’d want to see open in Rochester and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is always one of the most popular responses. Naturally, a lot of people were excited when we learned the spicy chicken chain was finally going to open a spot here in the Med-City.

The first restaurant was going to be built on a lot located on the northside of 55th Street NW right across from the Walmart shopping district. And last May, we learned there could be a second Popeye’s being built near the former Toys R Us. To date, both lots are empty.  So, what’s going on?  I reached out to the Media Relations Team at Popeyes and their responses didn’t inspire any confidence about the future of the fast-food chain in Rochester.

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Rumors began swirling in January of 2021 so I reached out for confirmation and got a quick response from the Popeyes team. I was told the new restaurant would be open by the end of the year.

<p>Thanks for reaching out. This <span class="markm5aaxbuy0" data-markjs="true" data-ogac="" data-ogab="" data-ogsc="" data-ogsb="">Popeyes</span> location is currently slated to be opened in Q4 of this year. </p><p>Best regards,</p><p>The <span class="markm5aaxbuy0" data-markjs="true" data-ogac="" data-ogab="" data-ogsc="" data-ogsb="">Popeyes</span> <span class="mark6aekfsapg" data-markjs="true" data-ogac="" data-ogab="" data-ogsc="" data-ogsb="">Media</span> Team</p>

The Hamilton Real Estate Group even shared the picture below which shows the NW Rochester lot marked with a Popeyes logo.

Hamilton Real Estate
Hamilton Real Estate
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Then in October, I started receiving messages from listeners saying the restaurants weren't going to open at all, so again, I contacted the Media Team at Popeyes.

<p>"Good morning,</p><div data-ogsc="black" data-ogsb="white">I was wondering if you could provide an update for me.  Is Popeye's opening in Rochester in Q4?  We've received some messages from readers saying it might not open at all. </div><div data-ogsc="black" data-ogsb="white"> </div><div data-ogsc="black" data-ogsb="white">Any update would be appreciated."</div>

This time there was no response.

#4 Popeye's Chicken
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I followed up on November 17th and asked for an updated opening date. It took a full month, but I did receive a reply this time.

"Thank you for taking the time to write us in regards to the Rochester MN location, and I apologize for the delayed response."

The email I got back said: "We currently do not have this information to share" and included a link to the Popeyes Store Locator: www.popeyes.com/store-locator"

I was hoping for something more specific, so I reached out again seeking more information, but I haven't received anything yet.

So did Popeyes pull the plug on Rochester? I'm not sure because I can't seem to get a straight answer, but all signs point to yes.

It's been over a year since we learned that Popeyes was coming to Rochester, and there hasn’t been any progress. This is what the lot in NW Rochester looks like today:

TSM Rochester
TSM Rochester
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There also isn't anything going up at the rumored site near the former Toys R Us. Chat with us on our app or send me an email if you have any additional information.

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