US fried chicken retailer Popeyes has agreed to a non-binding arrangement with Cartesian Capital Group for the exclusive development of the Popeyes brand in China. 

After opening its first store in India in January as part of a partnership with a regional food company, Jubilant Foodworks Limited (JFL), this is the most recent step in the US company’s ambition to expand throughout Asia. Prior to that, Popeyes made its debut in France and Romania and returned to South Korea. It also operates in Vietnam and the Philippines.

The parties to the China deal say it is still subject to formal documentation, due diligence, and final consent.

Cartesian says it is committed to providing customers with an in-store experience that “reflects the warm hospitality that is associated with the Popeyes brand”.

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes is one of the world’s largest chicken quick-service chains with more than 3850 restaurants in different 30 countries. The business is owned by Restaurant Brands International, which is also the parent of Burger King, Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs. 

Peter Yu, the managing partner at Cartesian, says the company also aims to build a long-standing relationship with RBI to open more than 450 Tim Hortons cafes across China. 

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