Popeyes is a beloved restaurant chain with approximately 3,193 stores in the United States and more than 4,000 stores worldwide as of 2026. The chain’s popular chicken sandwich has become a hit several times over the years.
However, according to USA Today, One franchisee declared bankruptcy, which led to the big decision to close the restaurant.
according to scratch hero, “The state and territory with the largest number of Popeyes stores in the United States is Texas, with 437 restaurants, accounting for approximately 14% of all Popeyes restaurants in the United States.” However, the closures were in Georgia and Florida.
The company is also in trouble. February 2026, restaurant business wrote: “Popeye’s domestic sales took a hit last quarter, capping off an unusually difficult year for the fast-food chicken chain.” According to restaurant businessPopeyes “U.S. same-store sales fell 4.9%”
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(Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
· (Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
according to USA Todaythe affected franchisee is Sailormen, Inc., headquartered in Florida. Sailormen “operates more than 130 Popeyes restaurants” USA Today the franchisee will close three Popeyes locations in Georgia, it reported.
The chain will close 20 restaurants in Georgia and Florida. USA Today reported. Sailormen filed for bankruptcy in January, blaming “low foot traffic and high inflation” as well as “debt related to a failed deal to sell 16 restaurants in 2024.” USA Today additional.
according to Quick response, Sailors also cited “the lasting impact of the pandemic, changing consumer choices, rising inflation, rising borrowing rates and a limited pool of qualified workers.” The company’s debt has grown to $130 million and it’s behind on rent. Quick response additional. “Sailormen was established in 1984 to operate Popeyes restaurants.”
Sailormen once owned Popeyes restaurants in five other states, but has been focusing on Florida and Georgia since 2018. Quick response reported.
“Our performance over the past few quarters has been below our expectations, which is why we are making a change in leadership,” RBI Chief Executive Josh Kobz reportedly told investors. restaurant business.
USA Today The following locations are reportedly closing:
2005 Ohio Avenue, North Live Oak, Florida
1601 S US Hwy., Ft. Pierce, Florida
5156 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Florida
2729 SE Hwy 70, Arcadia, Florida
175 S Hwy 17, East Palatka, Florida
649 S McDuff Ave., Jacksonville, Florida
1124 N Young Blvd, Chiefland, Florida
27740 US 27, Leesburg, Florida
200 Green Way, Keystone Heights, Florida
812 S 6th St., McClenny, Florida
1833 Kings Rd., Jacksonville, Florida
2015 N Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL
401 N 1st St., Jesup, Georgia
2106 Memorial Dr., Waycross, Georgia
1610 S Georgia Pkwy, West Waycross, Georgia
68 W Coffee St., Hazlehurst, Georgia
3319 Altama Ave., Brunswick, Georgia
1817 Glynn Ave., Brunswick, Georgia
628 W Parker St., Baxley, Georgia
419 S Church St., Homerville, Georgia
Popeyes was founded in 1972 in suburban New Orleans, according to its website. The restaurant chain was originally called “Chicken on the Run.” Popeye’s writes that the menu focuses on “traditional Southern fried chicken.”
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This article was originally published by Men’s Journal on March 19, 2026, and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Men’s Diary as your go-to source.