Store footprintĬhick-fil-A operates more than 3,000 restaurants across North America while Popeyes has over 2,700. Here are eight major differences between the two chains. However, if you're debating which chain to visit when your fast-food chicken craving strikes, there are several elements to consider. Regardless of the numbers, it would be an understatement to say Chick-fil-A and Popeyes have loyal customer followings. Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A's market share increased from 38.3% to 45.5% last year. market share decreased from 15% to 11.9% in 2023, the chain's performance was still good enough to leapfrog KFC. Today, Chick-fil-A stands as the top chicken chain in the U.S., with Popeyes dethroning KFC from the number two spot in 2023 after a 10-year reign.
In 2019, Popeyes introduced its crispy chicken sandwich, sparking a rivalry with Chick-fil-A that became known as the 'chicken sandwich wars.' Since then, other chains like McDonald's and Wendy's entered the fast-food battle, launching their own versions of the popular menu item.
Whether eaten on its own or served between two sandwich buns, the crunchy breaded chicken has a dominating presence in the fast-food world.
Crispy, juicy, and savory, fried chicken is one of the most quintessential comfort foods.
