Popeyes partners with SSP to open first UK airport site

Popeyes UK has announced a strategic partnership with SSP which will see the American QSR brand open its first UK airport site at Birmingham Airport.

The new Popeyes restaurant will open at Birmingham Airport in early summer 2025, and the partnership will allow more airport sites to follow.

The restaurant will be located airside and will offer Popeyes’ full all-day menu as well as its recently launched breakfast menu.

Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK and Ireland, said: “As the food travel experts, we’re always working to ensure we meet the evolving needs of customers while offering variety across our portfolio. There’s a huge appetite for Popeyes’ tasty menu, so we’re really excited to launch our new partnership together at UK travel hubs, starting with the brand’s inaugural journey into UK airport restaurants at Birmingham Airport.”

Tom Byng, chief development officer at Popeyes UK, added: “Everybody is delighted to be working with SSP to open Popeyes’ first UK airport restaurant. This is the first of a number of locations we will open in partnership with SSP, marking a significant milestone for the business as we roll out our ambitious growth plans for 2025, and reflects the continued strength of our customer proposition and brand appeal.”

SSP is a key partner to Birmingham Airport, with Popeyes UK joining its diverse portfolio of F&B outlets which includes Shelby and Co, SSP’s Peaky Blinders-inspired bar and kitchen which opened in December 2024.

The company specialises in QSR, cafes and food-led convenience stores mostly in airports and train stations. This includes its own brands such as Upper Crust, AMT and Soul + Grain as well as franchise brands including M&S Simply Food, Starbucks and Burger King.