Popeyes, the American QSR chain, has announced its first location in New Zealand. To discuss the opening, Restaurant and Café Magazine sat down with Popeyes' New Zealand General Manager, James McLauchlan.
According to McLauchlan, Popeyes will be the next big thing to launch into the local QSR industry.
"New Zealand is an exciting market, and we know that Kiwis love new experiences – we just so happen to have the next best experience for them," said McLauchlan.
McLauchlan has been in the QSR industry for just over a decade, having worked for Burger King Asia Pacific in Singapore in finance and supply chain management before moving into a regional role overseeing franchisees all over Asia. He was then shoulder-tapped by Hungry Jacks in Australia, where he headed up the NSW and ACT business as the General Manager of the market. During his six years in the role, McLauchlan and his team grew the brand into more than 80 stores, employed over 4,000 locals, and turned over $250 million per annum. He said his time at both companies had been a highlight of his career.
When the opportunity arose to move back home to be part of Popeyes in New Zealand, McLauchlan jumped at the opportunity. He said at the heart of the operation, the company is all about people.
"At the heart of our operation, we're all about people - we just happen to serve up some mean fried chicken,” he said.
“We firmly believe that the better our team is engaged, trained, and developed, the more exceptional our guests' experience becomes. It's a Kiwi truth: get the people's side right, treat them well, and the profits will follow.”
Although McLauchlan kept the finer details close to his chest, he said the right team has been employed at the soon-to-open Takanini store, supported by innovative technology that will deliver the best possible menu. Further locations have been mapped out around the country, all due to open before the end of the year. He added that the company's vision is to ensure that everyone experiences Popeyes at least once in their lifetime.
Various roles have been created for Popeyes' launch in New Zealand, including team members, maintenance roles, management positions, district and area coaches, training coaches, and head office departments. There is also an ongoing investment in local suppliers across the menu, from chicken to raw ingredients.
"Popeyes will be using local suppliers where possible. The majority of suppliers for launch are local, and we will be localising taste profiles and doing local LTOs with local food suppliers."
Employing the right people has become a priority for McLauchlan before its New Zealand launch. A strong focus has been placed on ensuring that the menu will be the best fit for the market and exploring many community engagement opportunities.
As with any major launch, McLauchlan said there had been some challenges but the company was on the right track. He said that every element needs to be perfect and right.
"We're only at the beginning of our journey and have a lot to work through."
Popeyes has continued to expand worldwide, with the aim of becoming the most loved chicken brand in the world. Popeye's is present in over 35 countries and will continue to identify new markets to introduce its products.
To read more about Popeyes, click here.
