Popeyes Opens in South America, Europe

AFC Enterprises announced December 2 that Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits has signed two development agreements for expansion in South America and Europe?four units in Suriname and two units in Poland. These deals constitute AFC's and Popeyes' first entrance into both continents outside of United States military bases.

The South American deal with the new franchise partner, C.K.C. Hotel Maatschappij N.V., includes four Popeyes restaurants. One unit will open this month in Suriname--two scheduled to open in the year 2000, and one in 2001.

The European deal with Host International, a subsidiary of Host Marriott Services Corporation (HMS), includes two Popeyes restaurants to open in the food courts of M1 branded Metro A.G. malls in Poland.

AFC has targeted South America and Europe for expansion because of favorable demographic trends and the Popeyes menu which is designed to appeal to the more than 30 million "flavor seekers'' worldwide that enjoy flavorful, but not necessarily spicy food. Popeyes is known for its New Orleans-style spicy and mild chicken and its red beans & rice.

In addition to Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, AFC Enterprises, is the parent company of Churchs Chicken, Seattle's Best Coffee and Torrefazione Italia Coffee. AFC positions itself by offering a portfolio of high-valued brands and unparalleled support and services for its franchise partners.