As the streets of the French Quarter fill with distinctive notes and colorful floats, another hometown favorite will help usher in the annual Mardi Gras celebration–Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Last year, Popeyes locations in the New Orleans area served about 40 tons of Red Beans and Rice, 1.5 million pieces of chicken, and 1 million biscuits during the 12 days of Mardi Gras. This year, New Orleans area restaurants are adding staff and extending hours of operations so that guests can stop by to pick up Popeyes chicken, biscuits and world famous side dishes for the parades as well as get their Popeyes fix before and after other local festivities.

“The taste and spirit of New Orleans are the essence of our brand and for many people, Mardi Gras and Popeyes are synonymous,” says Dick Lynch, chief marketing officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Many Popeyes locations will open at 6 a.m. on Mardi Gras Day, while the Canal Street locations will operate nearly 24 hours a day beginning the Friday before Mardi Gras through midnight on Fat Tuesday.

News, Popeyes