Fried chicken chain Popeyes UK is preparing to open its first restaurant in Tunbridge Wells, following the appearance of a management job advertisement posted online in early May 2026. While the company has not yet confirmed the specific site for the new eatery, the recruitment move indicates that the brand is moving ahead with its plans to establish a presence in the town.
If the project goes ahead, Tunbridge Wells will become the third location for the chain in Kent. The company previously opened a branch in Dartford in 2024, followed by a site on Week Street in Maidstone, which began serving customers on 20 February 2026.
The expansion is part of a broader strategy for the American-founded business, which reached a milestone of 100 restaurants across the UK in November 2025. According to Popeyes UK, the company plans to continue opening new locations in cities and regional towns throughout 2026 as part of its mission to grow its footprint in the country.
Recent openings have proven to be significant local employers. For example, the Maidstone branch, which took over a former Wendy’s unit, created 58 new jobs for the area. The company is now seeking a general manager for the upcoming Tunbridge Wells location, with the advertised role offering a salary between £37,000 and £44,000. No further details regarding a potential opening date or venue have been released at this stage.
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