Fried chicken chain Popeyes has confirmed its restaurant and drive-thru at the new Bishop Auckland retail park will open next week.

The Louisiana-founded chain will open its new venue at the Fieldon Bridge Retail and Leisure Park development on Wednesday March 13, at 8am.

The restaurant is the first business to open at the new shopping park and boasts fifty seats inside, outdoor seating and a drive-thru.

The Northern Echo: Popeyes Bishop Auckland.Popeyes Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

It becomes the second location in the region after the opening of brand’s Metrocentre restaurant in August 2022.

Neil Williamson, Popeyes’ Newcastle-born Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are thrilled to bring Popeyes to Bishop Auckland, marking our second venture in the North East.”

The brand is famous for its Louisiana chicken sandwiches, American biscuits and gravy and handmade milkshakes.

The Northern Echo:

To celebrate the launch the first three people in the queue, in the drive-thru and on foot, will win a year’s free chicken sandwiches. The first 25 cars and 25 in-store diners will also get a free chicken sandwich and a goodie bag.

The Bishop Auckland site will also serve a breakfast menu consisting of rolls, muffins and hash browns.

It will also be the first Popeyes to offer deliveries via the website, Uber Eats and Just Eat from opening day.

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The new Drive-Thru restaurant is located in the new Fieldon Bridge Retail & Leisure Park development in Bishop Auckland, DL14 9AA.

The rest of the development is expected to open in early summer.

Other tenants signed up include Home Bargains, The Range and Pure Gym.