The US fried chicken brand announced the opening date today, confirming the new restaurant will launch at 11am at Parc Trostre Retail Park. Popeyes said the Llanelli site will be its fifth Welsh restaurant following openings in Swansea, Cardiff and Newport.
To mark what the company describes as its “first Welsh opening of 2026”, Popeyes says it will offer a series of giveaways on launch day. According to the chain, the first three people in the queue will receive free Deluxe Chicken Sandwiches for a year. The first 50 customers will receive branded merchandise, and the first 100 will be given a free Deluxe Chicken Sandwich.
Popeyes said the queue will officially open at 9am. The company pointed to its Swansea launch last autumn, where it claims some customers queued for 18 hours to be among the first through the door.
The chain says the Llanelli menu will include its signature Chicken Sandwich, wraps, hot wings and tenders, all made with fresh chicken marinated for 12 hours in its Louisiana seasoning blend and hand‑breaded for what it calls its “shatter‑crunch”. Sides will include Mac & Cheese, gravy and smoky beans.
Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer Tom Crowley said:
“The excitement from Welsh fans never disappoints. Last autumn, our Swansea opening saw 18‑hour queues, following other successful launches in Cardiff and Newport. Opening our fifth restaurant in Wales is another key step in our growth journey, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Llanelli diners on the 7th February.”
The company says the new restaurant will seat 74 people and create 81 jobs locally. It will open in Unit 15 at Parc Trostre, replacing the former Pizza Hut site.
The Llanelli launch follows months of anticipation after Swansea Bay News first reported the chain’s plans for the town and its wider South Wales expansion.
Popeyes will hold a preview evening on 6 February, with the company inviting media and local guests to sample the menu ahead of opening day.
