RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Popeyes, a unit of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI), announced plans to grow the brand in Saudi Arabia via a franchise and development agreement with Gulf First Fast Food Company, an owner and operator of restaurant chains.

“We are proud to partner with Popeyes to grow the brand’s presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It allows us to create hundreds of career opportunities and share the joy of Popeyes with the people of Saudi Arabia,” said Madhav Kapur, chief executive officer of Gulf First. “We approach every aspect of life with an entrepreneurial spirit, with the aim to improve our lives and our world. We are eager to grow our share in the Saudi Arabia quick-service restaurant market by continuing to focus on delivering exceptional service and great-tasting food to our guests. We believe this will position us well for success in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

With the addition of the Saudi Arabia market, Popeyes continues to build on the brand's international expansion. Popeyes already operates in China, Spain, Switzerland, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Other recent additions to the company’s growth plan include Mexico, the United Kingdom, India and surrounding countries. Popeyes can be found in more than 25 countries with more 3,400 locations.

“We are thrilled to announce the development agreement with Gulf First to increase the pace of growth for the Popeyes brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of our broader global expansion strategy," said David Shear, international president of RBI. “Guests all over the world love our famous chicken and with its extensive experience in the market, Gulf First will accelerate our ability to reach guests across the Kingdom.”