New Popeyes fried chicken restaurant opens in Oldham

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has opened its first Oldham restaurant at Elk Mill Shopping Park, taking over the former Pizza Hut space and drawing crowds on launch day with a promotion offering a year's supply of chicken to early customers.

The restaurant features New Orleans-inspired decor with orange and turquoise fittings, ordering screens, collection hatches, and a mix of table and booth seating. New Orleans-style music plays through the speakers, creating a lively atmosphere that's already attracting attention from shoppers.

I tried several menu items including the deluxe burger with freshly marinated pickles (not from a jar, as CEO Tom Crowley emphasized), cajun and ranch wraps, and sides like mac and cheese, smokey beans, and gravy. The signature 'shatter' coating on the chicken delivers a crunch that stands out from other fried chicken options.