Geordies are all set to be introduced to the "shatter-crunch" experience of New Orleans-style chicken when the eagerly-awaited Popeyes restaurant opens in the Metrocentre this weekend.
The US chain, which made is UK debut in November, has quickly followed up that first London branch - which already has become its busiest in the world - with another three and now its fourth pick of location is the Gateshead shopping centre where its new 98-seat brightly-coloured restaurant will welcome first customers at 11am on Saturday. Massive queues are expected for the launch and there will be freebies in store for the first arrivals as well as live music, children's entertainment and a full-on New Orleans party vibe.
Popeyes is huge in America and its Louisiana kitchen-style menu is clearly also taking off over here where customers are fast becoming fans of its trademark chicken sandwich. In a first look around at the Metrocentre restaurant ahead of its opening, Chroniclelive was shown how its signature dish is made, with the chicken - having been marinated for at least 12 hours - hand-stretched and flattened - then breaded and fried.
