An American fried chicken chain looks set to continue its expansion in the UK by opening a new restaurant in Swindon.

Popeyes has lodged a planning application to construct a drive-thru restaurant in the car park of Fleming Way Retail Park, which is occupied by branches of The Range and Halfords.

The company’s proposals are to build the restaurant in the north east corner of the retail park’s car park, immediately abutting Fleming Way.

A drive-thru lane will be constructed where cars approach closest to the main road, pull up to the restaurant to order and pickup and exit in a wide loop through the main car park, past the entrances to the other stores.

There will also be a seating area in the restaurant for those who’d prefer to eat in.

The application submitted says: “The restaurant/drive thru unit is intended to add to the visual aesthetics of the overall Retail Park and complement the existing retail units.”

It says the business when up and running would create 25 new jobs and adds: “The location has been carefully considered to ensure safe vehicle circulation around the drive thru lane and customer car park, good access for pedestrians off Fleming Way and good visibility to attract potential customers.

Swindon Advertiser: Popeyes could be opening a branch in SwindonPopeyes could be opening a branch in Swindon (Image: Newsquest)

Popeyes might be a new name to Swindon residents as its closest branches are in Reading and Oxford, having only ventured into the UK in 2021.

The application gives planners the background: “Popeyes was founded in 1972 Louisiana. What started as one small restaurant has grown to over 4,000 restaurants which are located in more than 46 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 30 countries worldwide.

“Popeyes serves chicken dishes in mild and spicy flavours and offers sides such as red beans and rice, Cajun fries, mashed potatoes with Cajun-style gravy, Cajun rice, macaroni and cheese, biscuits, and coleslaw.

“The company opened its first UK outlet within Westfield in East London during November 2021 and has opened over 30 outlets in the intervening period.

“It has a rapid expansion plan over the next few years planning the opening of 350 stores. In August 2023, British private equity firm TDR Capital invested £50 million into Popeyes UK.”