SIOUX CITY | Although no dirt has been turned yet, Popeye's will still make its debut in Sioux City in 2017. Once that happens, expect busy patronage that could impact streets, owner Justin Laird said.
"Traffic is going to get backed up," said Laird, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The time is nearing for the arrival of Popeye's, the national chain's famous chicken and other Louisiana-style food, that some Siouxlanders have been clamoring for as another fast-food option.
And it won't be one store, but two. The late spring to early summer months should mark the arrival of Popeye's, Laird said.
Robert Strub, of Sioux City, is pumped for the arrival of Popeye's. He and a good friend have traveled to Omaha just to eat at a Popeye's.
"It is cool that we are getting one in Sioux City," Strub said.
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One location is planned along Singing Hills Boulevard, in front of Sam's Club near Singing Hills' intersection with Lewis Boulevard. The other location will be built near the intersection of Hamilton Boulevard and Wesley Parkway, in a lot north of the McDonald's.
The first construction will begin in February on the Singing Hills location, with an opening expected by May. Laird said the Hamilton spot will open by June or early July.
Popeye's began expanding north of Missouri to Midwestern states in 2012 after a bout of national advertising that piqued the interest of people, Laird said.
"Popeye's has exploded... It is delicious food. They have a great brand," he said.
Laird and his business partner, Chris Connelly, opened the first two Popeye's locations in Sioux Falls earlier this year. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Laird also owns one in Brookings and is scouting other sites for a Popeye's.
Laird said the Sioux Falls openings in 2016 were swamped with customers, so he told law enforcement officials to expect an impact on adjacent areas.
"We shut down 10th Street (in Sioux Falls)," he said.
"Sioux City is going to do that too."
During the opening, Laird recalls meeting several residents from the Sioux City area. That helped reinforce plans the local franchisees were already developing to expand into Sioux City, he said.
Laird said about 100 people will be hired to staff the two locations, in both full- and part-time positions.
Popeye's, which bills itself as the world's second largest quick-service chicken concept, was started in New Orleans in 1972, and has grown to include more than 2,000 locations worldwide.
The chain is know for its New Orleans-style menu that features spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood, as well as jambalaya and red beans and rice.
"I can't say I've had anything I don't like. I am a big fan of the Spicy Bone-in Chicken," Laird said.
