Popeyes is apparently giving customers Cajun Rice for its birthday.
The Miami-based chicken chain, which took the popular Cajun Rice side off its menu last year, said it will start selling the side dish again on Tuesday.
The return of the product comes as part of a number of efforts tied to the brand’s 50th anniversary, started this year. In addition to the return of Cajun Rice, the company will start selling five pieces of chicken for $6.99.
Popeyes is also debuting the Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie nationwide. It’s a strawberry fried pie filled with a cheesecake and graham cracker filling.
Popeyes was founded in 1972 by Al Copeland, who named the concept after Popeye Doyle, the fictional character from “The French Connection,” and differentiated the brand with a selection of Louisiana-style chicken and side dishes.
Cajun Rice was initially known as Rice Dressing and was a favorite among customers. The dish features Cajun and creole seasonings along with bell pepper, onion, garlic, celery and cayenne—making it unusual in the quick-service business.
But Popeyes removed the product from its menu early last year as part of a simplification initiative. That move generated protests among consumers who considered the dish one of the chain’s best.
Meanwhile, Popeyes has invited five couples who were married in 1972 to surprise their partners with a love letter and discuss their “recipe for 50 years of love” in a new video. Only 6% of couples make it up to their 50th anniversary. You can see the video below.
Popeyes is also inviting couples, family members and friends to nominate their love story on Twitter or by emailing lovestories@popeyes.com. Popeyes will pick the best one to be featured on a national ad.
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