Popeyes

Leadership

Al Copeland created Popeyes, but that's just one reason he was a legend. Here are a few more

In the transcript of this week's Restaurant Rewind podcast, read about one of the most colorful characters ever to influence the business.

Leadership

In a business of nonconformists, Popeyes founder Al Copeland broke the mold

Restaurant Rewind: During his 64 years, he drew a spotlight time and again, though not always for positive reasons.

The Bottom Line: The two fast-food chains are increasingly going head-to-head over chicken sandwiches and chicken wings.

Jeff Klein will replace him as president of Popeyes in the U.S. and Canada. Thiago Santelmo was named president of international.

A former employee of Sun Holdings had accused the 150-unit Popeyes operator of reneging on a promise of 5% of the annual operating profits.

The fast-food chicken chain is already the No. 3 provider of quick-service wings, the company said. And the company has plans to improve its ability to serve them.

Sales were positive at Restaurant Brands International concepts, including Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs. At Burger King, operator profitability increased 46%.

The fried chicken restaurant chain believes that it can get more efficient, just like its international locations and rival Chick-fil-A.

The chicken chain is permanently introducing wings on Wednesday, adding three new variations.

During the height of wing season, the two chicken chains are taking to a new battleground in the aftermath of the chicken sandwich wars.

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