Megan Thee Stallion, a three-time Grammy award-winning songwriter and rapper, opened a new Popeye’s restaurant in Miami, Florida.
A special ribbon cutting ceremony for the occasion was held on January 14.
The restaurant is located in the heart of Miami Beach at 1427 Washington Avenue. It will have unique elements, including special Hottie-certified uniforms, and showcases a custom interior design curated in collaboration with Megan herself, complete with a bold mural, playful LED signage and thoughtful personalized touches, from the iconic Popeyes “Poppy” mascot to bespoke stallion tilework.
She also plans to unveil an exclusive combo meal at her franchise, which will be known as “Thee Megan Meal,” that includes a chicken sandwich, 3-piece tenders, 6-piece bone-in wings, red beans and rice along with mac and cheese.
According to a press release, Megan’s goal is to cultivate a dynamic dining experience that reflects her bold personality and commitment to premium quality. Additionally, the restaurant will play an integral role in supporting philanthropic community outreach programs.
The opening of Megan’s restaurant is the culmination of a journey that began in 2021, when she and Popeyes first announced a collaboration, featuring ownership, product creation, fashion drop and philanthropic collaboration.
It was at this time when she worked with the Popeyes culinary tea to develop “Hottie Sauce,” which is made with honey, cider vinegar and Alpeppo pepper. At the time, the company described it as a sauce that “flaunts a sweet, yet bold flavor with a hint of spice, inspired by Megan’s sassy personality.”
The press release announced the new Miami location as her “first-ever” Popeye’s restaurant, hinting that more could come.
In other chicken foodservice news:Tom CarrGuthrie’s
Tom Carr has been appointed president and CEO of Guthrie’s Franchising Inc. “As a longtime fan of the original chicken finger restaurant concept, I am honored to join Guthrie’s in this role,” said Carr. “Guthrie’s established one of today’s most popular segments of the restaurant industry, now a multi-billion-dollar category. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead the next phase of brand and franchise, while continuing to deliver the craveable chicken fingers and family-driven hospitality that started it all.” Prior to this appointment, Carr was the chief marketing officer for Chicken Salad Chick. Early in his career he managed advertising for Coca-Cola and helped originate the famed “Pizza! Pizza!” campaign for Little Caesars.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is teaming up with five American athletes to launch new digital menu items. Among the athletes are hockey players Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk. The Matthew Tkacuk Bowl is a burrito bowl with double chicken, light brown rice, light tomatillo-red chili salsa, light sour cream and lettuce. The Brady Tkachuk Bowl is Burrito Bowl with half chicken, half steak, white rice and roasted chili-corn salsa.
Panera Bread brought back the Chicken Roma Asiago Bagel Stack, which is available for lunch and dinner. It features grilled chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, chopped basil, fresh arugula, Green Goddess dressing, salt and pepper with a garlic aioli drizzle on the Asiago Bagel.
The Red Chickz announced a new three-unit franchise deal in Maryland. Spearheading the expansion is experienced franchise operator Sam Patel, joined by his sister and business partner, Phalguni Patel.
Taco Bell’s new Luxe Value Menu includes the $2.99 Avocado Ranch Chicken Stacker, which offers grilled all-white-meat chicken, Avocado Ranch Sauce, a three-cheese blend, lettuce and tomato.
After a popular limited time offering in 2025, Zaxbys Giant Quesadillas are returning, including the Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla and the Chicken Fajita Quesadilla.Mambo Crispy Chicken PieEmmy Squared Pizza
Emmy Squared Pizza is rolling out a limited-time collection of market-inspired pizzas created and named by the local teams who run its restaurants every day. In the DC metro area, the Mambo Crispy Chicken Pie was created by April Harris, general manager of the Navy Yard location. Featuring fried chicken, Mambo sauce and scallions, the pizza highlights a sauce deeply rooted in Washington, D.C.’s local food culture. In Charlotte, Virginia and Atlanta, DJ’s Southern Pizza combines BBQ chicken, gouda, barbecue sauce and red onions. In Philadelphia, Min, Don’t Be a Jerk tops the crust with jerk chicken, red onion, bell peppers, miso green ranch and green onions.
The Chicken Tenders & Fries meal is part of the new Slammin’ Meal Deals at Denny’s. Meal prices start at $5.99.
First introduced as a one-day pop-up in New York City, “Sundays by KFC” is expanding nationwide as a recurring, digital offer built for real life. Each Sunday through February, KFC will offer app-based deals designed for how fans wind down at home and close out the weekend on a high note.
Taco John’s has introduced the Spicy Chicken Stuffed Grilled Taco, featuring all-white meat grilled chicken, Chipotle Lime and Super Hot sauces, a four-cheese blend, nacho chips, sour cream and pickled jalapeños.
Mambo Crispy Chicken PieEmmy Squared Pizza
