Today, McWin Capital Partners through the QSR platform, Rex Concepts, together with Restaurant Brands International (“RBI”), franchisor and parent company of the Popeyes brand, have announced a new Master Franchise and Development Agreement to grow the brand in Romania. Rex Concepts will manage the brand in the country and start operating six restaurants following its acquisition of the current Popeyes operator in Romania. Rex Concepts also commits to growing the brand to over 90 Popeyes restaurants in the country within the next 10 years.
This investment complements the 2022 acquisition by funds advised by McWin of the exclusive master franchise and development rights to develop the Burger King and Popeyes brands in several Eastern European countries, with new restaurants opening in 2023. Specifically, McWin agreed to bring the iconic fried chicken restaurant brand Popeyes to Czech Republic and Poland – and currently to Romania – and to expand the Burger King brand in Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania, with plans to open 600 restaurants throughout these countries over the next 10 years.
“We are excited to share the big news of adding another market and accelerating our regional expansion plans for Popeyes in Central and Eastern Europe.” says Jerzy Tymofiejew, CEO at Rex Concepts. “Our recent successful launch of Popeyes in Poland with openings in Wroclaw and Szczecin, very much confirms that the Famous Louisiana Chicken from New Orleans has huge demand in the region. Our guests not only recognize the outstanding quality and taste of the bold, marinated chicken, but also enjoy the love and unique positive vibe that the brand has to offer. We are very thrilled about making the brand even more accessible to guests in the region, by adding Popeyes Romania to our portfolio.”
Henry McGovern, Co-Founder of McWin Capital Partners, commented: “McWin’s growth in CEE is unstoppable. In a short space of time we are bringing major foodservice brands, such as Popeyes, to important markets in this region. At McWin we are proud of how Popeyes has become a leading brand in Eastern Europe, developing a product that any consumer can recognize. We are very excited to make it happen and to continue to strengthen our relationship with RBI”.
Steven K. Winegar, Co-Founder of McWin Capital Partners, added: “At McWin we strongly believe in Popeyes and have already made several investments in the brand through our funds. This agreement is the perfect example of how we can help an iconic restaurant brand to scale without limits, while helping improve key aspects such as digitization, customer experience and brand sustainability, a requirement that is present in every investment we make”.
“The opportunity for growth for the Popeyes brand in Central and Eastern Europe is tremendous. Our partnership with McWin and Rex Concepts is a testament to our commitment to accelerate the brand’s presence within the region and provide the iconic Popeyes chicken, mouthwatering food and an excellent experience to our guests,” said Thiago Santelmo, President EMEA RBI.
The brand’s passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes to become one of the world’s largest chicken quick service restaurant brands with over 4200 restaurants in over 30 countries around the world.
McWin is a private investment firm founded by Henry McGovern and Steven K. Winegar partnering with exceptional founders and CEOs daring sustainable disruption, principally in the food service and food technology sectors.
Founded in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA in 1972, Popeyes® has more than 50 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes® distinguishes itself with a unique Louisiana style Cajun menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and other regional items.