Popeyes’ New Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Chicken Sandwich Wars 2.0?

It’s been almost five years since Popeyes released its fan-favorite chicken sandwich. That buttermilk-battered, pickle-topped sandwich had people going into a complete frenzy, from long lines dipping into traffic and fights. Popeyes had to pull it off the menu temporarily. This sandwich even caused the viral “Chicken Sandwich Wars,” which has fast food chains, including McDonald’s and Burger King, redesign or re-release their own chicken sandwiches to keep up with Popeyes.

Now, the fast-food chain is back with a new version of its chicken sandwich. They released the Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich. According to the chain, the new sandwich still features a Popeyes classic buttermilk-battered, all-white meat chicken breast patty, but this time, it’s topped with Popeyes’ new sweet-and-tangy Golden BBQ sauce. Much like the original chicken sandwich, the Golden BBQ version also comes on a buttered-and-toasted brioche bun and is served with pickles.

The Louisiana-inspired chain is launching a new Lunch Money FUNds promotion, which means that members of Popeyes’ loyalty program will receive 600 bonus points in their account. This is enough to cash in for a free chicken sandwich with any purchase of at least $10.  

It is free to join Popeyes Rewards, and members earn 10 points for every dollar spent on Popeyes orders. As a member, when you spend at least $5, you can also choose a bonus treat for free. You can pick either a Cinnamon Apple Pie, a small drink, or any regular side dish. If you go for the free side, you can add Cajun fries, coleslaw, homestyle mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and Cajun gravy, red beans and rice, or a fluffy biscuit to your order.

Leave it to Redditors to chime in on whether their new chicken sandwich is “food war worthy.” Of course, there are mixed reviews. Someone said, “It’s the same sandwich with bbq sauce, nothing special even if the original sandwich is pretty good.” Another person chimed in and said, “Why did anyone think a BBQ sandwich would be special lol.”

On social media, food blogger Markie Devo shared a photo of the new menu item. One of his followers must have had flashbacks to the Chicken Sandwich Wars because they said, “Hope no fights over this. Haha.” Another person said, “Most definitely try, they ain’t sleeping over there, plus their dessert game on point.”

In other news, Wendy’s is taking a different approach with one of their chicken options. This week, they added a 50-piece chicken nugget party pack to its menu. The pack is widely available, but to ensure that your local go-to has the party pack, the chain launched a website to direct fans to the nearest participating Wendy’s.

The chicken nugget locator wendysnuggparty.com was developed by Rashiq Zahid, who previously developed another interactive map. It was an ace bit of trolling by Wendy's: per PEOPLE, Zahid’s other website, mcbroken.com, shows users if the McDonald’s ice cream machine is broken at their nearby location.

McBroken shows which locations have functioning ice cream machines and the percentage of locations with broken ice cream makers, poking fun at the memes that McDonald’s ice cream machines are often out of order.

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee's, Chili's, and Denny's are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee's, Chili's, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It's worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including "your house," family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it's a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn't until the late '90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it's all about eating a meal.

There's something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that's why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee's. So, let's chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you're in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it's there. It's that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It's like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef's specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn't want to feel like we've emptied our pockets for a single meal. That's why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you've got more than four people in your party. Unless you've made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone's a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.