Tempe, AZ- Velocity Retail Group, LLC announces that the first newly redesigned prototype for Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen will be built at the southwest corner of Elliot Road and Priest Drive in Tempe, Arizona. Dave Cheatham, President, Michael Clark, Vice President and Nick Ault, Associate of Velocity Retail Group represented Popeye’s in the transaction. The landlord TPP JV Maricopa, LLC an entity controlled by Trigate Capital was represented by Clift Johnston of Cassidy Turley BRE.
“The site is the first of many that this new Phoenix franchisee is planning for the Arizona market. While we have existing Popeye’s stores in our market, the Louisiana Kitchen concept it new to the chain and our market,” said Cheatham.
“Arizona is a key expansion market for our franchise company, by working with Velocity Retail we are able to maximize their experience and relationships in the market to execute our expansion plan,” said Amin Dhanini, President of HZ Props AZ, LLC the entity which will control the Arizona stores.
Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. is the world’s second-largest quick-service restaurant chicken concept with 2,225 stores as of the end of last year. Popeye’s distinguishes itself with a unique “New Orleans” style menu that features spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood, as well as jambalaya, red beans and rice and other regional items. Popeye’s is a highly differentiated brand with a passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food.
The new building will be 2,951 square feet and be located on a 23,000 square foot parcel fronting Elliot Road. It is expected to open by the 4th quarter of this year. “We are pleased to be able to represent Popeye’s as they roll-out this new concept to the Arizona market. Our goal is to strategically locate A+ sites and get their stores up and running as fast as possible,” said Clark.