Meet José Cil, Popeyes Chicken CEO

If you’re trying to discover whether running a Popeyes Chicken franchise is on the cards for you in 2022, you might be wondering who the Popeyes Chicken CEO (and the man behind parent company Restaurant Brands International) is, and what he’s all about. Read on, and you’ll find out everything there is to know about José Cil, the CEO of this QSR chain and three others (Firehouse Subs, Tim Hortons and Burger King).

When entering a sector as competitive and fast-moving as the UK’s quick-service restaurant industry, which was worth £15 billion as of 2018 [Statista], it’s important to do your research. Thankfully, that means you’re in the right place. As you figure out how to choose the right fast food franchise for you, why not take the time to find out more about the man behind Popeyes?

Who is José Cil, the CEO of Popeyes Chicken?

As mentioned, José Cil isn’t just the CEO of Popeyes. He’s actually the CEO of the brand’s parent company, Restaurant Brands International (RBI). Four brands, listed above, fall under the company’s umbrella alongside Popeyes Chicken, and they are all highly successful (especially, for a UK audience, Burger King). José has a long history of executive experience in QSR and has been the CEO of RBI since January 2019, managing over 29,000 fast food restaurants in over 100 different countries. 

What is Popeyes Chicken?

Popeyes Chicken was founded in Louisiana back in 1972 and started franchising four years later. Since then, it’s been a truly wild journey for Popeyes Chicken, and today there are over 3,400 Popeyes locations across the world. Popeyes was officially acquired by RBI in March 2017, and as you know, José Cil became the Popeyes Chicken CEO two years later, in 2019. In 2021, Popeyes Chicken finally made it to the UK, so don’t be surprised if you see more UK Popeyes locations pop up in 2022.

Fifty years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana, a taste sensation was born. What began with one small restaurant and one big idea turned into a craze that swept the nation—and the world. - Popeyes Chicken

Does Popeyes Chicken franchise?

So: Does Popeyes Chicken franchise in the UK? Can you start a Popeyes Chicken franchise of your own in Britain in 2022? The short answer is: maybe. Popeyes has thousands of successful restaurants globally, but only recently made its way over to the UK, opening its first London location in October 2021. If things go well with this store (and why wouldn’t they, given how much Brits love Burger King already?), the brand will no doubt look to expand its UK rollout.

Right now, the best way to register your interest in starting a UK Popeyes franchise is by making direct contact with the brand. There’s a specific form available to fill out on the company’s website for interested international franchisees, in which you’ll be able to detail how many stores you want to develop, your equity, your net worth and any other important details. 

Other franchise investment opportunities in the QSR sector

1. Caprinos Pizza

Caprinos Pizza was founded in Didcot and has expanded rapidly since this point. There are now over 50 franchise locations across the UK delivering popular pizza (including halal options) to customers each working day.

• Becoming a Caprinos franchisee: No experience is necessary. You simply need to be a hard-working determined person who’s committed to growing a successful pizza delivery franchise.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £85,000, with franchise fees of £5,000, a total investment cost of £95,000 and monthly operating and royalty fees of £5000 and 3% respectively.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive a programme of initial training including 14 days training on the job, along with all the operational materials and ongoing support that you need to succeed.

2. Rooster Shack

Rooster Shack is a sleek, unique quick-service chicken shop that first sprang into life in Surrey in 2016 as the brainchild of Imran Mamud and his father. The franchise has been expanding ever since and won the Good Food Award for its takeaway services in 2020.

• Becoming a Rooster Shack franchisee: You’ll need experience running a business, either in or out of food service. You should also be committed, hard-working and positive, with the determination to achieve long-term franchise success.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £75,000, with franchise fees of £17,500, a total investment cost of £150,000 and advertising and royalty fees charged at 2% and 5% respectively.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive plenty of training and support, including continuous menu and product development, introduction to nominated suppliers, regular franchisor visits for review and planning and much, much more.

3. Shoryu Ramen 

Shoryu Ramen sells authentic Japanese ramen in a fast-casual setting and has been popular since its inception in 2012. It’s since become the UK’s favourite ramen bar, and there are over 15 active franchise locations up and down the country.

• Becoming a Shoryu Ramen franchisee: You should be hard-working and motivated, with the experience and resources required to launch, support and develop a successful Shoryu Ramen location in accordance with an agreed schedule.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £450,000, with franchise fees of £25,000, a total investment cost of £550,000 and advertising and royalty fees charged at 2% and 6% respectively.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive four weeks of training at an existing branch and three weeks on home turf. You’ll then receive set-up, launch and marketing support, menu development guidance and a franchise operations manual.

Running your own business could be highly profitable with the right QSR franchise 

Whether it’s with Popeyes, under the expert eye of Popeyes Chicken CEO José Cil, or with Rooster Shack, with plenty of franchisor support from the Mamud family, the right QSR franchise could catapult you to success and profitability in no time. For more advice on how to become a franchisee and successfully navigate running a franchise in the fast-paced world of fast food, stay on Point Franchise. Discover the latest tech trends innovating the fast food sector, six tips for marketing your fast food franchise and much, much more.