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Fast-Food News: International Moves

Johnny Rockets, Popeye’s set expansions outside U.S.

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2025

VMSD

Popeyes plans to bring 300 of its restaurants to Mexico in the coming decade. Image: Courtesy of CNW Group/Restaurant Brands Intl.

These two U.S.-based restaurant chains have unveiled plans for added units in other countries:

* Johnny Rockets (Los Angeles) is adding seven locales in six overseas countries. The burger chain, a unit of FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., said it has franchise units opening this year in the following cities: Baghdad, Iraq (Al Jadriya Mall and Dhubbat Street); Antofagasta, Chile (Mall Plaza Antofagasta); Cancun, Mexico (Grand Outlet Riviera Maya); Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Jumeirah); Mexico City, Mexico (Averanda); and Sao Paolo, Brazil (Belem do Para).

* Popeyes (Miami) said it has signed pacts with four franchises to open a total of 300 restaurants in Mexico over the coming decade. The franchisees and their territories are:

• Star Louisiana, an existing Popeyes developer, is renewing its commitment to develop the brand in Jalisco in the West region.
• Border Crunch will lead the expansion in the Northwest region.
• Grupo Euro will drive development across the Central region.
• Grupo Berny will oversee growth in the Southeast region.

A unit of Restaurant Brands Intl., Popeyes offers a Louisiana-style Cajun menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders. Its other recent overseas forays include opening locales in Costa Rica, Italy and the Balkans.