Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is taking its drive-thru to the next level. The fast-food chain, which is beloved by celebrities such as Beyoncé and Khloé Kardashian, announced on Tuesday, October 23, that it’s scheduled to launch the world’s first 12-hour drive-thru.
The gimmick, which is meant to honor the 12-hour marinating process the brand has been using for its fried chicken for over 45 years, allows customers to place a Popeyes order at the new standalone menu board along Interstate 10 outside of Fort Stockton, Texas. That order will then be prepared and ready for pickup at Popeyes’ flagship store on Canal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is roughly a half day’s drive away.
“We wanted a fun way to celebrate that we have always marinated our chicken for at least 12 hours,” said Hope Diaz, chief marketing officer of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, via a press release. “We don’t take shortcuts and this drive thru emphasizes that.” The best part? All orders placed in Texas and retrieved in Louisiana will be free of charge.
Fans have already spotted the Texas drive-thru along I-10, but it’s not scheduled to formally open until November 9 at noon, at which point it will take orders for exactly 24 hours. However, those planning to make the journey from Fort Stockton to New Orleans can now enter to win 12 months of free fried chicken by signing up for the interstate trek ahead of time.
As one person who already got to test out the new system put it, “This is the craziest thing I’ve ever done for chicken.” Added another, imitating that famous jingle: “We love that chicken from Popeyes!”
