Popular American chicken spot, Popeyes, is officially opening its doors to the chain’s first-ever Manchester restaurant next week and, as if that wasn’t exciting enough, they’re going to be handing out free chicken sandwiches too.
Absolute scenes.
Beloved in the States for many years, it was only last month that Scotland caught Lousiana fried chicken fever when Popeyes opened their first location up there and saw customers queuing for over 18 hours to get a taste of the world-famous fast food brand. Yes, apparently it’s that good.
With Mancs soon to see what all the fuss is about — the city centre opening up at 11am on Thursday, 26 October — guests are being encouraged to arrive early not only to try and get their hands on a free chicken sarnie but to be in with a chance of winning other exclusive prizes too.
The all-new fried chicken shop will be located at One Piccadilly Gardens office complex and will mark the franchise’s 16th opening in 2023 so far, which will also be just the 33rd UK site since landing on this side of the Atlantic back in November 2021.
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On opening day, the first three people in the queue will win a free supply of Popeyes Chicken Sandwiches for a whole year and the first 25 customers in the queue will also be rewarded with a free sandwich as well as exclusive Popeyes® UK merchandise, so you best be in line bright and early.
Better still, they’re pulling out all the stops to showcase that famous Southern hospitality, including rolling out an orange carpet, giving away hundreds of their iconic Chicken Sandwiches, as well as bringing a live Mardi Gras-style band, Brass Funkeys, and their New Orleans sound to Manchester.
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Not only that but to celebrate the launch of their new breakfast offerings alongside the day-time menu, they will also be handing out their new Big Cajun Roll to the first 25 customers in the queue the following day (Friday, 27 October).
They start serving breakfast from 8am and the menu includes other items like the big breakfast roll, cajun hash browns, Nutella-topped buttermilk biscuits and more. Again, you’ll have to be quick if you want them freebies.
Once again, you need to be there in time for opening at 11am on Thursday and 8am on Friday if you want to get your hands on some free food. Best of luck!
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See you in the queue, we guess — and don’t think we won’t fight you for a place in line either…
Bakery chain Gail’s is attempting to win over Prestwich after spelling mishap
Daisy Jackson
Gail’s has announced a plan to try and make amends with Prestwich after spelling the village’s name wrong on the new bakery’s signs.
The massive bakery chain finally confirmed that it would be moving into the suburb on the fringes of Bury and Manchester, but made a fatal flaw at the first step.
The huge posters are missing the letter ‘T’, instead saying ‘Hello Preswich’.
More than a few eyebrows were raised locally, with people saying it’s ‘not a great first impression for the locals…’.
And now Gail’s is attempting to put things right by offering free tea to Prestwich residents.
In new material released today, they wrote: “Oops… people of Prestwich, we owe you a ‘T’.
“You may have seen how we missed out a ‘t’ in our new bakery signage.
“We’re sorry for the mistake, and to make up for it we’d like to brew you a tea when we open.”
The new advertising has a QR code which people can scan to claim their free cuppa.
Gail’s has also passed its thanks on to ‘local resident Clair’, who actually came up with the suggestion on The Manc’s LinkedIn post here.
With this development, Gail’s has now confirmed it’ll be opening in Prestwich – directly opposite the new Rudy’s – in early 2025, with free tea served then to those who scan the QR code.
Gail’s will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village’s name wrongHuge bakery chain Gail’s confirms move to Prestwich – but spells village’s name wrong in signage
Salon Madre – A new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A new tequila bar and pool hall is set to open in Manchester in a couple of weeks, from the same team behind Madre.
The huge new space, Salon Madre, will be serving up the tacos and burritos that have made the Mexican restaurant at Kampus so well-loved.
And all that’s alongside a drinks menu that centres around tequila, including frozen, classic and flavoured margaritas and palomas.
Can’t stomach tequila? There’ll also be wines on draft, Corona and local beers.
The food menu will show off signature dishes like al pastor tacos, with daily rotating specials, plus Gringas, nachos and Madre’s huge burritos.
Salon Madre has taken over a spot just off Kampus’s lush garden that was previously home to a Seven Brothers taproom, right next door to Madre itself.
Salon Madre is a new Mexican pool hall and tequila bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupSalon Madre is a new Mexican pool hall and tequila bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
As well as all the Mexican food and drink goodness, the bar will have four pool tables and will be screening Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) and American sports.
The dream is to bring the fun and liveliness of a Mexican pool hall to the heart of Manchester, in this beautiful spot right near Piccadilly and Canal Street.
Salon Madre will open on 6 December at Kampus, with bookings for Christmas groups and parties now available.