Fast food chain Popeyes is set to open its first Kent branch this year.

The American eatery, which is best known for its shatter crunch chicken sandwich, will be opening a location in Dartford.

Popeyes was founded 49 years ago in New Orleans, starting as one small restaurant.

Its chicken is marinated for 12 hours in its signature blend of Louisiana herbs and spices.

The chain now has more than 3,700 restaurants across the world, and moved to the UK at the end of 2021.

Just a few years later, it already has 48 chains UK chains, with more expected to open this year.

When approached by KentOnline Popeyes remained tight-lipped on an official opening date and did not reveal the exact location, adding to “keep an eye out”.

However, a job listing for a general manager was posted in May, which has now closed.

It suggested the new Dartford branch will be located in Prospect Way.

Prospect Place, which is around the corner, is already home to Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Costa.

The position of a full-time assistant manager role is still open.

The nearest locations to Kent currently are in Woolwich and Lewisham.

CEO at Popeyes UK Tom Crowley said: “In just 30 months, our remarkable Popeyes UK team has secured a pipeline of 50 top-tier new sites.

“Currently, Popeyes UK is the fastest-growing chicken QSR brand in the UK, with a 125% year-on-year growth from May 2023 to May 2024.

“The sustained demand for Popeyes in the UK is incredible, but not unexpected.

“We've seen overnight queues for almost every opening since our UK launch in 2021, with fried chicken fans turning up to queue over 24 hours before the opening of new Popeyes restaurants.

“We remain committed to our expansion plans and look forward to achieving new milestones in the upcoming years.”