Popeyes just launched its first store in China, and photos show how not even a pandemic can keep a horde of fans from their chicken sandwich

Popeyes is one of the few brands to enjoy continued success during the pandemic, thanks to the power of the chicken sandwich.Costfoto/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

• Popeyes opened its first Chinese location in Shanghai on May 15, despite the ongoing pandemic.
• Crowds of people swarmed the restaurant, illustrating how Popeyes' famous chicken sandwich has pandemic-proofed its brand.
• While other fast-food restaurants are seeing declines in sales due to the pandemic, Popeyes is the only brand whose sales have continued to be robust.
• After such a strong opening, Popeyes is well-positioned to take on the Chinese market and start opening more of the 1,500+ restaurants the chain plans to open.

Remember the good old days when all people cared about was getting their hands on a Popeyes chicken sandwich?

Those good old days are back in Shanghai, where Popeyes opened its first restaurant in China on May 15, marking the brand's most successful launch in its 48-year history.

Popeyes is one of the few brands to enjoy continued success during the pandemic, thanks to the power of the chicken sandwich. While most chains have reported significant declines in sales over the last quarter, Popeyes reported a 29.2% year-over-year sales increase. And even though KFC is currently the most popular fast food chain in China, Popeyes' arrival in the country poses an undeniable threat to the colonel's territory.

Perhaps those numbers gave Popeyes the confidence to stick to its plan to open its first Chinese location last week. Take a look at the incredible turnout in pictures below.

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