FIRST ON RADAR: Is Popeyes downsizing in the PH?

Consecutive branch closures and US bankruptcy fuel speculation.

A series of Popeyes branch closures over the past few months has led netizens to speculate about a possible downsizing in the works.

Netizens have noticed that some branches in high-visibility areas have been closing one by one over the past year. These include Eton Centris, U.P. Town Center, California Garden Square Mandaluyong, and most recently, Glorietta 1.

Some speculate that the American chain may not have been able to sustain its rapid expansion since re-entering the Philippine market in 2019 under the Kuya J Food Group. Others point to broader business conditions as a possible factor behind the reported slowdown.

However, global economic conditions may have also played a part in the chain’s suspected downsizing.

Sailormen—the largest franchiser of Popeyes in the United States, with over 130 locations—filed for bankruptcy in January 2026. At least 20 locations under Sailormen have already closed since then.

Popeyes Philippines has yet to comment on the matter.

 

 

Vanishing from major malls. Is Popeyes downsizing its Philippine operations? Shuttered branches in Glorietta and UP Town Center fuel retail speculation this May.

 

 

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