Popeyes has announced its Cajun-style turkey will be returning this year ahead of Thanksgiving.
The turkey is both pre-seasoned and precooked, allowing customers to easily enjoy the meal hassle-free for their Thanksgiving dinner.
Why It Matters
Restaurants often launch new menu items as a way to boost sales amid an increasingly competitive dining sector.
While some consumers are reeling back spending in the restaurant and retail sectors, a holiday deal or menu offering can actually increase profits even amid reduced spending across the board.
What To Know
The 11 to 13-pound turkeys arrive frozen for Popeyes customers but are ready to simply thaw, heat and serve.
With the turkeys priced starting at $54.99 for in-restaurant pick up, you can also pay $99 for orders placed through popeyes.com/turkeys for delivery.
The turkey comes marinated with Louisiana spices and is both slow-roasted and flash-fried for flavor. Those who purchase the item will just need to thaw the turkey for 72 hours in the fridge before heating it in the oven at 375 degrees for around two hours.
The chicken chain is also offering several of its Thanksgiving-esque sides, including the Homestyle Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy and famous Buttermilk Biscuits.
From now until October 19, Popeyes is giving customers a free Signature Sauce, its new sauce that blends bell pepper, celery, onion and a hint of heat.
Popeyes is also bringing back the Big Box Deal, which comes with your choice of Signature Chicken or 3pc Tenders, two sides, a biscuit and Popeyes’ new Signature Sauce, all for $6.
What People Are Saying
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “Popeyes’ decision to bring back their Cajun style turkey reflects an industry-wide initiative to return many popular items to their menus to generate more revenue from customers who have been favoring eating at home to save money over dining out. In this situation, though, we’re seeing the item’s return being promoted with a major holiday, Thanksgiving, which offers a twist on the similar promotions from other restaurant chains.”
What Happens Next
As more shoppers look for ways to save time during the holiday season, Popeyes’ Thanksgiving menu offerings could look attractive, but many will still choose to forgo the items to save money.
“With inflationary pressures weighing heavy on consumers, many will be looking for ways to cut their budgets during the holiday season, and promotional items from some retailers will be viewed as a way of potentially doing so,” Beene said.
