ATLANTA, Nov. 1, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Popeyes(r) Chicken & Biscuits, a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCE), is delivering more of the flavor consumers crave this Thanksgiving by offering a bigger, better Cajun Turkey at participating restaurants this November. Turkeys are available while supplies last. In addition, many Popeyes restaurants across the country will spread the Thanksgiving spirit by donating Cajun Turkeys to local charitable organizations.
"Giving to those in need is important 365 days a year, but the holidays are a very special time to lend a helping hand," said Popeyes Executive Chef Billy Jacob. "This holiday season, in the wake of the recent hurricanes, support for the individuals impacted by the storms will be even more important. We're glad to know that many charitable organizations -- and therefore many hungry people -- will benefit from the contributions of the Popeyes brand and our franchisees during this season of giving."
Popeyes restaurants are usually closed on Thanksgiving Day, however Popeyes Franchisee Saratoga Food Group in Virginia will be serving homeless men, women and children free Thanksgiving dinners on November 24, 2005 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at their Popeyes restaurants at 901 N. Main St., in downtown Suffolk and 300 St. Paul's Blvd., in downtown Norfolk. In addition, Popeyes restaurants in Atlanta have donated 300 Cajun Turkeys to the Hosea Feed The Hungry & Homeless organization that serves more than 35,000 meals at their annual Thanksgiving, Christmas, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday and Easter Sunday Dinner Events in Atlanta.
Popeyes developed the recipe for its Cajun Turkey in 1997, after the southern Louisiana tradition expanded from the bayous to mainstream America. Popeyes Cajun Turkeys are whole turkeys deeply marinated with a Cajun seasoning blend that is injected to maximize flavor. Flash frying the turkeys creates a unique crispy coating, and the turkeys are then slow roasted. This special technique locks in all the flavor and moisture that is typically lost during the cooking process.
"Cajun Turkeys have been a mainstay of Louisiana culture for decades from family gatherings and holiday dinners to tailgating parties and special events. As native Louisianans have always known, Cajun Turkeys are the perfect centerpiece to any celebration, and we're happy to bring this great tradition to people across the country," said Jacob.
Customers can now purchase Cajun Turkeys at participating Popeyes restaurants while supplies last. Turkeys are approximately 12 to 14 pounds and feed eight to ten people. Customers can locate a restaurant near them selling Popeyes authentic Cajun Turkeys by visiting www.popeyes.com.
Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes is a leader in the New Orleans segment of the foodservice industry and is the world's second-largest quick-service chicken concept. As of September 4, 2005, Popeyes had 1,831 locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and 25 foreign countries. For more information, visit Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits' Web site at www.popeyes.com.
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