There has been quite a buzz around the release of the New Popeyes Chicken Sandwich. I watched the buzz and said that I wasn’t going to give into the hype and buzz.
But then I thought about it, as a blogger it’s not a bad idea to see what all the buzz is about.
The buzz included a little competition as many started to feel that Popeyes was coming after the Chicken empire Chick-fil-A.
I’ve had the chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A several times so I didn’t feel the need to go and eat it again for comparison.
One of the things I love about Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is that it’s always hot and it doesn’t come dressed with anything but pickles which gives you freedom to add your favorite Chick-fil-A sauce.
Well anyways let’s get down to it! I headed to one of the Popeyes locations that’s near my daughter’s school so I could grab a late lunch then head to pick her up.
I arrived at the Popeyes and it was about 1:30 and there was a long line at the drive thru. I immediately knew why the line was long.
I decided to get down and place my order inside.
I ordered the Spicy chicken sandwich. The Popeyes chicken sandwich is available Regular or Spicy. I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich. The chicken sandwich included a soft brioche bun with fried chicken, pickles And spicy mayo.
Served with fries and I washed mine down with their fresh squeezed frozen lemonade. Which was amazingly delicious. The frozen drink was delicious.
As I unwrapped my sandwich I noticed something was wrong. Something was missing. As I pulled it apart I realized there were no pickles.
I approached the counter and mentioned to the lady who I later found out was the manager, that there were no pickles. She politely called to the back to bring up some pickles. One of the ladies in the back proceeds to tell her that there were no pickles, I said hmm.
I had a conversation with her about the importance of serving what you are advertising. She was super sweet and said she had no clue. No one had mentioned to her that there were no pickles. Not good.
I told her I understand but it would be nice to tell your customers that you don’t have what is part of the complete sandwich.
As I sat to eat and people came in I could here her making sure to let them know.
This would have never happened at Chick-fil-A. Just saying.
I ate my sandwich and here is my conclusion. The chicken sandwich was delicious. The chicken was fried golden brown and crispy. Seasoned to perfection. The bun was at another level. The spicy mayo added an extra layer of deliciousness.
I guaranteed that the pickles would have add a nice crunch while pushing it over the top and stealing the top spot for chicken sandwich.
Overall the sandwich was really good. I would definitely eat it again.
But here is what I didn’t like. The tables were dirty and they didn’t seem concerned at all about the cleanliness of the restaurant. The service was lacking.
So one might say what does that have to do with the great debate about who has the best chicken sandwich?
I’m glad that you asked. A lot, because you can be on top for a week or two but here is what keeps you on top, Consistency, customer service and honesty. If Chick-fil-A is out of something you will know they will offer something else. But I’ve never ordered anything ever there that they were out of.
Popeyes if you want to stay on top. Consistency and staying stocked up with items that are necessary for this sandwich that you are trying to beat Chick-fil-A with! You have to keep up with the demand. Bottom line.
But let me end with this, flavor and taste could have won this sandwich in my eyes but you lose Popeyes because you had no pickles!
Being from Louisiana, I was super disappointed because I grew up on Popeyes.
Let me leave this little nugget here successful companies master the art of consistency and great customer service. Serve what you are advertising that builds a rapport with the customers and will bring them back every time.
That was fun, now back to my regular scheduled blog work.
Have you tried the sandwich? What’s your thoughts?! Hit me up!
