Popeyes restaurant closures: See the updated list of doomed locations from a major franchisee

The hits keep coming for fans of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

According to a new court filing from a major franchisee, three additional Popeyes restaurants have permanently shut their doors, bringing the total number of store closures associated with the franchisee’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings to at least 20.

The franchisee, Sailormen Inc. of Miami, Florida, sought Chapter 11 protection earlier this year, citing diminished foot traffic and high inflation. In January, it closed 17 Popeyes restaurants in Florida and Georgia as part of the bankruptcy process, Fast Company previously reported.

The additional three restaurants disclosed this week are all based in Georgia. According to a March 10 filing from Sailormen, all three were closed before its January bankruptcy petition. The company is now seeking to reject the leases on the three properties.

Before its bankruptcy, Sailormen operated over 130 Popeyes restaurants.

It was not immediately clear how many jobs have been lost as a result of the 20 store closures. At the time of its petition, Sailormen said it employed just over 3,300 employees, the vast majority of whom were hourly workers.

It’s also unclear if additional restaurants will close. Sailormen did not respond to requests for comment.

Which Popeyes restaurants have closed?

According to a March 10 court filing, the following three Popeyes stores have closed:

• 1817 Glynn Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520
• 628 W Parker St, Baxley, GA 31513
• 419 S Church St, Homerville, GA 31634

The closures are in addition to 17 restaurants in Florida and Georgia that Sailormen said it closed in January.

Why is Popeyes struggling?

Restaurant Brands International (RBI), parent company of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, has downplayed Sailormen’s bankruptcy, stating that its underperforming locations are not indicative of the fried chicken chain’s appeal or its performance within the broader fast food market.

However, Popeyes has arguably failed to keep pace with fast-growing chicken chains like Wingstop and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, both of which are popular with Gen Z.

Last month, RBI reported that Popeyes sales were down almost 5%, its fourth consecutive quarterly decline. In an earnings call, CEO Josh Kobza outlined plans to revive the brand with improved marketing and in-store coaching at low-performing locations.

Popeyes had just under 3,200 locations in the United States and more than 5,400 globally as of December 2025.

View the full article