Popeye's runs out of chicken in Rochester
Gary McLendon • Staff writer • April 22, 2009


A fried chicken promotion at Popeye’s — eight pieces for $4.99 — was apparently too good for Rochesterians to pass up today.

Cars filled the Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits parking lot and spilled out onto Lake Avenue this afternoon to get the one-day-only deal. When that franchise ran out of chicken, some patrons drove to the Popeye’s in Penfield, which ran out of chicken, too.


“It was quite the promotion,” said Jeff Feder, shift manager of Popeye’s at 775 Panorama Trail South, about 9:30 p.m. “It was phenomenal. We had people trying to place multiple orders. The promotion allowed only one order per person. It got crazy at the end.”

It is unknown exactly when Popeye’s “Pay Day” promotion caused the Rochester store to run out of chicken, but the Penfield store began getting the city overflow about mid-afternoon and it ran out of chicken about 6:30 p.m. Both stores closed early.

Fret not Rochester: Our fried chicken passion isn’t a local disorder.

In Hempstead, Long Island, police were called in after the discount chicken deal caused rush hour traffic problems. Police used crime scene tape to cordon off the front entrance.

Popeye’s franchises across the country dealt with overflow crowds.

“It has been crazy, very busy,” said Maria Ocegueda, manager of a Popeye’s on East Marengo Street in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. Pacific time. “I’m supposed to be open until midnight. I’m not sure we’re going to make it without running out of chicken.”

She said the promotion should be repeated, maybe six months from now.

“Offering chicken at this price is a way to get people who would otherwise not spend — to spend. It’s a good way to stimulate the economy.”


GMCLENDN@DemocratandChronicle.com