Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits to host 30th Anniversary Festival in New Orleans

On October 27, Popeyes® Chicken & Biscuits will throw itself one combo of a birthday party when it presents Fats Domino, Dr. John, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters in a festival on the French Quarter Riverfront in New Orleans. From noon - 6 p.m., music lovers can party to the authentic sounds of New Orleans while feasting on Popeyes' famous chicken. Admission to the festival is free.

"I wish Fats Domino and Dr. John played at MY 30th birthday party," laughed Jon Luther, president of Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits. "I can think of no better way to celebrate our heritage than with a day of authentic New Orleans food and music."

Festival performers Fats Domino, Dr. John and Rockin' Dopsie have all appeared in Popeyes television commercials during the rich 30-year history of the beloved brand. Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits was founded in New Orleans in 1972. Today, it has more than 1,650 restaurants in 42 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 21 other countries.

The extended Popeyes menu will be represented at the Popeyes 30th Anniversary Festival. In addition to Popeyes' world famous spicy chicken and red beans and rice, festivalgoers can feast on menu items such as a catfish Po'Boy and jambalaya.

Although the food and the music are sure to be "hot," the late October date of the festival increases the chance for sunny but cool weather -- which is unusual for New Orleans music festivals. Also making a rare appearance will be Fats Domino, who chooses to perform just a few times each year.

Quint Davis of Festival Productions, who also masterminds the renowned New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival among other events, is producing the Popeyes 30th Anniversary Festival.

Admission to the Popeyes festival is free to the public. Food and beverages will be available at standard festival pricing. Parking will be available in public lots near the Woldenburg Park festival grounds, near the Aquarium of the Americas at the foot of Canal Street. The Popeyes festival will begin at noon when the Dirty Dozen Brass Band takes the stage, followed by Rockin Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters at 1:30 p.m., Dr. John at 3:00 p.m. and Fats Domino at 4:45 p.m.

Popeyes is a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc., the franchisor and operator of 3,911 restaurants, bakeries and cafes in the United States, Puerto Rico and 28 foreign countries under the brand names of Church's Chicken™, Popeyes® Chicken & Biscuits, Cinnabon®, Seattle's Best Coffee® and Torrefazione Italia® Coffee. AFC's primary objective is to be the world's Franchisor of Choice® by offering investment opportunities in highly recognizable brands and exceptional franchisee support systems and services. AFC Enterprises® had system-wide sales of approximately $2.6 billion in 2001.