Popeyes is pulling back on its wings, one of its most profitable menu additions in years. The motive? It desires to reverse a extended gross sales droop, according to Restaurant Business.
It may sound counterintuitive, but the chicken chain says Popeyes wings add operational complexity, and it desires to focus on its bone-in chicken, tenders and sandwich. It’s a notable switcheroo. Sweet ‘N Spicy Wings became the chain’s most in style merchandise since the 2019 chicken sandwich, and Popeyes expanded its wing lineup to three sauces and 4 dry rubs in August 2025.
But the numbers inform the story. Same-store gross sales fell 2.2% in the third quarter, marking the seventh straight quarterly decline. That’s an enchancment over the 5.2% drop in Q2, but dad or mum company Restaurant Brands International now says a return to growth will take longer than expected. The chain also dismissed Chief Marketing Officer Matt Rubin last week after a yr on the job.
Restaurant Brands International CEO Josh Kobza says the transfer will add some gross sales stress but calls it the “right trade-off for the long-term health of the brand.”