Beloved Restaurant Chain With 3,193 Locations Makes Major Decision on Closings

Popeyes is a beloved restaurant chain with about 3,193 locations in the U.S. in 2026, and more than 4,000 locations worldwide. The chain's popular chicken sandwich has been a viral trend several times over the years.

However, according to USA Today, a franchisee has declared bankruptcy, and that's led to a major decision on restaurant closures.

According to Scrape Hero, "The state and territory with the most number of Popeyes locations in the US is Texas, with 437 restaurants, which is about 14% of all Popeyes restaurants in the US." The closings, however, are in Georgia and Florida.

The company has also struggled. In February 2026, Restaurant Business wrote, "Popeyes’ domestic sales took a hit last quarter, completing a surprisingly difficult year for the fast-food chicken chain." According to Restaurant Business, Popeyes "same-store sales declined 4.9% in the U.S."

Sailormen Is Closing 20 Popeyes Restaurants Throughout Georgia & Florida

According to USA Today, the affected franchisee is called Sailormen, Inc., and it's based in Florida. Sailormen "operates more than 130 Popeyes restaurants," USA Today reported, adding that the franchisee is closing three Popeyes locations in Georgia.

The chain is closing 20 restaurants located in Georgia and Florida, USA Today reported. Sailormen filed for bankruptcy in January, blaming "reduced foot traffic and high inflation," as well "liabilities tied to a failed 2024 deal to sell 16 restaurants," USA Today added.

According to QSR, Sailormen also cited "the lasting impact of COVID, changing consumer choices, rising inflation, higher borrowing rates, and a limited qualified labor pool." The company's debt has risen to $130 million, and it has fallen behind on rent, QSR added. "Sailormen was founded in 1984 for the purpose of operating Popeyes restaurants."

Sailormen used to own Popeyes restaurants in five other states, but has been focusing on Florida and Georgia since 2018, QSR reported.

“We’ve had weaker performance than we’d like over the last few quarters, and that’s why you saw us make the change in leadership,” RBI CEO Josh Kobz told investors, according to Restaurant Business.

Which Popeyes Locations Are Closing in 2026?

USA Today reported that the following locations are closing:

2005 Ohio Ave., North Live Oak, Florida

1601 S US Hwy., Ft. Pierce, Florida

5156 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Florida

2729 SE Hwy 70, Arcadia, Florida

175 S Hwy 17, E Palatka, Florida

649 S McDuff Ave., Jacksonville, Florida

1124 N Young Blvd, Chiefland, Florida

27740 US 27, Leesburg, Florida

200 Green Way, Keystone Heights, Florida

812 S 6th St., Macclenny, Florida

1833 Kings Rd., Jacksonville, Florida

2015 N Wickham Rd., Melbourne, Florida

401 N 1st St., Jesup, Georgia

2106 Memorial Dr., Waycross, Georgia

1610 S Georgia Pkwy, West Waycross, Georgia

68 W Coffee St., Hazlehurst, Georgia

3319 Altama Ave., Brunswick, Georgia

1817 Glynn Ave., Brunswick, Georgia

628 W Parker St., Baxley, Georgia

419 S Church St., Homerville, Georgia

Popeyes started in a New Orleans suburb in 1972, according to its website. The restaurant chain was originally called "Chicken on the Run." The menu's focus was "traditional southern-fried chicken, Popeyes wrote.

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