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Popeye's Fried Chicken

When you think about New Orleans and the local dishes, one of the most popular meals that stands out is Popeye’s fried chicken. This original southern comfort food first became a part of New Orlean's cuisine back in 1972 when Al Copeland opened a restaurant called "Chick 'n' Pass" in the city.

It was here that he debuted his now famous Cajun Airline Chicken, a unique blend of spices that gave the traditional fried chicken recipe a flavorful kick. His distinctive culinary creation quickly caught on and soon after started spreading nationwide, eventually spawning an international franchise with thousands of locations around the globe.

Al Copeland called his fried chicken recipe "Popeyes" in honor of a character named Popeye Doyle from the 1971 movie The French Connection. Al was a fan of the action-packed film and thought the name would be fitting for his version of southern fried chicken. He also liked how it sounded catchy and easy to remember. Copeland's clever branding choice proved to be a huge success, with Popeye's Fried Chicken now being one of the most successful fast food brands in the world!

Popeye’s fried chicken has been an integral part of New Orleans' culture and cuisine for decades, bringing joy to countless locals and tourists alike. Not only does it taste great but it's also affordable which makes it a go-to meal for many people who are looking for something tasty yet budget friendly.

The signature dish is made from fresh ingredients, including boneless breast meat marinated overnight before being hand-breaded and cooked to order; all in accordance with the original recipe from Al Copeland himself! To complement this main dish, customers can choose from a variety of sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes & gravy, Cajun fries, red beans & rice and much more!

Overall, Popeye's Fried Chicken has become so embedded into New Orleans' culture that locals consider it a staple food item just like crawfish etouffee or jambalaya. People travel from all over the world to get their fix - showing that although Popeye’s may have started as just another restaurant chain serving up fast food fare, it has since evolved into something much greater!

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