Popeyes planning first Sioux Falls store

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is close to a location in Sioux Falls.

The restaurant chain is known for its spicy fried chicken, biscuits and sides.

There is a site under contract in Sioux Falls, said Ryan Tysdal of Lloyd Cos., who represents Popeyes.

"We have already begun work in securing our second location in the market," he said. "We believe Sioux Falls will merit two to three Popeye's locations within the next couple years."

Tysdal said he expects to announce the first location in the next few months.

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While it's a new market for Popeyes, the chain has been inching closer to Sioux Falls, opening in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

"The demographics and cost (are) all favorable (in the Sioux Falls market)," said Brian Haley, who handles development for Popeyes in the region that includes Sioux Falls. "When we go into a market where we don't have a Popeyes for a (distance) we usually do pretty well."

The company is finalizing its franchise agreement for Sioux Falls.

Haley said the plan would be to start construction early next year.

Popeyes benefits from its national advertising, which creates brand recognition, Haley said.

"So we might not be in the market but people are aware of us, and that helps build excitement when we're under construction."

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Sioux Falls Business Journal editor Jodi Schwan will report live from the convention through Wednesday. Follow her updates at www.siouxfallsbusinessjournal.comor by liking the Sioux Falls Business Journal on Facebookor following @jodischwan or @sfbj on Twitter.