— Durham’s first Popeyes restaurant, which has been open for one week on Guess Road near Interstate 85, has caused the city to issue a traffic advisory for the area, telling drivers to take other routes when possible.

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and the owners were apologetic about any traffic issues it's created.

“We are truly doing our best to try and get folks in and out of here to try and prevent the volume and the extended waits and the traffic that the business has brought to the town,” said store owner and manager Lubna Ghanayem. "I think busy is almost an understatement."

The owners have hired officers to direct traffic and said they would for as long as it's necessary and crowds die down.

The Louisiana-style fried chicken restaurant has created long lines and traffic frenzies at other locations soon after opening, including restaurants in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Lexington, Kentucky; and Columbia, Missouri.

"I got my Popeyes. I'm happy, and I'm ready for my day to begin," said customer Undre Copeland, who has visited the restaurant every day since its opening.

A spokesman from the City of Durham said officials are aware of the issue, but they do not expect it to last long-term, assuming traffic calms once this initial rush is over.