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Popeye’s will be one of several chicken joints in the area, including another set to open within a month just a block away, said Alison Karim McSwiney, executive director of the International Avenue BRZ.

“We have a lot of chicken on this street. But you can find just about anything here — a lot of Latino, Portuguese, North, East and West African, Vietnamese. I think that’s why Popeyes felt it was a good location.

“We have a major street redesign going on, an extremely profitable business community so they probably felt it was an excellent business decision.”

Douglas MacDonald, associate professor of Entrepreneurship in the Bissett School of Business, agrees that it makes sense despite the economic downturn in Calgary.

“The No. 1 thing is that it’s a business development strategy. Their market needs to grow and you do that through expansion.

“As for our economy, any corporation has to look at the long term. Even though we’re having a difficult time compared to five years ago, we’re still robust. There’s a strong trend here of eating outside instead of in the home.”

Karim-McSwiney said there was a lot of interest over the site at 3909 17th Ave. from fast food chains as it will be one of the last locations to be allowed a drive-thru. The street redesign will be more pedestrian and bike friendly with gathering spaces and wide sidewalks.

Although the street is already home to Kentucky Fried Chicken, Chicken on the Way, Cajun Chicken Hut and the soon to open Fritou, Karim-McSwiney said Popeyes has a solid fan base.

“The chain does very well in the United States. It’s fairly unique and will add nicely to the street.”

mjarvie@postmedia.com