Megan Thee Franchisee: Megan Thee Stallion Signs On as Multi-Unit Popeyes Franchisee

Popeyes announced last week a new celebrity partnership with pop star Megan Thee Stallion, which includes a new hot sauce called Megan Thee Stallion Hottie Sauce, a co-branded merch line and a five-unit franchise development deal.

“Popeyes' one-of-a-kind partnership with Megan Thee Stallion goes well beyond the average marketing collaboration,” said Sami Siddiqui, President of Popeyes Americas, in a press release. “We are unifying two pop culture icons, and Megan’s innovative, creative and entrepreneurial vision is at the core of everything we’re doing. For the first time ever, we are changing our famous Chicken Sandwich to add a sauce that was custom-made with and for Megan.

We are launching three new lines of merchandise designed by Megan to capture her one-of-a-kind style. And, more than that, we are thrilled to welcome Megan to the Popeyes franchisee family and look forward to working closely with her over many years as she begins her journey as a restaurateur.”

The announcement follows a series of celebrity partnerships that have swept the franchise world over the past year as QSR brands look to appeal to a younger demographic and boost sales following the COVID-19 pandemic. McDonald’s, for example, unveiled its wildly popular Travis Scott meal last fall, as well as its collaboration with reggaeton singer J Balvin. Taco Bell also recently announced plans to work with singer and rapper Lil Nas X, giving him the honorary title of “chief impact officer.”

The Megan Thee Stallion and Popeyes collaboration notably stands out from these recent partnerships due to the singer’s personal development deal, but she is certainly not the first celebrity to dip their toes into actual franchise ownership. Other notable examples include Shaq with Papa John’s, Jimmy Buffet with Krispy Kreme and Venus Williams with Jamba Juice.

“I’m appreciative of Popeyes commitment to empowering Black women and look forward to opening Popeyes restaurants,” said the musician, whose hits include “Hot Girl Summer,” in a statement. “Teaming up with Popeyes is such a milestone in my journey and evolution as an entrepreneur. I’ve always been a fan of the Popeyes brand, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join the brand and help create the new Megan Thee Stallion Hottie Sauce for their lineup.”