The Great Chicken War of 2019 was a battle probably none of us saw coming, but here we are. Like every debate in this country, it all started on Twitter. For summary, Popeyes recently released a chicken sandwich which bares some similarities to Chick-fil-A’s signature sandwich. Chick-fil-A sent out the first tweet about the make-up of their “original” sandwich, and Popeyes threw shade back at them.
Thus, the memes and debates began online about which chicken restaurant has the best sandwich on the planet. I have come to tell you not only does Popeyes have the better sandwich, but it is the best chicken restaurant overall. One question that popped up is whether or not Popeyes has copied its opponent. However, it is not unheard of for a chicken joint to also make chicken sandwiches. Maybe the buns and pickles are similar to Chick-fil-A, but this superior sandwich is crispier.
According to Maura Judkis with the Washington Post, “For one, it’s the crunchiest, crispiest fast-food chicken sandwich out there. The bun is more buttery, and didn’t look like a deflated tire after a few minutes in its little foil-lined sleeping bag (another move Chick-fil-A must not be too happy about).”
With all of the Twitter exposure, Popeyes received free advertising from both their fans, and fans of Chick-fil-A. Popeyes’ sandwich blew up in a way their opponent’s has not. Of course, there are two ways you can look at the fact Popeyes ran out of sandwiches nation-wide: a) poor planning on their part, or b) the sandwich was so spectacular that they were bought up everywhere and caused a national uproar. I think the second.
According to Amanda Jackson with CNN, “The demand for the Popeyes sandwich was so high that hour long lines were reported at some locations and even someone tried to sell the sandwich on eBay for $7,000.”
I have not heard of anyone doing this for a Chick-fil-A sandwich, though. Of course, this lack of sandwich materials has not caused Popeyes to cower away into the shadows.
Instead, Popeyes advertised, “BYOB – Bring Your Own Bun” on the website and on the chicken boxes. I think this is hilarious and clever. In a weird way, I can respect a restaurant that is so confident in their fried chicken that they advertise any old bun can work with it. When compared to this idea, it makes you wonder why Chick-fil-A’s buttered buns are so special. It is not original to put a piece of chicken between two pieces of bread.
Furthermore, the Popeyes restaurant is better for families. Since there are boxes of chicken and meal deals going on all the time, it is easier and more efficient to order dinner for a whole family.
Instead of ordering multiple, pricey meals, which can get complicated, you can just get a box of chicken, some biscuits and a couple of sides in one go. Also, they do not have a germy play area where kids can get sick, but that is another story.
Anyways, one reason I go to Popeyes is for the crispy comfort food. By looking at the menu, it may seem like they have less options than Chick-fil-A. However, when I go to Popeyes, I am not looking for weak, fancy grilled chicken nuggets. I am looking for the yummy gravy and buttery biscuits that are not dry and flimsy. I am looking for the real fried chicken taste. Plus, one of my family’s traditions is going to my grandmother’s house after church on Sunday with a bucket of chicken. We cannot do that with Chick-fil-A.