Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, often referred to as simply Popeye’s, is a fast food restaurant chain known for its spicy New Orleans-style chicken. Along with main dishes like fried chicken, biscuits, and mashed potatoes, Popeye’s also offers various side items and desserts like apple pies. So do they actually have apple pies on the menu? Let’s take a closer look.
A Brief History of Popeye’s
Popeye’s was founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Louisiana by Al Copeland. The first location was opened up after Copeland failed to acquire franchise rights to Kentucky Fried Chicken. The restaurant was named after the fictional cartoon character Popeye the Sailor due to Copeland being a fan of the show.
In 1976, Popeye’s officially added apple pies to their menu, making them one of the earlier fast food chains to offer the classic dessert item. The pies were supplied by a company called Talley Baking. The apples inside were of the Rome and Jonathan varieties which were chosen for their tart flavor that offset the sweetness of the pie filling.
The apple pies proved to be a hit among customers and became a signature menu item for Popeye’s in the early years. They were marketed as having a flakey, buttery crust with homemade style filling made from real apples. Throughout the 70s and 80s, they were a staple dessert option at Popeye’s.
Availability of Apple Pies at Popeye’s Today
So forty years later, can you still order an apple pie at Popeye’s? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Popeye’s removed apple pies from their permanent menu in the early 1990s.
For a few years after that, they would bring back apple pies as a temporary promotional item. However, since the mid 90s, apple pies have been completely absent from Popeye’s menus. The only dessert items they offer now are cookies and brownies.
There are a few factors that contributed to Popeye’s discontinuing apple pies:
1. High production costs
According to some former employees, the apple pie filling and crust were made from scratch in each restaurant location. This required extra labor and ingredients that drove up costs compared to pre-made, frozen pies other chains used. Over time, the profit margin on apple pies became too small.
2. Long prep time
The apple pies took over an hour to prepare with all the steps needed to make the crust, prepare the apples, assemble, and bake each pie. This did not align with Popeye’s shift to faster service to compete with other major chains.
3. Lack of consumer demand
Although apple pies were initially popular at Popeye’s, over time guests tended to prefer other dessert options, like cookies and brownies that were easier to eat on-the-go. Management determined the labor required to make apple pies was not worthwhile based on low sales volume.
4. Menu simplification
Like most fast food chains, Popeye’s has tried to streamline their menu over time, focusing on core food items that align with their brand identity. Fried chicken and biscuits have always been the stars of the show at Popeye’s. Apple pies strayed from this core identity as a fried chicken chain.
Are There Any Alternatives for Getting an Apple Pie from Popeye’s?
Since apple pies disappeared from Popeye’s years ago, is there any way for customers to enjoy this classic fried chicken chain dessert again? Here are a few ideas:
Order apple pies from other restaurants
The most straightforward option is to get your apple pie fix from another fast food chain while dining at Popeye’s. Places like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s all still sell hot, melty apple pies that you can bring to Popeye’s to eat alongside your meal.
Check during the holidays
There is a small chance that apple pies could make a temporary comeback at Popeye’s during the holiday season. They have been known to bring back old menu items for special promotional periods. It’s worth checking your local Popeye’s around Thanksgiving and Christmas to see if apple pies are available for a limited time.
Make your own copycat version
You can recreate the classic Popeye’s apple pie experience at home by looking up copycat recipes online. Baking your own version with a buttery, flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apple filling may satisfy your craving for that nostalgic Popeye’s apple pie.
Request apple pies be added back
One long shot option is to start a petition or social media campaign asking Popeye’s corporate office to bring back apple pies. If they see enough interest from customers, they may consider adding it back on the menu. However, since apple pies have been gone for so long, the chances of this happening are relatively slim.
The Bottom Line
So in summary – no, unfortunately you cannot currently order apple pies at any Popeye’s location. They were taken off the permanent menu in the 90s and have not returned since. The best options for getting an apple pie from the fried chicken chain are either bringing one in from another restaurant, trying your luck during the holidays, or baking a homemade version.
For now, apple pies remain a nostalgic menu item of Popeye’s past. But who knows, with enough customer demand, they could potentially make a comeback in the future. Stick to the biscuits and fried chicken tenders for your Popeye’s dessert fixes for now.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Popeye’s stop selling apple pies?
Popeye’s officially removed apple pies from their permanent menu in the early 1990s. For a few years after that, they were still available as temporary promotional items but have been completely gone from all locations since the mid 90s.
Why did Popeye’s get rid of apple pies?
There were a few factors that contributed to the decision, including high production costs, long prep times, lack of customer demand, and menu simplification. The time and labor required to make apple pies from scratch ultimately led to low profit margins.
Does Popeye’s sell any desserts now?
Yes, Popeye’s still offers a small dessert menu including chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and cinnamon dessert biscuits. However, they no longer sell classic baked desserts like apple or cherry pies.
Are Popeye’s apple pies available seasonally?
In the first couple years after removing them from the permanent menu, Popeye’s did bring back apple pies as temporary seasonal items. But since the mid 1990s, they have not been available at all – even during holidays.
Where can I get an apple pie near Popeye’s?
Your best options are to purchase an apple pie from another fast food chain like McDonald’s or Burger King and bring it to eat alongside your Popeye’s meal. You can also try making your own copycat version at home by following online recipes.
Conclusion
Apple pies were once a beloved menu item at Popeye’s in the 1970s and 1980s. However, due to high costs and low demand, they were removed from the menu in the 90s and have not returned since. While longing guests have no options for getting apple pies from Popeye’s today, alternatives include bringing pies in from other restaurants or baking homemade versions. For now, Popeye’s apple pies remain a nostalgic piece of the chain’s history.