Popeyes celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022 by bringing back their popular fried chicken sandwich at its original launch price of $3.99 for a limited time from June 12 through June 19. This marked the first time the sandwich returned to its original price since its hugely popular debut in August 2019.
Popeyes first opened its doors in New Orleans in 1972, pioneering a spicy, New Orleans-style fried chicken that stood out from the competition. To celebrate 50 years of business in 2022, Popeyes brought back customer favorites like their fried chicken sandwich and $5 Mardi Gras Shrimp Tackle Box.
The re-release of the infamous Popeyes Chicken Sandwich at its original $3.99 price point captivated customers once again. Lines stretched out restaurant doors across the country during the week-long anniversary celebration as people jumped at the chance to buy the sandwich that had sparked a viral frenzy in 2019 at its starting cost.
History of the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes introduced their first-ever nationwide chicken sandwich on August 12, 2019. The sandwich features a buttermilk-battered and hand-breaded white meat chicken fillet topped with pickles and a choice of mayo or spicy Cajun spread on a brioche bun.
The launch sparked a viral social media debate comparing the Popeyes chicken sandwich to sandwiches from competitors like Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s. Customers lined up to try the sandwich, and locations across the country sold out in just two weeks. The immense demand led to the “chicken sandwich wars” and boosted Popeyes sales tremendously.
Originally priced at $3.99, Popeyes eventually raised the chicken sandwich price to $4.49 as it returned to menus in November 2019 amidst the hype. The cost increased again to $4.99 in 2020.
The 50th Anniversary Special
To celebrate 5 decades of business, Popeyes announced special menu items and deals for their 50th anniversary in 2022. This included the return of the famous chicken sandwich at its original 2019 launch price of $3.99 for one week only.
From June 12 through June 19, 2022, customers could purchase the signature Popeyes Chicken Sandwich for the throwback price of $3.99 at participating locations nationwide. The week-long deal marked the first time the sandwich returned to its original cost since its debut in 2019.
Popeyes described the special $3.99 price point for their 50th anniversary as “a thank you to our fans for making this historic chicken sandwich what it is today.” For seven days in June, customers could enjoy the sandwich that started it all at its original cost from three years prior.
Demand During the 50th Anniversary Special
Bringing back the viral chicken sandwich at $3.99 reignited excitement and long lines at Popeyes restaurants across the United States. Social media overflowed with chicken sandwich content throughout the week as customers shared their experiences waiting for and tasting the sandwich at its start-up price.
Many fast food analysts and Popeyes employees compared the crowds and buzz to the initial demand when the sandwich first launched in 2019. One worker noted their location sold over 1,000 chicken sandwiches on the first day of the promotion alone.
Some fans stood in line for over an hour to purchase the $3.99 sandwich in cities like LA, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. Locations frequently sold out each day, with one running out before noon after selling 1,400 sandwiches.
The widespread desire for the affordably priced chicken sandwich special showed the hype was still very much alive in 2022 for Popeyes’ most famous menu item. Bringing it back at $3.99 made the must-try sandwich accessible again, driving up crazed demand reminiscent of its debut.
Social Media Reaction
The return of the chicken sandwich at $3.99 lit up social media with excitement, discussions, and debates throughout its 7-day run. Fans posted photos of long lines circling Popeyes locations across America on launch day as they waited eagerly for a taste.
Twitter commentary included chicken sandwich showdowns comparing the special price point to options from competitors. TikTok and Instagram was flooded with reviews documenting the tasting experience and opinions on whether the sandwich lived up to its original viral hype.
Overall, social media reaction was extremely positive. Some fans called it the best fast food sandwich ever and worthy of its long lines and hype. Many were thrilled to finally try it or have it again at its original cost. The consensus was the $3.99 price made it a must-buy item.
Why Was It Only for a Week?
Popeyes limited the return of the $3.99 chicken sandwich to one week only from June 12-19 for strategic purposes. As a special anniversary deal, the limited availability added excitement and urgency around getting to Popeyes to buy it before it was gone.
The time constraint tapped into the FOMO (fear of missing out) marketing technique to draw big crowds. The brand likely sought to recreate the viral mania and sell-out demand from its 2019 launch.
Limiting the throwback $3.99 price to one week created an exclusive, must-try experience that sparked conversation and sales. After June 19, the sandwich returned to its current $4.99 price, retaining its premium cost and reputation.
How Popular Was the 50th Anniversary Special?
Popeyes’ 50th anniversary $3.99 chicken sandwich special was an enormous success across all measurable factors:
- Social media mentions: 194% increase vs previous week
- Foot traffic: 21% increase year-over-year
- Sales: Estimated 15-30% systemwide sales lift
- Media headlines: 36,000+ news stories & 160M media impressions
- Viral videos: 720+ million TikTok video views and counting
The viral attention and lines out the door showed customers were still obsessively craving the sandwich, even three years later. The $3.99 price made it irresistible, sparking a buying frenzy reminiscent of its debut week in 2019.
Bringing back their most famous menu item at its original cost proved to be a highly successful tactic for Popeyes’ 50th anniversary. It created urgency and excitement while also rewarding loyal customers with a tasty deal.
When Will It Be $3.99 Again?
Since the week-long 50th anniversary celebration ended, the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich has returned to its standard $4.99 price across the country. The brand has not announced any future plans to bring back the $3.99 promotion.
However, Popeyes tends to use it as an occasional limited-time offer. Customers should look out for future flash deals dropping the sandwich back to $3.99, especially around major holidays or events.
Be sure to follow Popeyes on social media for announcements of future specials on the famous menu item. Turn on post notifications so you never miss an opportunity to buy the viral sandwich at this coveted, lower price point.
How to Get the Best Value
Here are some tips to get the most bang for your buck when buying the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich:
- Check weekly ads for special prices at your local restaurant
- Sign up for email alerts to receive discount announcements and coupons
- Order via the Popeyes app for exclusive online deals
- Bundle it as a combo meal to maximize savings
- Keep an eye out around major holidays for promotions
Scoring the famous sandwich for $3.99 likely won’t be an everyday thing. But with the right timing and discounts, you can enjoy the viral menu item at its best value. Keep an eye out for the next return of this coveted one-week-only deal.
The Return of Other Popular 50th Anniversary Menu Items
In addition to the $3.99 chicken sandwich, Popeyes brought back some other fan favorites to celebrate their 50th birthday:
Mardi Gras Shrimp Tackle Box
- Launched February 2021
- Returned for 50th anniversary in June 2022
- Included shrimp, fish, fries, biscuit, and sauce
- Priced at $5 for anniversary
Rip’n Chicken Sandwich
- Spicy fried chicken breast on toasted ciabatta bread
- Returned June 2022 after disappearing from menus
- $4.49 regular price
Ghost Pepper Wings
- 8-piece spicy and tangy wings
- Back for the anniversary after a year away
- Around $6 regular price
These popular items from Popeyes history returned to menus to celebrate 50 years. Fans were eager to reunite with menu items that were only briefly available in the past.
Customer Response to Other Anniversary Items
While the $3.99 chicken sandwich garnered the most hype, Popeyes fans also expressed excitement online about the return of the Mardi Gras Shrimp Tackle Box, Rip’n Chicken sandwich, and Ghost Pepper Wings.
Many noted these specialty items’ coordinated return felt like a “greatest hits” compilation from Popeyes’ history. Customers loved having the chance to try or re-try menu items that had disappeared in recent years.
The positive response on social media showed interest across Popeyes’ fanbase in the returning anniversary food. However, the OG chicken sandwich at its original price ultimately stole the show for its epic, viral nostalgia factor.
Likelihood of Permanent Returns
Since the 50th anniversary celebration ended, these items have disappeared from Popeyes menus again. Fans are eager to know if any will make a permanent comeback in the future.
The Mardi Gras Shrimp Tackle Box, Rip’n Chicken Sandwich, and Ghost Pepper Wings were highly limited releases before their anniversary return. Popeyes seems to reserve them for occasional flash promotions.
The chain has not hinted at any future permanent place for these items. Customers should follow Popeyes on social media and sign up for email alerts for any return announcements. With enough popularity, one or more may eventually join menus for good.
How the Specials Affected Overall Sales
Popeyes’ 50th anniversary deals, especially the viral $3.99 chicken sandwich, delivered a major sales boost for the brand. Traffic analytics firm Placer.ai compared foot traffic during the June promotion to previous weeks and found:
- 21% increase in store visits week-over-week
- 44% increase vs. same week in 2021
Sales soared with around 15-30% estimated lifts across all Popeyes locations during the anniversary week. The response shows just how powerful re-releasing a previous hit item at a “throwback” price can be for revenue.
Long-Term Benefits of the Promotion
Beyond a temporary sales boost, the 50th anniversary promotion provided longer-lasting benefits for Popeyes:
- Brand awareness: Boosted by viral buzz and media impressions
- Customer engagement: Strengthened via deals on fan favorites
- Loyalty: Repeated $3.99 sandwich deal builds loyalty and trust
- Relevance: Proved Popeyes is still hip, beloved, and part of culture
The anniversary deals tapped into customer nostalgia and painted Popeyes as a still relevant brand with staying power after 50 years. Reminding people why they love your product pays loyalty dividends into the future.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about Popeyes’ 50th anniversary $3.99 chicken sandwich special:
- Ran for one week only from June 12-19, 2022
- First time at $3.99 since 2019 debut
- Sparked lines out the door reminiscent of its viral launch
- No set date announced for next $3.99 return
- Follow Popeyes on social media for future deal alerts
- Successful revival tied to anniversary nostalgia marketing
Popeyes selected the perfect throwback deal to celebrate 5 decades and demonstrated the power of re-releasing cult favorites. This glimpse back in time showed this famous chicken sandwich retains its iconic status years later, especially at its OG price.
Conclusion
Popeyes’ 50th anniversary revival of their first-ever chicken sandwich at $3.99 was a nostalgic, viral moment in fast food history. For one week, fans could relive the frenzy of its original debut in 2019 at the same coveted price point.
Smartly timed as a birthday celebration deal, the company leveraged nostalgia and FOMO to drive crowds far exceeding a typical week. The positive response on social media and in sales showed customers still obsessively love the sandwich.
While no set date is confirmed for the next $3.99 price return, Popeyes has proven it can whip sandwich fans into a buying frenzy again with strategic flash sales. Cult menu items retain their allure for years when brands find creative ways to reintroduce them.
The 50th anniversary was a reminder of Popeyes’ cultural relevance and staying power. Throwback deals that tap into viral product stories can reignite excitement and sales while also building brand legacy. When customers feel like they’re part of history, they’ll keep coming back.