Sailormen Inc. secures court approval to sell 97 Popeyes locations amid bankruptcy, while 33 unsold sites face closure.
A U.S. bankruptcy judge approved the sale of 97 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen locations operated by franchisee Sailormen Inc. for $16.55 million. The deal, finalized in the Southern District of Florida, follows Sailormen’s January 2026 bankruptcy filing, which initially covered 130 restaurants.
The company may reject leases for 33 unsold locations, leading to permanent closures. Industry data shows fried chicken chains gained 3% traffic in 2025, outpacing a 1% decline in overall fast-food visits, despite financial struggles among franchisees.
No immediate market reaction was reported, though the closures highlight ongoing pressures in the fast-food sector.