Bona-fried success: Why are Americans obsessed with Popeyes' new chicken sandwich? | Food



[ad_1]

The new Popeyes chicken sandwich is a boneless frying phenomenon.

The new offer of the fried chicken chain has become the American sandwich not to be missed, for those who can find a place where it is not complete. The simple meal – breaded chicken, pickles and gravy on brioche bread – has inspired long lines across the country and endless discussions on social media. A Popeye's client from Oakland, California, joked about the sandwich's place in the national conversation: "It's like Game of Thrones."

The New Yorker said that he was "there to save America". "True love is a chicken sandwich that makes you feel full, whole and neat," said Business Insider in a meticulously illustrated review. The Los Angeles Times presented the sandwich as an economic indicator.

What has inspired the obsession?

First, despite half a century of history – the first restaurant opened in the early 1970s in New Orleans, Popeyes – is not famous for its sandwiches. The new offer is therefore something of a rarity. And it's an alternative to Chick-fil-A, whose flavor was spoiled years ago by homophobia. In 2012, its chief executive, Dan Cathy, condemned gay marriage, and his family made generous donations to anti-gay groups, condemning worried fast food fans to underwater offers.

But it's not just the scarcity and ethics that drove the hordes to the sandwich. Popeyes did a great job promoting social media, driving his competitors into an extended sandwich niche. Smart marketing meant that at every angry retort, Popeyes' rivals were promoting the sandwich.

A sign from Popeyes in Oakland announced the news: exhausted.



A sign from Popeyes in Oakland announced the news: exhausted. Photo: the guard

First, Popeyes tweeted a message saying the sandwich was good. Shortly after, Chick-fil-A highlighted what he described as the original "sandwich," which provoked Popeyes' sarcasm: "Is it good?" has the second best chicken sandwich ", which has led to another back and forth. In the end, Shake Shack was thrown into the fray with a joke on the "beef" between the chicken vendors.

The exchange provoked both annoyance and admiration, but in any case, it seems to have worked. And during a recent visit to Popeyes in downtown Oakland, the lunch line stretched out at 30 o'clock at noon. Many had arrived just to try the sandwich.

"After seeing Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, I had to come," said Anthony Wilson, 32, while waiting to order. "Six people at work came with a lunch yesterday."

Wilson stated that he was not normally a fan of Popeyes but that he "did not want to miss a cultural phenomenon".

But it was not Wilson's lucky day. As customers approached the counter, a handwritten sign near the register said, "Sorry, the chicken sandwich has been sold."

The news spread like a chicken feather in the wind as customers grumbled and shouted, "No more chicken sandwich? Why do you think we came here ?! – and some left admitting their defeat.

"We only have the sandwich a week and it sells everyday. Some people arrive and order ten, "said Nayeli Vasquez, a 23-year-old employee.

She added that the outlet made about 300 sandwiches a day, with stocks generally selling at night. "We've never had such a popular menu item."

After a 40 minute wait, the sandwiches were made available. So did they respect the hype? Well, it probably will not save America and it only looks like a real love, but it's really good.

popeyes

The meat itself is tender, contrasting deliciously with the crunchy exterior. The bread is sweet without being too powerful and the simple combination of mayo-pickle completes the spices of the dough. The whole thing is deliciously squishy, ​​in a way maybe a little disgusting, but also facilitates consumption. (NB: This is a review of the "classic" edition of the sandwich, which has apparently earned its name although it has only been around for a few weeks.There is also a "spicy" version. )

A few hours after eating the sandwich, however, taste testers were struggling with nausea, laziness and guilt that accompanied a fast-food frenzy. But they did not regret the decision: they now knew what was happening.

[ad_2]

Source link