What was the original name of the restaurant chain now known as Popeyes?

The restaurant chain now known as Popeyes was originally called Chicken on the Run.

Al Copeland opened the first restaurant in Arabi, Louisiana, in 1972 under the Chicken on the Run name. The business struggled initially, and Copeland later changed the concept, seasoning, and branding to create a spicier New Orleans-style fried-chicken offering.

The restaurant was renamed Popeyes Mighty Good Fried Chicken. The name “Popeyes” is commonly associated with the fictional detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle from the film The French Connection, although the chain’s branding later became strongly identified with Louisiana-style chicken.

Popeyes is sometimes described as having begun under its current name, but Chicken on the Run was the original name. The chain later shortened its public name to Popeyes and expanded internationally.