Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, Birmingham Airport

MJ Consulting Engineers is proud to have played a key role in delivering the structural design for Popeyes® Louisiana Chicken at Birmingham Airport - the very first Popeyes to land in a UK airport, and the first ever SSP UK & Ireland Popeyes site.

Located airside in the Departure Lounge, this high-profile outlet brings Popeyes’ globally renowned Louisiana chicken to UK passengers, just in time for the summer travel season.

The Challenge: Engineering Within Constraints

Airport retail design is never straightforward. Every project involves complex coordination, tight deadlines, and uncompromising safety standards - and this one was no exception.

Working with SSP, Popeyes UK®, and Birmingham Airport, our team delivered the full structural design package for this fit-out project. From initial feasibility to detailed design, our scope covered:

Integration with airport infrastructure and services

Support for specialist kitchen equipment and signage

Coordination with fire strategy and egress routes

Load-bearing design in a live airport environment

Despite logistical hurdles, restricted access, and a tight programme, the team stayed focused - proving once again that solid collaboration makes all the difference.

A Taste of the Future for Airport F&B

The Popeyes menu features crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, wraps, wings, and indulgent Southern-style breakfasts. With both dine-in and takeaway options, the new outlet is designed for high volume, high speed, and maximum customer satisfaction - all supported by a robust structural design from MJC.

This opening marks the start of an exciting strategic partnership between Popeyes and SSP, bringing the brand to more UK travel hubs in the near future.

Photo credit: SSP Group