Fast food chain launches kids deal to rival McDonald’s Happy Meal – it’s £1 cheaper and just in time for school holidays

A FAST food chain has launched a new kids deal to rival McDonald’s Happy Meal.

Popeyes has confirmed its new Chicken Sandwich Poppy Meal will be available starting from this week – just in time for the school holidays.

Getty

The New Orleans-born brand said the meal will include a mini chicken sandwich, a small salad or fries, and a fruit shoot.

The sandwich features fresh marinated chicken served with crisp lettuce, with the option of mayo or ketchup, in a brioche-style bun.

To celebrate the latest launch, the Chicken Sandwich Poppy Meal costs only £1.99 this week, up until Sunday, July 28.

From Monday, July 29, the regular price will be £2.99, Popeyes said.

Currently, McDonald’s also has an offer on its Happy Meal, which is usually priced at £3.99, but now costs £1.99.

The offer comes as McDonald’s launched its Despicable Me 4 Happy Meal to mark the arrival of the film in cinemas.

The meal now also includes one of two books and one of 12 toys.

The £1.99 Happy Meal deal is available through the McDonald’s app until July 31.

Without offers at either fast food chain, the Popeyes new kids deal is £1 cheaper than the McDonald’s Happy Meal.

McDonald’s Happy Meal features a hamburger served with kids’ fries, apple slices, a choice of beverage, and a toy.

There’s also an option to swap the hamburger for four or six chicken nuggets, fish fingers, or veggie dippers.

Popeyes’ kids range also includes other items such as the Wrap Poppy Meal which features one chicken tender, lettuce, creamy mayo in a soft toasted tortilla wrap with regular fries, and drink.

Kids can also get the 2 Tenders Poppy Meal which includes two hand-breaded chicken breast fillets, fries, and a drink.

All Poppy Meals will also include a set of colourful crayons and an activity sheet, the fast food chain said.

Getty

Children enjoying a McDonald’s Happy Meal[/caption]

Dave Hoskins, head of food at Popeyes UK said: “We are excited to announce the launch of the new Chicken Sandwich Poppy Meal for children.

“This marks the first time a mini Chicken Sandwich has appeared on Popeyes’ menus and we can’t wait for fans of Popeyes to enjoy one of our iconic Chicken Sandwiches with their little ones.

“The new look and feel of our kid’s menu marks our move into expanding our options for families at Popeyes which we’re excited to share with our customers.

“As well as the new menu items, our mascot, Poppy, is the new friendly face of our kid’s meals.

“They feature on our fun decorative box which includes crayons and an activity sheet to keep kids entertained – we can’t wait to welcome you all to try it!”

Popeyes entered the UK market in 2021 and has proved to be a hit with ravenous customers ever since.

In just 30 months, the brand opened over 38 restaurants across the UK.

It has plans to reach the 60-restaurant milestone by the end of 2024.

You can find the nearest Popeyes store by using the locator tool on the chain’s official website.

Earlier this month, another US fast food chain, Dave’s Hot Chicken, announced its plans to open 60 restaurants across the UK and Ireland.

The brand, known in the US for its jumbo hot chicken sliders, tenders, and bites, also offers sides like house-made kale slaw, creamy mac and cheese, and crispy, seasoned french fries.

The chain’s chicken is available in seven spice levels, from no spice to reaper, the latter of which requires a signed waiver due to its intense heat.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has partnered with Azzurri Group to spearhead its UK rollout.

The first restaurant is set to open in London in the first quarter of 2025.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories