THE grand opening of Edinburgh’s first Popeyes restaurant was interrupted by a PETA protester dressed as a chicken.
The ceremony on Friday, saw the American fast-food restaurant launch its flagship Edinburgh store with a pipe band, was attended by dozens of locals.
The first 100 visitors to the restaurant were offered free chicken sandwiches with queues building up outside in the hours leading up to opening time.
The new restaurant on Princes Street can hold around 80 people, offering dine in and take out options.
A number of locals were so eager to try the chicken restaurant that they camped out overnight to be the first in line.
Despite the local excitement for the opening, PETA UK had something to say about the restaurant chain’s expansion.
They sent a protester to the grand opening dressed as a chicken and holding a placard which read: “Don’t batter me, go vegan.”
Several other members of the animal rights campaign group were in attendance, handing out fliers to passersby and customers.
The protester dressed as a chicken stood by the pipe band during the opening, using a crutch to remain standing.
PETA UK said: “This battered chicken has something to say at Popeyes’ grand opening in Edinburgh: Don’t batter me! Go vegan.
“Chickens feel love, fear, and pain – just like us. But Popeyes profits from their suffering. It’s time to leave birds in peace, not pieces.”
