New Popeyes a hit with diners

Business is booming at the new Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits restaurant in Sahuarita’s Bashas’ Plaza.

The restaurant opened in late January and right away attracted plenty of customers, both to the sit-down restaurant and the drive-through window.

“We expected to be well-received,” says Russell Thompson, the store’s general manager.

He points out that Popeyes restaurants, known for serving spicy and mild fried chicken in a casual restaurant setting, are prominent Back East and familiar to many of Green Valley’s winter visitors.

“We have been busy since we opened,” he says, noting that the chicken is the most popular item on the menu.

Other favored choices include the current shrimp special and Popeyes distinctive side dishes such as red beans and rice as well as the “mildly spicy” chicken jambalaya, which is Thompson’s favorite. Other menu choices include catfish, chicken sandwiches, Cajun rice and corn on the cob.

“We pride ourselves on our quality. It’s extremely high,” Thompson says.

He points out that the restaurant marinates its chicken before it’s breaded. Also, customers can choose “naked chicken,” a skinless-chicken option, he adds.

In addition, diners will find a high level of customer service, Thompson says.

After you order in line at the counter, your food is brought to your table. Servers also come around with a condiment tray, in case you need extra sauces and such.

In addition, orders to go can be phoned in and picked up at the drive-through window.

The new store has a staff of about 20 and is still hiring cashiers, cooks and prep people, with an eye toward mature retirees who are interested in a flexible work schedule, Thompson says.

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, 18750 S. Frontage Road, is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Phone 399-1688.

kwalenga@gvnews.com | 547-9739

Car show, sale coming to Rancho Sahuarita
Rancho Sahuarita and the Jim Click automotive team will join forces to bring Southern Arizona residents the Rancho Sahuarita New Car Show and Sale.

It will feature a large selection of new and used vehicles at Rancho Sahuarita, with a preview of cars on Friday, March 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The main event is on Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Both new and used vehicles will feature special pricing, equivalent to Jim Click employee pricing, for one day only.

In addition, the Sahuarita Police Department will be offering free car seat inspections as well as free information on vehicle theft prevention from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

These events will be held at the Rancho Sahuarita clubhouse.

For more information, phone (520) 207-7730.