Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a fast-food franchise with locations throughout the U.S., and a presence in other countries.
The first Popeyes was opened in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972.
Some locations are company owned, but most are franchised.
This means that the policies and working conditions will vary somewhat because owners have a degree of flexibility in how their franchise is run.
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Pros of Working for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Popeyes isn’t considered a dream job, but there are many benefits to working there.
In fact, many employees enjoy working there and would recommend the job to others.
1. No Experience Necessary
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen offers entry-level job opportunities, with no experience required.
This makes it a good choice for a first job.
You may also consider this position if you have been unemployed for a long period of time.
2. Free Food
Some locations offer free food for their workers, while others offer employee discounts.
Many employees appreciate this perk because it allows them to save money.
3. Friendly Coworkers
Employees usually state that coworkers are friendly.
You’ll meet people of different backgrounds and ages as well.
Many people underestimate the importance of enjoyable coworkers.
The truth is, getting along with coworkers can improve your productivity and employee satisfaction.
4. Learning Customer Service Skills
Working for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a great way to learn customer service skills, which can be useful throughout your entire career.
This is particularly true if you work as a cashier because you will interact with customers directly.
“Back-line”, or kitchen staff, don’t interact with customers often.
However, they may work with customers occasionally as well.
Customer service skills can even benefit you in your personal life, as well as your professional career.
You’ll learn things like active listening and effective communication.
5. Fast-Paced Environment
Popeyes provides a fast-paced environment. Some people can view this as a con, but it provides a number of benefits.
You will learn how to be efficient and use your time effectively.
It can also increase your confidence and flexibility.
These benefits will be useful even if you choose to pursue another career after working for Popeyes.
Another subjective benefit is that fast-paced work typically makes time go by quickly.
When you don’t have time to stare at the clock, the work hours fly by.
6. Learn Different Positions
Working at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen also allows you to learn different positions.
Many employees learn to perform several positions at the company.
This makes you more versatile, and can improve your long-term career prospects.
7. Benefits
Popeyes crew members are also offered benefits.
Some locations offer paid time off (PTO) for all employees.
Typically, you’ll receive 1 hour of PTO for every 40 hours you work.
This applies to both full and part-time workers, so you aren’t required to work 40 hours a week to be eligible.
Full-time employees are also eligible for health insurance, vision insurance, and dental insurance.
Another benefit is bonuses.
Some locations provide attendance bonuses each week, employee of the month bonuses, and yearly bonuses.
8. Flexible Schedule
Popeyes also offers a flexible work schedule, particularly for part-time workers.
If you are considering Popeyes as a second job, or are currently attending school, the company can work with you to provide hours that work for you.
Cons of Working for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Like all jobs, working for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen isn’t perfect.
Along with the pros come some cons.
1. Short Staffing is Common
The fast-food industry as a whole often struggles to hire and retain enough employees, and this also applies to Popeyes.
Short staffing is a common issue and makes it harder on the employees working a shift.
Without enough employees, the employees have to perform extra work to keep things going.
2. Unpredictable or Inconvenient Hours
When working at Popeyes, your schedule may change from week to week.
You may find that your hours are unpredictable or inconvenient at times.
Working weekends is typically a requirement for fast-food employees.
You may also work morning or night shifts that require early or late hours.
3. Low Pay
Popeye’s pay is comparable to other fast food chains, but the pay is considered low.
The pay will vary based on your location, but typically begins at minimum wage or slightly higher.
You may receive a higher pay rate if you have previous experience or work late hours.
If you work as a team leader or manager, you’ll receive more than regular crew members.
4. Physically Demanding
Working for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is physically demanding, particularly if you work in the kitchen or as a stocker.
Cashiers are expected to be on their feet for long hours, while kitchen staff may do the occasional heavy lifting.
The kitchen area can become quite hot as well, so employees should be prepared for the physical demands of the job.
5. Physical Risks
There are also some physical risks that come along with working at Popeyes, particularly if you work in the kitchen or food prep areas.
You’ll be working with large fryers full of hot oil, hot cooking surfaces, knives, and other utensils.
Lifting heavy items and walking on floors that can become wet and slippery are also dangers.
Of course, these risks also apply to similar jobs.
Employee injuries at Popeyes are fairly rare, but it’s a risk you should be aware of if you are considering this job.
6. Stressful
Working for Popeyes is stressful, according to employees.
This is due to a number of factors.
The fast-paced environment causes stress.
If there aren’t enough employees, this extra workload increases stress levels.
Disgruntled customers and issues with management can add even more stress.
If you work at Popeyes, you’ll need to be comfortable working in a stressful environment.
Not everyone finds this problematic.
In fact, some people thrive in high-pressure or high-stress environments.
7. Difficult Customers
When working in fast food, including Popeyes, you’ll work with customers at least occasionally.
This is often beneficial, allowing you to gain customer service skills and meet lots of new people.
However, it can also be a con. Some customers will be difficult.
This can be as simple as placing a large or complicated order.
On the other end of the spectrum are customers who become angry.
These customers can be rude, yell, and rarely, even become aggressive.
Front-line workers and managers deal with customers the most.
However, kitchen staff will have to cater to customer requests, and may deal with them sometimes as well.
8. Poor Management
Some employees state that they encounter poor management as well.
This can vary greatly based on the location you work for.
Shift managers will work closely with employees, and can make a huge difference in your experience working for the company.
Higher-level managers have an impact on the company culture, morale, and store policy.
9. Long Hours
Employees frequently mention working long hours, particularly without a break, at Popeyes.
Regulations in most states simply require that employees get one thirty-minute break if they work for 8 hours or longer.
This is because you are supposed to have opportunities for breaks during your shifts to use the restroom or grab a beverage.
However, this means that you can expect to work for several hours without an actual break of any kind, particularly if you are working during peak hours.
17 Pros and Cons of Working for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen – Summary Table
| Pros of Working for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen | Cons of Working for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen |
|---|---|
| 1. No Experience Necessary | 1. Short Staffing is Common |
| 2. Free Food | 2. Unpredictable or Inconvenient Hours |
| 3. Friendly Coworkers | 3. Low Pay |
| 4. Learning Customer Service Skills | 4. Physically Demanding |
| 5. Fast-Paced Environment | 5. Physical Risks |
| 6. Learn Different Positions | 6. Stressful |
| 7. Benefits | 7. Difficult Customers |
| 8. Flexible Schedule | 8. Poor Management |
| 9. Long Hours |
Should You Work for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen?
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen can be a good job opportunity for many people, but it’s not for everyone.
It’s a great job for potential employees without previous work experience.
It’s also a good choice if you need flexible hours, and don’t mind not having a set schedule from week to week.
If you enjoy a fast-paced environment, this is a great job for you.
It’s also a good option if you want to learn customer service skills or move into management.
However, you’ll need to be prepared for work that is both physically and mentally draining if you want to work at Popeyes.
You should be aware that there are some risks of injury, particularly for kitchen workers.
You will likely encounter disgruntled customers occasionally.
You’ll need a calm temperament to manage this.
You may also work long hours without breaks.
You’ll need to stand for long periods, and potentially lift heavy items as well.
If you can handle the cons of working at Popeyes, and enjoy the benefits, then you should work for Popeyes.
If you can’t handle the demands of the job, then working for Popeyes isn’t for you.
