Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant
Popeyes' c.e.o. said Mr. Fricker will be key in executing the chain's development plans.

ATLANTA – Steven Fricker has been named senior vice-president of development for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Steven Fricker, Popeyes
Steven Fricker, new senior v.p. of development for Popeyes

Mr. Fricker is an industry expert with more than 35 years of experience as a senior corporate executive and a former franchisee of several national restaurant brands. His new responsibilities will include new unit development, franchise sale and development, architecture and design and new construction and restraint opening processes. He will also be responsible for seeking and overseeing new franchise and company opportunities in strategic markets.

“Steve’s specialized expertise growing his own organization, as well as corporate organizations he has worked with, will serve Popeyes existing franchisees well as they expand their organizations and will benefit new franchisees as they come into the Popeyes family,” said John Merkin, chief operating officer of Popeyes. “Popeyes is a beloved brand that continues to be a definitive leader in the chicken Q.S.R. space, an ambassador of Louisiana cooking to the world. We have said before that we have bold goals for development, and we are pleased to bring Steve to Popeyes to help us execute those plans.”

Previously, Mr. Fricker served as the head of a franchise organization and helped develop Panera Bread, Outback Steakhouse, Corner Bakery and IHOP.

“I am pleased to have joined Popeyes, a highly respected, disciplined and successful organization with an industry leading management team,” Mr. Fricker said. “Popeyes is known for its servant leadership culture which has allowed it to deliver superior results. I look forward to advancing the company’s development plans and contributing to its stellar reputation.”