- Hub staff

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has been serving its customers in Owen Sound since the end of June, and today Mayor Ian Boddy officially cut the ribbon to begin their “grand opening” weekend.

This is owner Amber Saeed's fifth restaurant in Ontario. Saeed grew up in Canada and was educated here as an aeronautical engineer, but he wanted to go into business. Saeed has committed to this community. He chose this space in the former Taco Bell and part of Pizza Hut, and patiently waited through months of delays to get access for renovations. (The decor now perfectly matches one of the mayor's favourite shirts.) Doors opened for the Canada Day weekend this year.

More than fifty local people are employed at the store. The grand opening event is also a fundraiser for Leads, a not for profit that provides employment and skills development services and support for people with disabilities or barriers. Popeyes is matching every dollar donated at the store.

Popeye's have been in Canada since 1984 and there are over 3000 stores worldwide. According to the founder, it was named after Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, played by Gene Hackman in the 1971 film, French Connection.