The Atlantic Magazine in Audio How the Chicken Sandwich Conquered America
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May 12, 2025 Explore the fried chicken sandwich's rise to fame in American culture and how it's usurping the burger's throne. Uncover the cultural and social factors propelling this tasty trend, along with regional twists that make each sandwich unique. Dive into changing consumer preferences that reveal a shift in dining habits and what this culinary evolution means for fast food enthusiasts.
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Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Frenzy
- In 2019, Popeyes transformed its bone-in chicken into a bun sandwich with pickles and mayo, triggering a nationwide craze.
- It caused sellouts and a 42% sales jump, making it a cultural moment like the Super Bowl or a natural disaster.
Chicken Sandwiches Overtake Burgers
- From 2019 to 2024, fried chicken sandwich sales rose 19% while burger sales dropped 3%.
- About 2,800 chicken-focused eateries opened and roughly 1,200 burger joints closed, signaling a major shift.
Chicken Sandwiches Go Mainstream
- Nick Weiger, a Doughboys podcast host, recalls chicken sandwiches being rare add-ons in Southern California in the 80s and 90s.
- Chick-fil-A’s nationwide expansion changed perceptions, making fried chicken sandwiches a main event.