The American fried chicken chain Popeyes has become the latest fast food giant to target Richmond borough.

Chipotle opened in Twickenham just two weeks ago – joining the likes of McDonald's, Subway and Five Guys - and now Popeyes will soon be cooking up its menu on a site close to Richmond station.

Popeyes is involved in a major expansion in the UK and the Richmond outlet opens on the site of the former Don Fernados Spanish restaurant tomorrow.

The Richmond outlet opens on the site of the former Don Fernados Spanish restaurant tomorrow.

The chain was founded 50 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it now has more than 4,000 restaurants around the world.

Significantly, the Richmond branch will be the first Popeyes in the UK to offer its breakfast menu.

The chain will be in direct competition to the area's already busy chicken shops, including KFC, which already has outlets in Richmond, Twickenham, Whitton and Hampton Hill.

The Richmond Popeyes in The Quadrant opens tomorrow, May 4, and will offer dine-in, collection and delivery.

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A spokesman said: "To celebrate the hotly anticipated Richmond launch, Popeyes will be pulling out all the stops with Mardi Gras-style band, The Brass Funkeys, showcasing its Southern hospitality and bringing the sound of New Orleans to those first customers through the doors.

"Early queuers will even have the chance to win a year's supply of Popeyes' legendary Chicken Sandwich, awarded to the first three people in the queue on opening day.

"The first 25 customers on opening day will receive a free Chicken Sandwich and exclusive Popeyes merch."

Richmond's opening will also see the cult chicken brand roll out its breakfast menu for the first time in the city.

This includes The Big Breakfast Roll, Cajun seasoned hash browns, as well as an indulgent Nutella-topped take on its famous Southern biscuit. The first 25 customers on day two (May 5) will receive a free breakfast muffin and exclusive Popeyes merchandise.

Tom Byng, Chief Development Officer at Popeyes UK, said: "London is naturally a key market for us, and we want to make sure no borough is underserved.

"We acquire and open sites based on market demand, and it turns out that every corner of the city loves flavourful, spicy chicken as much as we do. We're looking forward to continuing our expansion."