Over the last few years, anime has become a major cultural phenomenon in the U.S. Some 44% of Gen Zers regularly watch the genre, according to one survey by Dentsu, and about one in three American consumers watches it weekly.
North America is now the largest market for Japanese anime outside of Japan itself, The New York Times reports. By 2033, the North American market is projected to hit $77.27 billion, Grand View Research says.
Given its wide appeal and huge market reach, it’s no surprise that brands are collaborating with once-niche anime and manga series.
The latest chain to hop on the anime bandwagon? Popeyes.
The Popeyes and “One Piece” collaboration
On April 13, Popeyes unveiled its limited-time “One Piece” menu in collaboration with Toei Animation.
“Inspired by series’ iconic characters and their larger-than-life journey, this one-of-a-kind ONE PIECE collaboration invites fans to fuel up like a member of the Straw Hat Crew with exclusive menu items and collectible drops designed to spark fandom, sharing, and serious hype,” the fast-food chain said.
The menu includes four unique items:
- Luffy Bento Bundle ($13.99): Two pieces of Popeye’s classic fried chicken, creamy mac & cheese, Gum-Gum Fruitlemonade, and a Choppers cupcake
- Luffy Bento Box ($7.99): Two pieces of Popeye’s classic fried chicken with creamy mac & cheese
- Gum-Gum Fruit Lemonade ($3.49): A bright purple lemonade inspired by the power-granting fruit in “One Piece”
- Chopper’s Cupcake ($3.99): A sweet strawberry cupcake topped with pink icing and sprinkles
Source: Popeyes
“For ONE PIECE fans, the story is about adventure, loyalty, and going all-in for the things you love,” Popeyes Chief Marketing Officer Matt Rubin said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
“This energy perfectly aligns with Popeyes and comes to life throughout this partnership with Toei Animation. We set out to create a collaboration that brings our bold flavors into the world of ONE PIECE and its anime fandom, the kind of meal you’d want before setting sail for the Grand Line.”
Getty Images
Popeyes and “One Piece” limited merch
The collaboration doesn’t just stop at a “One Piece”-inspired menu. Popeyes is also dropping exclusive merch to round out the collaboration.
A limited-number of “One Piece” inspired bento boxes will be available at select locations starting on April 13. Fans who purchase a Luffy Bento Bundle can nab one for free for as long as supplies last. Participating locations include:
- New York City: 1530 Broadway, New York, NY
- Boston: 304 Squire Rd., Revere, MA
- New Jersey: 571 Milltown Rd., New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Chicago: 621 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL
- Los Angeles: 7635 Winnetka Ave., Los Angeles, CA
- Miami: 1427 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL
Source: Popeyes
Fans who can’t make it to one of these Popeye’s restaurants can try their luck online starting on April 15, when the restaurant drops a limited collection of merch including bento boxes, key chains, and T-shirts. The collection can be found here.
“Just like the journey to find the ‘One Piece’ itself, this collaboration is only available for a limited time,” Popeyes says. “Fans are encouraged to act fast, show up early, and share the adventure.”
Popeyes aims to increase sales
Over the past few months, Popeyes has seen its sales start to drop off. At the end of Q4 FY2025, Restaurant Brands CEO Josh Kobza reported system-wide sales growth of -0.7%.
While the fast food chain isn’t bleeding money — franchise profitability remained at $235,000 — Kobza told investors the parent company is focused on getting that number back into the black.
More restaurants:
- Chicken wars heat up as fast casual chain expands
- McDonald’s quietly takes two customer favorites off the menu
- The Cheesecake Factory has a sweet new offer for diners
“Our performance this year reinforces a clear reality,” Kobza said on the Restaurant Brands earnings call. “While the chicken category remains competitive, Popeyes’ biggest opportunity is improving restaurant-level execution and re-engaging with our core guests. We know Popeyes is capable of much more, and we’re taking decisive action to put the brand back on the right path, while supporting our franchisees to deliver stronger results at the restaurant level.”
Limited-time offerings (LTOs) like this “One Piece” collaboration are tried-and-true ways of re-engaging with a brand’s core guests.
Around 91% of consumers are more likely to visit a chain if it provides limited-time offers or new items, Circana reports.
“LTOs are revealed to build excitement for all consumers and drive engagement with existing, heavier buyers,” Circana’s report read. “As heavy buyers naturally fade, LTOs emerge as tactical approaches to maintain engagement and boost spending.”
And with a partner as widely appealing as “One Piece,” this Popeye’s collaboration is sure to pull in some big numbers.
Related: Chipotle launches upgraded rewards program
#Popeyes #launches #secret #weapon #win #chicken #wars