Dick Lynch

Since 2008, Dick Lynch has led all marketing and menu innovation as the Chief Marketing Officer of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. Before Dick Lynch accepted his position, customers knew the restaurant as a fast-food establishment that directly competed with Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). But Dick Lynch saw greater potential in what Popeyes could offer. Upon joining Popeyes, Dick Lynch launched an extensive rebranding mission. He began by studying the menu and merchandising opportunities. In his examination of Popeyes history and heritage, Dick Lynch recognized the relevance and power of authentic Louisiana food. No other restaurant chain, QSR or otherwise, offered customers distinctive and authentic Louisiana cuisine in nearly 2000 locations around the globe.

Dick Lynch and his colleagues then rebranded the company from POPEYES Chicken 'n Biscuits to POPEYES Louisiana Kitchen, lending the establishment a more distinctive look, feel, and taste. Under Dick Lynch's marketing and advertising proficiency, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen introduced many new menu items, all capitalizing on the brand's Louisiana heritage. In addition to revitalized food options, Dick Lynch overhauled Popeyes' advertising, launching the successful "Annie" campaign. He also created the Popeyes Louisiana Culinary Heritage Institute, which recognizes the best performing operators in the Popeyes system with a week long immersion in Popeyes culinary heritage.

It features classroom training, chef lectures, tour of New Orleans French Market, and a restaurant tour of the kitchens of the French Quarter, among many other features. It's designed to ensure that the heritage of Louisiana is passed on to the next generation of Popeyes franchisees. In total, Dick Lynch's efforts have resulted in solid business results for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. The changes orchestrated by Dick Lynch gained Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen positive same store sales in 2009 and 2010, marking the first back-to-back same store sales increases since 2005.