Chris Padoan Appointed Chief Operating Officer of Popeyes® U.S. & Canada
MIAMI, FL – Mar. 24, 2026 – Restaurant Brands International Inc. (“RBI”) today announced that Chris Padoan has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Popeyes® U.S. & Canada, effective March 23.
In this role, Padoan will lead operations across the Popeyes system, focusing on strengthening restaurant execution, enhancing the guest experience, and supporting franchisees across the U.S. and Canada.
Padoan brings nearly 15 years of experience with Burger King, where he built his career in field leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Regional Vice President of the South Region, where he led operational improvements across the region and worked closely with franchisees and restaurant teams to strengthen performance and execution.
Padoan’s restaurant career began in his teenage years – gaining experience across both front and back of house roles – and worked his way up to restaurant ownership. Prior to Burger King, Padoan owned and operated a fast casual concept for six years, giving him a practical, firsthand perspective on what it takes to run great restaurants day in and day out.
“Chris is a highly respected leader who has spent his career working side-by-side with franchisees and restaurant teams,” said Peter Perdue, President of Popeyes U.S. & Canada. “His deep operational expertise and strong track record in the field make him the right leader to help us continue improving restaurant execution and delivering a great guest experience across the Popeyes system.”
As Popeyes continues to focus on delivering the best tasting, best value chicken in quick service, strengthening restaurant operations remains a key priority for the brand’s next phase of growth.
About Popeyes®
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes® has over 50 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes® distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring fried chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items. The chain’s passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes® to become one of the world’s largest chicken quick service restaurants with over 5,000 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world. To learn more about the brand, please visit the Popeyes® brand website at www.popeyes.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
