When Popeyes first opened in 1972 in a suburb of New Orleans, what would grow into one of the world’s largest fried-chicken chains had a much broader menu offering.
Along with its signature fried chicken, it served dishes as diverse as lamb burgers, clam dinners, chicken livers, chicken tacos, and corn dogs, as well as long-forgotten sides such as rice dressing and bar-b-que beans.
Another original side dish that appeared on the older Popeyes menu was Cajun Onion Rings. The beer-battered slices of onion coated in Popeyes’ signature blend of Cajun spices became a menu staple particularly popular during the 1990s.
The kick of Cajun heat was what made the Popeyes version stand out from onion rings served at other chains.
Popeyes brings back Cajun Onion Rings for $3.99
To make room for new items and menu experimentation, the onion rings were eventually taken off the menu in most Popeyes restaurants in the 2010s (a few locations kept them until the start of the 2020s).
This week, Cajun Onion Rings were once again brought back at a price of $3.99, with a side of buttermilk ranch dressing.
“Onion rings are back at Popeyes,” the fast-food chain shared in an Instagram reel announcing the return. “After a decade of anticipation and cravings, everyone’s favorite crispy, golden side has returned.”
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The onion rings are also available as part of a combo with six pieces of Popeyes’ signature Bone-In Chicken for $10.
The item is part of a temporary promotion that will eventually exit the menu, although the chain has not confirmed when that will be, and whether good uptake will motivate it to return the onion rings permanently.
Popeyes
As Popeyes brings back onion rings, customers will see fewer wings
The return of the onion rings coincides with the chain’s plans to scale back its wide array of wing options. Popeyes has relied on these over the last three years, after expanding its permanent lineup to five sauces.
The exact details of what will be kept and what will be cut are currently unknown. Restaurant Brands International CEO Josh Kobza did, however, tell investors in an earnings call that reducing the chain’s wings offerings would help streamline operations and allow it to focus on core items, including the regular fried chicken and more popular chicken tenders.
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“Wings add to operational complexity, and simplifying the platform allows us to put greater emphasis behind the core items,” Kobza said at the end of October.
In the last Oct. 29 earnings report, the parent company reported that Popeyes’ same-store sales declined by 2.2% from the previous year. According to Kobza, the sales decline was at least partially driven by Limited-Time Offers (LTOs) that did not achieve the results that the chain initially hoped for.
On Oct. 22, a Florida judge also approved a plan that will allow large Popeyes franchisee Sailormen Inc. to exit the Chapter 11 bankruptcy for which it filed in January 2026.
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