For the last few weeks, the internet has only been talking about one thing. Not the crunch talks at the G7 summit, not the ramifications of the worsening trade war between Trump and China, not even the imminent prospect of a no-deal Brexit causing the UK to explode. No. The only thing that’s been of any interest is the furore surrounding Popeyes new and apparently irresistible fried chicken sandwich. Given the circumstances, this is understandable.
Ever since the crunchy, buttermilk-basted, brioche-buffered bundle of tender, salty joy hit shelves, fast food fans across America have been determined to get their hands on it. Arguments have raged over where Popeyes’ dish ranks in the great pantheon of fried chicken sandwiches, and competing franchises have all weighed in with their two cents. It has, by any measure, been nothing short of a sensation. But, like all summer flings, it looks like America’s latest whirlwind romance may be about to draw to a close.
To the horror of besotted diners everywhere, Popeyes have confirmed that they are about to stop selling the sandwich. Not because it’s unprofitable, or there has been a lack of interest. It’s simply because the Louisiana-based brand have run out of ingredients.
In a recently released statement, the chain admitted: “Popeyes aggressively forecasted demand through the end of September and has already sold through that inventory. As a result, Popeyes restaurants across the country are expected to sell out of the Chicken Sandwich by the end of this week.”
Though this development may well be heartbreaking, it has hardly come as a surprise. Over the past week, there have been multiple reports around the restaurant’s inability to keep up with demand, as well as the strain that the situation has put on Popeyes employees. As an anonymous staffer told Business Insider, “Everyone wanted to quit so bad because it was that bad. We have never seen it get this insanely busy.”
Still craving a chicken sandwich? Check out this recipe for Boursin-stuffed chicken burgers:However, despite the general sense of disappointment that the sandwich is no longer with us, there is a glimmer of hope for fans. In a recent tweet, Popeyes confirmed that their signature item was only “sold out (for now),” suggesting that it will be back on menus as soon as the company can effectively work out the logistics. This will doubtless comes as a relief to many, unless you happen to be an overworked employee. In this case, this could just be the calm before a much longer storm.
This article originally appeared on twistedfood.co.uk