BREAKING NEWS: THE FAMOUS POPEYE’S CHICKEN SANDWICH IS BACK AND HERE TO STAY. 

That news was received on the day we would have the best late-afternoon of our lives. The much raved about sandwich was now available to us once more. We missed the first wave, somehow being busy every time we thought of making the trek to Popeye’s. We impatiently waited through the chaotic line, longing to see the worker behind the counter place the glazed, crispy, awe-inspiring sandwich into our paper bag. As we were slightly discouraged upon being informed that adding ranch or buffalo sauce to our order would be an additional charge $0.98, we nevertheless sat down at a comfy tablein the back of the restaurant and longed to hear the worker at the cash register scream “order for Simone”. The suspenseful moment eventually came, however, we were displeased to find out that we only received 2 sandwiches instead of the 3 we paid for. I (Ella) stood uncomfortably at the pickup counter waiting for the right time to break this news to the worker behind the counter, and about 5 minutes later (after I worked up the courage to demand for our third sandwich), no questions were asked, and the long-awaited spicy chicken sandwich was now ours. As I shuffled back to the table, I became aware that Simone did not wait up for me to begin our meal (guess I don’t blame her), I sat down and immediately took out my chicken sandwich and took a bite. At this point, we are both stunned. Multiple minutes pass in complete silence, in awe of the Popeye’s chicken sandwich masterpiece.Similarities Between Chick-Fil-A Sandwich and Popeye’s Sandwich:

• Two pieces of bread
• Piece of chicken
• Chicken is fried 
• Pickles

Opinions:

Simone- 

I really wasn’t able to choose one. Next time I’m wanting a chicken sandwich I will definitely have to go to Chick-Fil-A just because of proximity. Near where I live there are three Chick-Fil-As within a ten-minute driving distance. Popeye’s is in North Charleston, but after school, it’s only about 7 minutes away. So, Chick-Fil-A for a good meal, and Popeye’s for an after school snack. The Popeye’s sandwich was more filling because the piece of chicken was thicker, however, the chicken from Chick-Fil-A just speaks the word “home” to my tastebuds. I am not a fan of pickles in either sandwich, however, I will say that if the workers do forget to present you a pickle free sandwich, Chick-Fil-A is more tolerable. The pickles from Popeye’s were unusually thickly cut and large, so even after I removed them, I still tasted them. Popeye’s sandwich did have a special sauce on their sandwich that was a nice touch but didn’t come close to Chick sauce. I bought the spicy and the regular sandwiches from Popeye’s to compare to Chick-Fil-A’s and the spicy chicken from Chick-Fil-A was more infused with actual flavor and I feel that the spicy chicken from Popeye’s was spicy only because of the sauce. Overall I would have to choose Chick-Fil-A, especially because of Popeye’s charges for extra sauces which Chick-Fil-A does not. 

The ongoing debate of Chick-Fil-A vs Popeyes is not simply a one-word answer. This conclusion is a much more complicated one, as the sandwiches are so similar yet so very different. First off, an ingredient that I believe the Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwich would be subpar without is Chick-Fil-A sauce. While Popeyes does not have a similar option, and if they do it is an additional $0.98 and therefore irrelevant, it makes it even more impressive that they are able to produce such a great sandwich even with the absence of a flavorful dipping sauce to go along with it. As Simone said, there is no doubt that with the Popeyes sandwich, you are getting a thick piece of chicken. You are undoubtedly getting more food for what you pay for. The way the Popeyes chicken and Chick-Fil-A chicken are fried is extremely different as Popeyes is flaky, crunchy, southern-fried chicken, and Chick-Fil-A is breaded, soft, and more distinctly flavored. The buns on the Popeyes chicken sandwich were also very memorable, as they one-up Chick-Fil-A regarding glossy and buttery buns. Overall, I don’t know if I can choose a side. Chick-Fil-A is much more of a casual dining experience and a place I know I can rely on any time (besides SUNDAY), and Popeyes is more of a journey to complete when I am extremely famished and looking for a meal that I’m sure will satisfy my deep hunger. Overall, a Popeyes needs to open closer to town for me seriously choose a side. I will keep eating more frequently at Chick-Fil-A due to its proximity, however, the delicious Popeyes chicken sandwich will stay in its place as an occasional treat.

Results: 

Ella: CHICK-FIL-A is the winner 

Simone: CHICK-FIL-A is the winner