Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Returns, Takes Aim at Antigay Chick-fil-A

The Popeyes chicken sandwich was a sensation upon its release last summer. The item sold out from the chain in August, and fans have been clamoring for its return.

After two months, Popeyes has promised to sate their hunger. The fast-food chain announced Monday that the chicken sandwich would be available -- permanently -- on its menu beginning Sunday, November 3.

In a short video announcing this news, Popeyes took aim at Chick-fil-A. A sign in the clip reads, "Chick-fil-A, closed Sunday; Popeyes, open Sunday." The former is closed on that day in a religious-rooted tradition of allowing employees to attend services. But the ad suggests that the return of the Popeyes sandwich will also herald an end to its competitor.

An end to Chick-fil-A would be welcome news to many LGBTQ people and their allies. The chain has a documented history of donations to anti-LGBTQ groups through its foundation as well as homophobic statements by its executives. Popeyes has no such baggage, and support of its chicken sandwich -- an alternative to Chick-fil-A's signature one -- is seen as a pro-gay political move in some circles.

Many critics agree that the Popeyes option is also superior based on taste alone. "With both Popeyes and Chick-fil-A you're getting a boneless fried chicken breast filet and two pickle slices, sandwiched between buttered brioche-like buns that steam inside a foiled envelope," The Takeout reports. But the Popeyes sandwich is thicker and spicier, according to the site.

Indeed, the sandwich's appeal speaks for itself. A press release forwarded to media contained only two words in quotations: "I'm Back."

Watch the Popeyes teaser for the chicken sandwich -- and its Chick-fil-A shade -- below.