Megan Thee Stallion began 2026 with a major business milestone, officially opening her first Popeyes franchise in Miami’s South Beach neighborhood. The Grammy-winning artist celebrated the grand opening of the Washington Avenue location on New Year’s Eve, marking her transition from celebrity collaborator to hands-on franchise owner. According to local reports, Megan spent the day interacting with staff and fans, signaling a personal investment in the venture. While the rapper has recently been linked to NBA star Klay Thompson, she attended the opening solo, keeping the focus squarely on her business achievement.
From Signature Sauce to Store Ownership
Megan’s relationship with Popeyes began in 2021, when she partnered with the brand to launch her limited-edition Hottie Sauce. The spicy condiment became a viral hit, selling out at locations nationwide and helping the chain drive massive social media engagement. That successful collaboration laid the groundwork for a deeper partnership. In April 2025, Megan first teased her plans to open a Popeyes franchise, sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the construction site on TikTok.
“I wear many hats,” she said in one video at the time. “When I’m in the booth, I wear that hat. When I’m at Popeyes, I wear this hat.”
A Hands-On Approach on Opening Day
At the Miami grand opening, Megan made it clear she wasn’t just lending her name to the business. Videos circulating on social media showed her greeting employees, learning their names, and joking with staff behind the counter. When a manager suggested she didn’t need to memorize everyone’s name, Megan quickly responded, “Oh yes, I do,” reinforcing her intention to stay personally involved. She also addressed employees directly, setting an upbeat and inclusive tone. “This is going to be the best experience for me, and hopefully for y’all,” she said. “I hope this is a fun job, and I hope everyone has a blast.”
Fans Turn Out in South Beach
Crowds gathered outside the South Beach location throughout the day, with fans documenting the moment on their phones as Megan posed for photos and chatted with customers. Later, she shared her excitement on Instagram, dubbing the store “Thee Littest Popeyes” and confirming it as her first official franchise. The Miami restaurant serves Popeyes’ full menu, including the Hottie Sauce that helped launch Megan’s partnership with the brand and remains one of its most recognizable limited-time offerings.
Expanding Beyond Music
The Popeyes opening highlights Megan Thee Stallion’s expanding business portfolio, which already includes music, fashion, and brand partnerships. By stepping into franchise ownership, she joins a growing list of entertainers leveraging their influence into long-term investments. For Megan, the Miami opening is more than a celebrity appearance — it marks a strategic move into entrepreneurship, blending pop culture appeal with operational involvement. As she balances chart-topping music with business growth, the South Beach Popeyes stands as a symbol of her evolution from brand ambassador to owner, signaling that her ambitions extend well beyond the stage.
