Popeyes chicken sandwich sold out, but company says it’s coming back

If you haven’t had a chance to try Popeyes’ new chicken sandwich, you’ll likely have to wait.

While there have been reports of locations across the country selling out of the popular sandwich, now Popeyes says it expects to sell out  nationwide by the end of the week.

“The demand for the new Chicken Sandwich in the first few weeks following launch far exceeded our very optimistic expectations,” the chicken chain said in a statement sent to USA TODAY on Tuesday. “In fact, Popeyes aggressively forecasted demand through the end of September and has already sold through that inventory.”

In a tweet Tuesday, Popeyes wrote “Y’all. We love that you love The Sandwich. Unfortunately we’re sold out (for now).”

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Popeyes said it is working with its suppliers to bring the sandwich back as soon as possible.

“How does a chicken restaurant run out of chicken? I’m taking my money & talent back to Chick-Fil-A,” Twitter user @yoyotrav wrote in response to Popeyes’ tweet. “They would never.”

Soon after Popeyes started selling the sandwich on Aug. 12, the battle lines were drawn over which chicken chain has the better chicken sandwich. 

According to USA TODAY’s unscientific Chicken Sandwich Bracket Twitter poll, 54% of the 5,062 votes cast were for Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A and 46% for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Popeyes offered a way to find out when the sandwich will be available again.

“To be among the first to know when the Chicken Sandwich is available, download the Popeyes app in the App Store or Google Play and sign up for push notifications,” Popeyes said in its statement.

Not all consumers were convinced downloading the app was a good idea.

“Don’t download this app “y’all” they may run out of downloads too,” Twitter user @BloopJustSayin wrote.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko