Headline: Popeyes Near Lindenwold Aiming for October — Another Sign the I‑295 Corridor Is Growing (and Runnemede Isn’t Far Behind)
By Ari Williams — Category: News / Lindenwold
If you travel the I‑295 corridor through Camden County, you’ve probably noticed the new Popeyes building in Lindenwold that now looks all but finished. The orange-and-white signage and “Now Hiring” notices in the window suggest the Louisiana‑style chicken chain is quietly prepping for an October opening — a small but telling piece in a bigger picture of development and shifting commercial activity along this stretch of South Jersey.
Where this is, and why it matters
The new Popeyes sits in Lindenwold, a borough that punches above its weight on the region’s map thanks to the PATCO/NJ Transit hub at Lindenwold Station and its proximity to several major travel routes that feed into I‑295. A quick look on Google Maps shows the site is positioned to draw from Lindenwold residents as well as neighboring communities — Runnemede, Gloucester Township, and parts of Camden County accessed by I‑295 — making it convenient for commuters, shift workers, and families stopping for a quick meal on the way home.
Why Popeyes chose Lindenwold isn’t a mystery. The brand — now part of Restaurant Brands International — has been on a national expansion push for years, leaning into drive‑thru formats, delivery partnerships, and the enduring popularity of its spicy chicken sandwich. For towns along busy corridors, fast‑casual and quick‑serve restaurants offer predictable foot traffic and create non‑residential ratables that local tax rolls like to see.
Jobs, traffic, and the small‑business ripple
The new store is hiring, and that matters for Lindenwold and nearby towns where employment opportunities are always welcome. A typical freestanding quick‑serve restaurant brings 30–50 jobs across full‑ and part‑time shifts — cashiers, cooks, shift supervisors, and delivery/third‑party service drivers. For teens, transit riders, and residents looking to add shifts, this is a local hiring boost.
On the flip side, any new drive‑thru or fast‑casual spot can change traffic patterns at busy intersections. Expect peak lunch and dinner times to be busier, with delivery apps sending drivers through neighborhood streets. Local officials and planners often watch these openings to see if signaling, curb cuts, or parking layouts need adjustment. That’s why development along I‑295 and adjacent commercial strips is more than a restaurant story — it’s an infrastructure story.
What neighbors are saying
Community sentiment around chains like Popeyes tends to be mixed — fans cite reliable portions and the chain’s popular sandwich; critics worry about late‑night noise, litter, and strain on small local eateries. Looking at local Yelp pages for nearby Popeyes locations, the pattern is familiar: high marks for key menu items, intermittent complaints about service speed, and lots of conversation about drive‑thru wait times. For Lindenwold, the key will be whether the new store integrates with the neighborhood — clean sidewalks, managed trash pickup, considerate hours — or becomes another source of hassle.
Runnemede development: related trend, not coincidence
The Popeyes news arrives as other projects are kicking off in neighboring towns like Runnemede. Local development activity generally comes in waves: one investment signals viability, and others follow. That can be good for municipal revenue and for shoppers looking for more dining options, but it also raises questions about traffic, sewer and water capacity, and the character of small downtowns.
What to watch next
– Hiring: If you’re looking for work, the store’s “Now Hiring” signage is a start; national chains typically recruit through their careers site and local postings. Keep an eye on local job boards and 295Times coverage for updates.
– Opening date: October is being talked about unofficially. We’ll monitor site signage, social channels, and local inspections to confirm.
– Traffic & planning: Residents near the site should watch for any municipal notices about curb changes, parking regulations, or signal timing adjustments.
– Business community response: Local diners and takeout joints will feel the competitive pressure. Some adapt by emphasizing local recipes and loyalty; others seek partnerships with delivery services to expand reach.
Why this matters for I‑295 readers
A new fast‑food spot might seem small, but along an interstate corridor it signals economic activity, hiring, and changes in how people move through town. For drivers, it’s an added option during commutes; for workers, a potential job; for taxpayers, another piece of commercial activity that can help the budget. For anyone watching the I‑295 exits and towns from one interchange to the next, Lindenwold’s Popeyes is one more data point in a corridor that continues to evolve.
We’ll keep an eye on the official opening date and any municipal updates on nearby development in Runnemede. If you live near the site and have photos, tips, or thoughts about how this fits into your neighborhood, send them our way — we’ll share what we learn with the I‑295 community.
— Ari Williams, 295Times.com
