Georgia State University Hosts Competition for Popeyes in China

Categories: College University Athletics

Students at Georgia State University discussing business strategies related to Popeyes.

News Summary

Georgia State University’s annual International Business Case Competition focused on Popeyes’ potential entry into the Chinese market. Students from various universities strategized on how to adapt Popeyes’ offerings to local tastes while maintaining its signature flavors. The event highlighted collaboration, creativity, and the importance of understanding global markets. With notable innovations, including marketing strategies targeting younger demographics and tech-driven designs, participants delved into the challenges of a competitive fast-food landscape, showcasing the future leaders in international business.

Georgia State University Competition Takes on Popeyes in China!

Atlanta was buzzing this past weekend as Georgia State University hosted its annual International Business Case Competition. This year, the spotlight was on everyone’s favorite fried chicken joint, Popeyes, and its ambitions to win over the Chinese market. The event took place on February 27-28, 2025, at the GSU Buckhead Center, and it was a delightful mix of strategizing, creativity, and some serious chicken-loving!

What’s the Big Idea?

In a competition funded by the U.S. Department of Education, students were challenged to figure out whether Popeyes should make a daring third attempt to break into China after two previous, unsuccessful tries. With fast-food giants like KFC and McDonald’s already making their mark, the stakes were high, and teams were on their toes as they dove into this juicy problem.

The International Business Case Competition is not just a fun little event; it’s designed to help enhance the U.S.’s competitiveness across the globe. It was organized by a consortium of ten centers focused on international business education, known as CIBERs, with GSU taking the lead. This year was particularly impressive—14 minority-serving universities participated, a big jump from eight just one year ago, showcasing the competition’s expanding reach and impact.

From Challenges to Triumphant Strategies

Students spent their days brainstorming how to localize Popeyes’ New Orleans heritage while keeping its distinctive flavor that everyone loves. Armed with research and innovative ideas, the teams had to think outside the box to identify what made Popeyes unique while also catering to local tastes in China.

One standout proposal even incorporated TikTok to reach younger audiences, suggesting a new chicken menu that marries Popeyes’ famous recipes with flavors tailored specifically for Chinese consumers. Other teams embraced technology too, using AI-generated visuals to propose chic restaurant designs that would fit right in a busy Chinese metropolis.

Collaboration and Creativity Shine

Team names were as creative as their ideas. With names like “Three-Piece Combo” and “CNS (Could and Should) Consulting,” these bright minds worked across different schools, building on each other’s strengths. The teamwork was incredible, and as students shared their presentations, it was clear that this was more than just a competition. It was about learning to navigate the global business scene, an essential skill for today’s interconnected world.

Before the competition, students also got a taste of Atlanta’s culture through pre-competition site visits, allowing them to bond and integrate even before stepping onto the big stage.

Honoring Diversity and Innovation

The chair of the event was filled with esteemed judges who recognized that storytelling and creativity in presentations were vital ingredients to success. The outcome was a collection of polished presentations that displayed not just knowledge, but a deep understanding of global market dynamics, especially as they related to the ever-growing guochao trend in China, where homegrown brands are increasingly stealing the spotlight from Western ones.

GSU-CIBER continues to play an important role in supporting underrepresented students in international business. This competition is not just a rite of passage for its tenth year; it aims to groom the future global leaders who will tackle significant world challenges.

Prizes and Recognition

And let’s not forget about the competitive spirit! Each member of the winning team walked away with $500, while the second and third-place teams snagged $350 and $250 per student, respectively. Such an incentive fuels the fire to pursue excellence in business; after all, there’s nothing quite like a little prize to keep the motivation soaring!

As this exciting competition wrapped up, organizers expressed pride in its impactful legacy and an optimistic outlook for what lies ahead. With so many bright minds coming together, who knows? Maybe we’ll soon see Popeyes thriving in China, thanks to the innovative ideas fostered right here in Atlanta.