Nader Saleh’s story is one of resilience and giving back. An immigrant from Lebanon, he worked his way up in the restaurant industry, eventually owning multiple Popeyes franchises. After the challenges following September 11, 2001, Nader saw Popeyes as a chance to rebuild his business and strengthen his ties to the community. Today, he serves on the board of the Popeyes Foundation℠, leading initiatives that support local communities. Inspired by Food & Friends’ mission, Nader has been a wonderful partner through Popeyes Foundation’s Food Love Grants program and regularly volunteers alongside his team.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m an immigrant from Lebanon, driven by a passion to succeed and provide for my family. I started by working full-time at a gas station while attending Montgomery Community College, learning early on the value of hard work and perseverance. From there, I worked my way up in the restaurant industry—from Roy Rogers to owning Chicken Basket—before finding my true calling with Popeyes.
Today, I own multiple franchise locations in Virginia. My entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and resilience have been the foundation of my success. At the core of everything I do are my three children and my loving wife, who inspire me to constantly push forward. I’m not just building businesses; I’m building a legacy for generations to come.
When and how did you first get involved with Popeyes?
I first got involved with Popeyes shortly after 9/11. At the time, my first business, Chicken Basket, was struggling due to the economic climate and, to some extent, because of where I’m from. That’s when I was approached by my current business partner with the opportunity to franchise with Popeyes. I saw in Popeyes a chance to not only rebuild but also to create something special that aligned with my entrepreneurial spirit.
Tell us about your role with the Popeyes Foundation.
For the past several years, I’ve served as a Board Member for the Popeyes Foundation. It has been a great pleasure to help the Popeyes Foundation evolve their journey while staying dedicated to their mission of strengthening communities with food and support in times of need.
Giving back is core to who we are at Popeyes. We show love through our food, by partnering with local nonprofits to ensure those in need don’t go hungry.
How does the Popeyes Foundation give back to local communities?
Our Food Love Grants program is a direct way we support local nonprofits that provide meals to those in need. Whether it’s out-of-school meal programs, mobile food kitchens, or meal delivery services for homebound individuals, we focus on ensuring as few people as possible go hungry in our communities.
What makes the Food Love Grants program special is its inspiration from Popeyes New Orleans roots. It’s about making sure everyone has a seat at the table, regardless of their circumstances. In 2023, we directed $475,000 to local nonprofits, with $50,875 going to Food & Friends in the D.C. market alone.
How did you learn about Food & Friends?
In 2023, the D.C. franchisees and I were honored to help launch the Popeyes Foundation’s Food Love Grants program, and through that initiative, we discovered Food & Friends. Their mission of providing medically tailored meals to individuals facing life-challenging illnesses resonated deeply with us.
Food & Friends was our first-ever Food Love Grantee, and the work they do is nothing short of inspiring. Every time we volunteer or meet with their team, we see firsthand the love and dedication they put into serving our community. We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with them.
What motivated you to become a Food & Friends supporter? Why is supporting our mission of serving food to those in need a priority for you?
Food & Friends plays a crucial role in addressing the food needs of individuals battling serious illnesses like HIV/AIDS and cancer. Their mission aligns perfectly with Popeyes Foundation’s mission of strengthening communities with food and support in times of need. And doing it in a way that shows deep compassion and care.
Supporting Food & Friends’ work is a priority for us because it allows us to leverage the resources and reach of Popeyes to make a real difference in people’s lives. Knowing that we’re helping to provide not just meals but also a sense of dignity and hope to vulnerable members of our community is incredibly rewarding.
What has it been like bringing the staff from Popeyes to volunteer?
Bringing our Popeyes team to volunteer with Food & Friends has been one of the most rewarding experiences. It fosters a sense of purpose and strengthens the bonds within our team as we work toward a common, meaningful goal. Volunteering together allows us to step outside the fast-paced world of restaurants and focus on what truly matters—making a difference in people’s lives.
It’s a humbling experience that reminds us of the power of food, not just as nourishment but as a way to show love and support to those who need it most. Volunteering has also energized our team members, turning them into ambassadors of our SERVING WITH LOVE® ethos, spreading positivity and kindness wherever they go.
What would you say to the Food & Friends, volunteers and staff who make this effort happen every day?
Thank you for your incredible dedication and commitment to providing meals and care to those in need. Your work doesn’t just feed people; it offers hope, dignity, and love to countless families facing tough circumstances.
We at Popeyes are honored to stand alongside you in this mission, and we are proud to contribute to the important work you do every day. Keep up the amazing work—you’re making a lasting difference in our community, and we’re grateful to be a part of it.