Popeyes Employees Say They Found Someone Smoking an ‘Unknown Substance’ in Bathroom. Shortly After, The Employees Were Hospitalized.

**Two Employees Hospitalised After Suspicious Incident at Popeyes in New Mexico**

In a concerning incident that unfolded on 6 June, two employees from a Popeyes restaurant in Deming, New Mexico, were hospitalised after reportedly becoming unwell due to potential exposure to hazardous substances, including fentanyl. This alarming situation stemmed from an encounter with an unidentified individual who was allegedly smoking a suspicious substance in the restaurant’s restroom.

Emergency services were alerted just after 9:30 p.m. when police received reports of a “suspicious subject” in the restroom. When the two employees entered the restroom shortly after, they noted evidence suggesting that the individual had either been smoking or had recently smoked an unknown substance. Soon after the encounter, both employees started exhibiting symptoms of illness and required immediate medical assistance.

First responders arrived on the scene, including officers from the local police, members of the New Mexico State Police HazMat team, and the Luna County Emergency Management Unit. The nature of the reported symptoms led authorities to suspect possible exposure to fentanyl, a potent opioid that can pose serious health risks. The unknown individual had fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

The Deming Police Department has stated that their investigation into the incident is ongoing. Although they believe this occurrence to be an isolated incident, they have advised local businesses to remain vigilant and exercise caution when faced with similar situations. The police department emphasised the importance of safety and health in community establishments.

A spokesperson for Popeyes confirmed awareness of the incident, stating, “The safety of Popeyes employees is a top priority. We are aware of the incident and the franchisee is cooperating fully with local authorities.” Despite the serious nature of the incident, the spokesperson did not provide further details regarding the condition of the employees involved.

This incident is not the only challenge currently facing Popeyes. Earlier in the year, the company experienced significant troubles related to its franchise operations. A court filing from March revealed that Popeyes had closed three locations in Georgia, amid a total of around 20 closures linked to the bankruptcy filing of Sailormen Inc., one of its largest franchisees.

Sailormen Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in January, citing a range of economic pressures, including inflation and declining customer traffic, combined with debts reaching approximately $130 million. Before filing, the franchisee operated over 130 Popeyes restaurants across Florida and Georgia, but the future of many of these locations now hangs in the balance given the ongoing restructuring efforts.

In the midst of these challenges, Popeyes has made efforts to attract customers by reintroducing popular menu items. As of June, the chain brought back its $6 Big Box menu for a limited time, which features a choice of either two pieces of their signature chicken or three tenders, along with two sides and a buttermilk biscuit. They also relaunched their $20 Family Meal, offering customers 11-piece tenders with dips or 9-piece signature chicken options, complemented by a large side and four biscuits.

As the police continue their investigation into the restroom incident, the local community remains on alert, and surrounding businesses have been encouraged to review their safety protocols. Meanwhile, Popeyes is navigating its own set of challenges amid a turbulent economic landscape, as concerns over safety and financial viability continue to dominate discussions in the restaurant sector.