They’re animeniacs.
Louisiana’s fast-chicken chain has partnered with Toei Animation for Popeyes x ONE PIECE, which launched April 13 and features a limited-time menu that transforms the world of the global hit series into a craveable experience.
Popeyes x ONE PIECE features exclusive menu items and collectible drops that are “designed to spark fandom, sharing, and serious hype.”
The one-of-a-kind collaboration is inspired by the series’ characters and their “larger-than-life journey” and invites fans to “fuel up like a member of the Straw Hat Crew.”
“One Piece” is based on Eiichiro Oda’s best-selling manga and made its initial TV debut in Japan in 1999. It was adapted into a live-action Netflix series, which premiered in 2023. Season 2 was released last month on March 10.
The series follows pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew on their journey to find the mythical treasure known as the “One Piece” to become the next King of the Pirates.
On the menu is Chopper’s Cupcake, a sweet treat “as lovable as the Straw Hats’ resident doctor” for $3.99.
The Gum-Gum Fruit Lemonade is a lemonade inspired by ONE PIECE original fruit, ringing in at $3.49.
One of the offerings is the Luffy Bento Bundle, which for $13.99 comes with two pieces of Popeyes Signature Chicken, creamy mac & cheese, Gum-Gum Fruit Lemonade and Chopper’s Cupcake.
The Luffy Bento Box comes with two pieces of Popeyes Signature Chicken paired with creamy mac & cheese for $7.99.
Popeyes noted that prices for the menu items may vary by location.
“We set out to create a collaboration that brings our bold flavors into the world of ONE PIECE and its anime fandom, the kind of meal you’d want before setting sail for the Grand Line” Matt Rubin, Chief Marketing Officer at Popeyes, said in a statement.
“Inspired by some of our favorite moments from the iconic ONE PIECE franchise, we infused the experience with signature Popeyes flavor. Whether you’re a longtime fan of ONE PIECE and Popeyes or discovering both for the first time, this collaboration is designed to bring that spirit of adventure to life.”
The chain is also dropping exclusive collectibles that go beyond the menu. Starting April 15, Popeyes released a limited collection of Popeyes x ONE PIECE merchandise, such as collectible keychains, T-shirts and Bento Boxes.
The website currently states that the merchandise is all sold out, and people on social media expressed their frustration with how fast it all went.
“What a f–king joke. Everything sold out instantly. Couldn’t even get a damn keychain,” someone shared.
“Shops online and bentos are sold out wtf,” another wrote.
“Opened and sold out in 3 minutes lol,” one said.
Additionally, on April 13, a limited number of official One Piece Bento Boxes were given for free to select customers who purchased the Luffy Bento Bundle at specific stores in New York City, Boston, New Jersey, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami.
The exclusive bento box is already being listed on resale websites, with nearly 300 results populating on eBay for it at the time of reporting.
One listing has it going for $17,000, though most appear to be somewhere around $350-500. One already sold for $1,000, while another went for $200.
The resale of the bento box, which was free at the six locations on Monday, has sparked outrage from fans online.
“Lol scalping fast food boxes. F–king losers,” one person wrote on Reddit.
“the people that actually pay $300 for a cheap box they could 3d print themselves are the true losers. no buyers no scalpers,” another snapped.
“Scalpers have lost their damn minds and are on the mission to ruin everything. Also people are paying these prices which justifies their scalping,” a user commented.
“I have no expectations from these losers but I’m still disappointed,” someone said.
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