DES MOINES, Iowa — Popeyes, a well-known fast food chicken restaurant, is suing several Iowa locations for allegedly continuing to operate after having their franchise agreement terminated.

Five Iowa restaurants are named in the suit, including locations in Coralville, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque, as well as the Merle Hay location in Des Moines.

According to the lawsuit filed in federal court in early September, the five locations, which are all listed under the same ownership, are accused of continuing to operate with the Popeyes brand despite their franchise agreements being terminated.

The suit claims that each location had their franchise agreement terminated because they failed to comply with “Popeyes’ standards and specifications with regard to food safety and brand standards.” The suit goes on to say that the locations were notified by Popeyes of the violations and were given time to rectify the issues, with some notices dating back to 2024, but the company says the locations failed to do so.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is demanding injunctive relief and damages from each location, according to the filing.

You can read the full lawsuit below: