Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Augusta was closed Friday after it was issued an imminent health hazard citation by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Inspection Team from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
After conducting a routine inspection, the inspection team found the business did not have sufficient cold-holding equipment to operate safely and a lack of managerial control, according to Lindsay Hammes, DHHS press secretary.
The franchise opened in Augusta on May 22.
The restaurant was permitted to reopen Saturday.
Attempts to reach Reliance Hospitality Group, which operates the franchise, were unsuccessful this week. The voicemail box at its public number was full and not accepting messages. An email request for comment was not answered.
An employee who said they were not authorized to speak on behalf of the brand said the restaurant closed due to technical and facility issues but did not provide further comment.
The Department of Health and Human Services received two online complaints and one complaint through the Maine CDC’s reporting line for foodborne illness related to the Augusta Popeyes location, Hammes said. The epidemiology team is currently investigating the complaints.
The establishment immediately closed and worked with the CDC’s Health Inspection Program to develop a risk-control plan to ensure that cold-holding temperature records are actively monitored and completed. The Inspection Program also worked with Popeyes to clarify appropriate corrective action if the cold-holding unit temperature rises above 41 degrees Fahrenheit again.
The “imminent health hazard” was lifted Saturday, allowing the restaurant to reopen. Going forward, Popeyes will be on an increased monitoring schedule.
Reliance Hospitality Group also opened the Lewiston Popeyes location in June 2025. According to Maine Health Inspection records, the Lewiston location failed its health inspection in September with five critical health violations and five non-critical violations.
Reliance Hospitality Group owns and operates several Popeyes and Taco John’s locations in New England.
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