WATCH: Cars Line Up Deep For Grand Opening of Popeyes in Lewiston, Maine

The demand was high on opening day at the new Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen in Lewiston at Gendron Place. Cars were backed up almost into traffic!

Where Did the Name Popeyes Come From?

Many people think Popeyes is named after "Popeye the Sailor Man," which first appeared in comic strips in 1929 and later in cartoons in theaters and on TV. There was even live live-action movie starring Robin Williams, but let's pretend that never happened, okay?

Popeye's was founded by Alvin C. Copeland, who named it after detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, played by the late, great Gene Hackman in the 1971 film The French Connection.

Love That Chicken From Popeyes

Even before Popeyes came to Maine, people knew their famous jingle "Love That Chicken From Popeyes." I remember seeing TV commercials for Popeyes, wondering if they would ever come to Maine. Now there are four here, with the new Lewiston location grand opening on June 27.

READ MORE: 20 Places in Maine to Get the Best French Fries Ever

Long Lines Inside and Out

The lines were long for the grand opening with cars snaking all the way to the entrance of Gendron Place, formerly known as the Pomenade Mall. But it seems people were more than happy to wait.

The staff at the Lewiston Popeyes left a heartfelt thank you on Reliance Hospitality Group's Facebook page, the franchisee of Popeye's

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding with the longer-than-expected wait times as we worked through a few opening-day adjustments. We’re learning, growing, and fine-tuning things quickly all to serve you better!

Your kindness, smiles, and excitement made our launch unforgettable. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon and show you just how amazing your experience with us can be.

Here’s to the beginning of something great!

Popeye's in Lewiston is open from noon until 8:00 p.m. every day except Monday, when it opens at noon and closes at 7:00 p.m.