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Master Poulet: why is this budget-friendly fast food causing a stir in Saint-Ouen?

undefined undefined 27 avril 2026 undefined 20h00

The Editor

© Master Poulet

Roast chicken at a bargain price, fast opening... and just as quick closing. Since mid-April, the Master Poulet brand has been at the center of an explosive tug-of-war with the mayor of Saint-Ouen, involving court decisions, accusations of "junk food," and suspicions of forced gentrification. 

What started as a simple neighborhood dispute in Saint-Ouen has unexpectedly grown into a hot national topic, even sparking a debate across the country. Although still relatively unknown to the public, Master Poulet has carved out its niche with a straightforward recipe: grilled chicken to take away, generous portions, and unbeatable prices. Whole chicken for just €7.50, thighs for €2.50, and super affordable sides… The brand is clearly targeting a popular clientele.

Founded by Chouaib Benbakir, the brand boasts a kitchen mostly made on-site with European products. Today, it has several dozen outlets, with a majority in Île-de-France, and also relies on platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo for growth.


In Saint-Ouen, a Conflict Turns Into a Soap Opera

Everything changes on April 11 in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, during the opening of a new restaurant. Just three days later, the PS mayor Karim Bouamrane orders its closure, claiming it opened without permission. Tensions quickly escalate: concrete blocks are installed to physically block access to the business. However, this decision is later challenged and ruled illegal by the Montreuil administrative court, which forces the city hall to remove them.

Despite these ongoing pressures (administrative closure, physical obstructions, and then replaced with flowerpots), the business never truly stops operating. It manages to stay open and welcome customers, turning the standoff with the city hall into a conflict over public space as much as a legal one.

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Behind the Chicken, a Political Shock

Beyond the legal saga, the conflict highlights a broader tension surrounding the transformation of the city. The mayor of Saint-Ouen is calling out recurring nuisances (late deliveries, odors, nighttime traffic) and advocates for a stricter stance on commercial developments, all in the name of quality of life and public health.

But for several opposition elected officials and observers, the issue goes far beyond just the fast-food case. Among them is Éric Coquerel, a rebellious deputy, who believes that these kinds of decisions fit into a broader logic of urban restructuring, where certain popular shops are gradually being pushed aside in favor of brands considered more “« high-end ». This trend is often linked to gentrification, with the idea of a city transforming at the expense of its long-time residents and their consumption habits.


Junk Food or Gentrification: The Real Debate?

In this context, the situation becomes a symbol: that of a tension between urban attractiveness, political management, and maintaining accessible offerings in the face of skyrocketing prices. The debate is the... News shared on social media has spread far beyond the borders of Saint-Ouen, even prompting a reaction from researcher and geopolitical expert Pascal Boniface, who, in a sharp tweet, directly targeted the city's mayor: « They present you as the French Obama, they say you're suitable for Prime Minister, you imagine yourself as a Presidential candidate, and you end up in a fight against Master Chicken. There's a problem with your PR agencies ».

And ironically, right across from Master Poulet, there's another fast-food place called... Burger King, which is already well-established without causing the same level of backlash. This presence further fuels the debate about the consistency of the stance taken by the local government, especially regarding how they choose, frame, or challenge the establishment of certain commercial brands.

Meanwhile, on the ground, the brand, which enjoys a boost in visibility, continues to welcome its customers, as if to remind us that behind the political and urban debates, the business life goes on... even in the midst of controversies.