So the new Popeye's in Congress Heights is CARRY OUT only?! Why?

The newest franchised carry out?

I was driving past the new Popeye's on the corner of MLK & Malcolm X and as I was looking in the windows I noticed something different -- no dining room! Let me repeat, there were absolutely no seats and this is a stand alone restaurant. I distinctly recall that in the old Popeye's there was a dining room because I remember seeing people sitting down and eating. 

This new (and supposedly improved) Popeye's comes with all the bells and whistles but I am curious about the lack of seating. I suppose that would explain the reduction in parking spaces (now there only four parking spaces where before there were twice as many). I suppose it also explains the nearly 35 minutes I spent in the drive thru. But what it doesn't explain to me is why a franchise restaurant chain would opt to be a carry out only operation. I was sure the owner was investing in a new building to reflect what I had hoped would be new investment in the Congress Heights business corridor. Not that Popeye's is anyone's ideal dining option but we have to start somewhere. 

Perhaps there is a legitimate reason to have eliminated the dining room in the new Popeye's but for the life of me I can't figure it out. 

Have any readers seen a similar Popeye's setup? If so, where? Any ideas on why our Ward 8 location is lacking seating?