Charlotte-based Bojangles, the seventh-largest U.S. chicken chain, disclosed strong expansion plans for the future, with 270 new units in its pipeline — an increase of 33% from its current 800-plus restaurants.
The company opened 40 new locations in 2023, including 10 in new markets, including Dallas, Columbus and Orlando.
“Seeing our franchisees’ succeed in new markets is a true testament to Bojangles’ excellence and emphasizes the loyalty and commitment of our operators, who are willing to evolve with us at the pace we’re going,” said Jim Cannon, the company’s chief development officer.
Cannon joined the company in June 2023. He previously worked at Arby’s, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen and Jack in the Box.
The expansion strategy includes an updated restaurant design, a new staffing model and a streamlined menu with a focus on boneless chicken across breakfast, lunch and dinner. The design includes digital menu boards and dual drive-thru lanes.
Bojangles, which opened in 1977, rolled out chicken rice bowls last month.
Jeff Rigsby of BOJ of WNC LLC, Bojangles largest franchisee, opened the first two of 15 planned restaurants in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Rigby’s portfolio of more than 100 Bojangles locations across the country, including in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
LVP Restaurant Group LLC, which is a TravelCenters of America operator, announced in July that it will add 20 units in Las Vegas, Nevada, and 10 non-traditional units to TravelCenters of America across regions in the West.
The company also has six company-owned and franchised locations operating in both the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio markets.
Bojangles says that its restaurants average $2.2 million in annual sales. The company has more than 800 locations in 17 states, with the majority being operated by a franchisee. QSR Magazine pegs its annual sales at $1.5 billion.
The company was bought for nearly $600 million in January 2019 by Jordan Co. and Durational Capital Management. Both investment firms are based in New York.