Bojangles, a well-known fried chicken fast-food chain, is set to expand its reach significantly. Once mostly found in the Southeast, the restaurant plans to open an impressive 270 new locations by the end of 2024.
Bojangles operates over 800 locations across the United States, with a strong presence in the Southeast. This expansion marks a major growth spurt for the chain, which opened 40 new restaurants last year. With this ambitious expansion plan, Bojangles aims to extend its Southern-style cuisine to a broader American audience.
Bojangles' Expansion: New Store Design Boosts Efficiency Amid Labor Shortage
In light of the nationwide labor shortage, Bojangles is expanding its footprint and revamping its kitchen operations. Brooks Speirs, the Vice President of Franchise Sales, shared insights with QSR about how the chain is streamlining kitchen functions to enhance employee efficiency and reduce workload. This move is part of a broader strategy to tackle the challenges the current labor market poses.
The fast-food chain has already implemented its new store design in over 10 locations across Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Ohio, experiencing remarkable success.
A notable feature of some of these revamped stores is the introduction of "Biscuit Theatres." These special see-through windows near the checkout area allow customers to observe the intricate 49-step process of Bojangles' biscuit-making, adding an entertaining and transparent element to their dining experience.
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Bojangles' Expansion: Successful Franchise Growth in New Markets
Jim Cannon, Bojangles' Chief Development Officer, emphasizes the success of the company's franchises in new markets as a testament to Bojangles' excellence. He highlights the loyalty and adaptability of their operators, crucial for keeping pace with the company's rapid growth.
Cannon, who joined Bojangles in June 2023, brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Arby's, Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, and Jack in the Box.
Bojangles' expansion strategy is multifaceted, featuring an updated restaurant design, a new staffing model, and a streamlined menu. The focus is on boneless chicken breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Modern touches include digital menu boards and dual drive-thru lanes. Established in 1977, the brand recently introduced chicken rice bowls to its menu.
Jeff Rigsby of BOJ of WNC LLC, Bojangles' largest franchisee, has opened two of 15 planned restaurants in Columbus, Ohio. Rigsby manages over 100 Bojangles locations nationwide, spanning Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
In another significant development, LVP Restaurant Group LLC, associated with TravelCenters of America, announced plans in July to add 20 Bojangles units in Las Vegas, Nevada, and ten non-traditional units at TravelCenters of America locations across the Western regions.
Bojangles also maintains a presence in Texas, with six company-owned and franchised locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio markets.
Bojangles, a prominent fast-food chain, has announced that its restaurants average $2.2 million in sales annually. The company currently operates over 800 locations across 17 states, mostly run by franchisees. According to QSR Magazine, Bojangles' annual sales are around $1.5 billion.
In a significant business move, Bojangles was acquired for nearly $600 million in January 2019. The buyers were two New York-based investment firms, Jordan Co. and Durational Capital Management. This acquisition marks a major milestone in the company's expansion and growth strategy.
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