Bojangles, a Southeast fried chicken mainstay, is flocking westward with plans to pepper the Phoenix landscape with 20 new locations. In a move to satisfy carnivorous cravings in the Valley, the North Carolina-based chain has inked a multi-unit development deal spearheaded by the LVP Restaurant Group in partnership with Kingsbarn Realty Capital. Having already made waves in the Las Vegas Market, LVP and Kingsbarn are seasoned pros at introducing Bojangles' revered recipes to Western palates.
In an announcement that had comfort food aficionados salivating, Bojangles confirmed the purchase of a parcel in Gilbert, AZ, casting shadows just north of a Chipotle. While the official opening date of the Gilbert outpost remains wrapped in mystery, Diversified Partners LLC, the commercial real estate agency involved in the land sale, let the cat out of the bag in an interview with ABC15. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to bring the brand's famed chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea to hungry Arizonians.
The company isn't just spreading its wings in Gilbert. According to a statement obtained by ABC15, Jeanette Davis, vice president of food and franchised brands at LVP Restaurant Group, expressed unwavering confidence in the expansion: "We are firm believers in the direction Bojangles is heading, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to increase our commitment with the brand, expanding its footprint into Phoenix." Davis brings a wealth of QSR management experience to the table, ready to steer the Bojangles ship through Arizona's competitive culinary waters.
Chewing through the competition is hardly new for Bojangles, which made significant strides in recent years by deboning their menu—literally—through the introduction of a boneless chicken platform. The leaner, meaner menu roll-out has been a testament to the brand's adaptability in markets such as Ohio, Texas, and Florida, touted in a company press release. With the consumer's hunger for chicken showing no signs of waning, Bojangles is positioning itself as the go-to spot for those looking for a Southern fix, as they say, "across all dayparts."
Bojangles' expansion echoes the company's larger goal to diversify its roost across America. Bojangles aims to entice franchisees far and wide, from the Southwest to the Mid-Atlantic. Prospective operators interested in hitching their wagon to the Bojangles brand, a company that stood strong with an AUV north of $2.2M, can learn more about the opportunity on their franchising website. With a rich heritage of accolades under their belt, including rankings in Franchise Times' Top 400 and QSR Magazine’s Top 50 Fast Food Chains, Bojangles is showcasing the allure of Southern hospitality—one biscuit at a time.
