Bojangles, the North Carolina fried-chicken chain known for its biscuits and sweet tea, is bringing its first Arizona locations to the Phoenix metro this year, with one restaurant slated for Gilbert's Val Vista corridor and another planned near 99th Avenue and Indian School Road in the West Valley.
According to ABC15 Arizona, Kingsbarn Realty Capital and LVP Restaurant Group broke ground on the Gilbert site in September 2025, and a company spokesperson told the station the Gilbert storefront is expected to open this summer. The outlet also reports that the 99th Avenue and Indian School location is on track to break ground in the first quarter of 2026.
Where And When To Expect Bojangles
Developer Kingsbarn Realty Capital has cast the Gilbert build on Val Vista as the first step in a phased plan that could bring up to 20 Bojangles restaurants to the metro. The firm points to Val Vista's heavy commuter traffic as a key reason for planting the flag there and notes that a typical Bojangles location employs roughly 100 people, which the company is touting as a local hiring boost. You can read the full announcement from Kingsbarn Realty Capital.
Company Strategy Behind The Push
Bojangles first announced a multi-unit development agreement in March 2024 to bring 20 restaurants to Phoenix as part of a broader westward expansion and has since been rolling out new units in other western markets. The chain's chief development officer said, "We know guests in Phoenix are going to love the Southern flavor of Bojangles food and hospitality." Full details are available from Bojangles.
Timeline Updates And Earlier Expectations
Earlier reporting suggested the first Arizona locations could open as early as late 2025, but that timeline has shifted as site work and permitting have moved along. Phoenix New Times had previously identified Gilbert and the Indian School corridor as the first two neighborhoods in line for the chain. More recent comments from the developer now push the likely public opening window into 2026.
What It Means For The Valley
Developers say the chain's arrival will bring jobs and fresh retail activity to fast-growing corridors in both the East and West Valley. Kingsbarn has framed the projects as economic wins for the area, highlighting expected employment numbers and the steady stream of Val Vista commuters as reasons to be bullish, per Kingsbarn Realty Capital.
For now, Valley fried chicken fans can expect construction to ramp up at the Gilbert and 99th-and-Indian School sites in the coming months as Bojangles stages its Arizona debut. Look for firm opening dates and grand-opening details once operators are ready to go public with the plans.
