What happened at the Bojangles restaurant in Sanford, Florida?

A fire temporarily closed the Sanford, FL corporate restaurant in June 2024. It reopened in May 2025 with a refreshed start and renewed commitment to the community.

How did Bojangles honor first responders in Sanford?

Bojangles hosted a private event to honor the Sanford Fire Department before the reopening, dedicating a plaque in appreciation of their disaster relief service.

How were Bojangles locations in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene?

Hurricane Helene in late 2024 temporarily closed many of franchisee Jeff Rigsby’s 75+ Bojangles locations. All affected restaurants have since reopened, several with upgrades.

Who is Jeff Rigsby and what role did he play in recovery?

Jeff Rigsby is a veteran Bojangles franchisee who led recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, reinvesting in infrastructure and prioritizing his employees’ return to work.

How does Bojangles support franchisees during disasters?

Bojangles provides operational guidance, brand resources, and a resilient system designed for sustainability, helping franchisees recover, innovate, and improve after disruptions.

What do these recovery stories say about Bojangles’ values?

They highlight Bojangles’ focus on people, purpose, and perseverance—supporting communities while growing intentionally for the long term.

Disaster Relief in Action: Bojangles Franchisees Rebuild Stronger

Content:

1 Back in Sanford, Florida — Stronger Than Ever
2 Rebuilding in North Carolina After Hurricane Helene
3 Growth through Franchisee Support

As Bojangles continues expanding into new markets and building momentum in 2025, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to the communities we serve. While much of our growth has focused on new restaurant openings and entering untapped regions, we’ve also been reminded this year of the importance of having proper franchisee support in place to build an unshakeable foundation for our local owners. These stories of disaster relief and recovery show the strength of the Bojangles franchise system and the people behind it.

Back in Sanford, Florida — Stronger Than Ever

In June 2024, our corporate restaurant in Sanford, Florida, was temporarily closed due to a fire. The unexpected event shook the community and our team, but it also highlighted the deep connections we’ve built through years of serving our guests. Nearly a year later, in May 2025, the restaurant reopened with a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose.

Ahead of the public reopening, we hosted a private event honoring the Sanford Fire Department, whose quick response helped contain the damage and protect nearby businesses. The event concluded with a plaque dedication recognizing the department’s disaster relief service and commitment to the community. It was a powerful moment that reflected what Bojangles stands for as a part of the neighborhood.

Sanford’s reopening was about coming back stronger, restoring jobs and continuing our mission of providing Southern flavor and hospitality with heart. For Bojangles, Sanford serves as a symbol of what it means to grow intentionally and rebuild with pride.

Rebuilding in North Carolina After Hurricane Helene

In North Carolina, one of Bojangles’ most experienced and respected franchisees, Jeff Rigsby, faced a different challenge. Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage in late 2024, temporarily closing many of Jeff’s 75+ Bojangles restaurants across the region.

But through strong leadership, support and jumping quickly into disaster relief efforts, Jeff and his team have fully reopened all affected locations—some with upgrades that are already making a difference in guest experience and operational performance. From investing in infrastructure to prioritizing his employees’ return to work, Jeff’s approach has exemplified what it means to lead with a long-term vision.

His recovery story is about reinvestment, strategic thinking and the ability of franchisees to take ownership of their operations while leaning on Bojangles’ franchisee support system. It’s also proof that Bojangles’ model is designed for sustainability and scale, even in the face of adversity.

Growth through Franchisee Support

The Sanford reopening and Jeff Rigsby’s North Carolina rebuild are just two examples of how we are more than a quick-service restaurant. The Bojangles franchise system is one that believes in building for the long haul.

Behind every Bojangles location is a team of people dedicated to quality, hospitality and community. When challenges arise, our franchise partners recover, innovate and improve. That’s because Bojangles provides the resources, operational guidance and brand strength needed to support long-term success.

As we continue to grow in 2025, we’re proud to stand alongside franchisees who reflect the values Bojangles was built on. Not only are we investing in new communities, but we’re also doubling down on what matters most in the neighborhoods we already serve: people, purpose and perseverance.