How Bojangles Became a Leading National Franchise Brand

A Franchise Brand On the Move

There’s a reason guests drive past three other chicken spots just to get to a Bojangles. The biscuits are scratch-made, the chicken is hand-breaded, and the menu hits all three day-parts – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – without missing a beat. That combination is exactly why so many entrepreneurs are looking at Bojangles as the franchise brand to build their next chapter around.

The global quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is quickly approaching $300 billion, and chicken has become one of the fastest-growing segments. Bojangles sits right in the middle of that surge, serving up Cajun-style fried chicken, fresh tenders, and Southern classics that keep guests coming back throughout the day.

What sets Bojangles apart from so many other franchise opportunities is how deliberately the brand was built around the people who run it every day. Every system, from initial training to site selection and marketing support, exists to give owners a model they can trust and repeat. New franchisees and seasoned multi-unit operators alike get access to the same playbook that’s carried Bojangles from one small restaurant to a Southern chicken franchise recognized across the country.

These proven systems cover every aspect of ownership to give franchisees the confidence they need to introduce a leading QSR brand to their market, with a loyal guest base and industry-leading guidance they can tap into on day one.

Built in Charlotte, Grown Nationwide

Our story starts in 1977, when the first Bojangles restaurant opened its doors in Charlotte, North Carolina. A year later, we began franchising, and that one decision set off nearly five decades of unstoppable growth. What started as a regional favorite expanded into a nationally recognized name with more than 880 locations and counting, reaching far beyond our Southern roots into markets throughout the country.

The Bojangles menu is a big reason that growth never slowed down. We built our identity around three strong dayparts instead of just one. Breakfast hours alone made up over 30 percent of our sales for fiscal year 2025, as outlined in the Bojangles 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This proves Bojangles is already top of mind for guests early in the day, before work, school, and daily routines begin.

Our morning lineup is anchored by our fan-favorite Bo Berry biscuits, Cajun Filet and Sausage Egg & Cheese biscuits, Bo-Tato Rounds, and coffee options perfect for our morning guests on the go. Later in the day, lunch and dinner bring our famous chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, family meals, and signature Fixins to the table. Add in our Legendary Iced Tea, limited-time offerings, plus a lineup of dessert options, and our franchisees have an established menu that’s continuing to grow a loyal guest base nationwide.

That kind of staying power matters in an industry that moves fast and forgets faster. We’ve held our place as a leading QSR brand by staying consistent, from our customer service to our kitchen workflows. No microwaves, no shortcuts, just fresh ingredients and recipes that taste the same whether you’re in Las Vegas, North Carolina, or New Jersey.

Growth Made Simple

Expanding past one restaurant can feel like a steep climb with the average franchise brand. But when you join Bojangles, you get to step into the systems that simplify growth. Our owners get support that follows them from their very first signed agreement all the way through their fifth, tenth, or twentieth franchise, with a team that stays involved long after opening day.

We also back that support with incentives that reward owners willing to grow, including:

The Equipment Reimbursement Incentive Program (per the Bojangles 2026 FDD)

Per this incentive program, a three-unit development agreement or greater is required to receive up to a $300,000 reimbursement per Qualifying Restaurant. The number of eligible qualifying restaurants for reimbursement will vary depending on the number of development commitments under your Development Agreement.

The Minorities, Women, & Veterans Incentive Program (per the Bojangles 2026 FDD)

Veteran, women, and minority candidates receive up to 50% savings on our franchise fee for the first two qualifying restaurants, plus a reduced royalty rate for their first three years.

We crafted these options to align with the growth-minded entrepreneurs building something bigger than a single storefront. You can learn more about the development incentive programs noted above in the Bojangles 2026 FDD, along with financial details and what you can expect as a franchisee.

Our multi-unit owners get the benefit of a national franchise brand with decades of demand behind it, a development team focused on opening every new location strong, and a system that scales with their ambition instead of working against it. Whether an owner is opening their very first restaurant or their fifth, the runway looks the same: real support, real incentives, and a proven franchise model behind them the whole way.

Join The Bojangles Legacy

We didn’t earn our reputation by accident. It happened because we stayed true to our roots while evolving to meet the needs of modern guests through convenience and innovation. If you’ve been looking for a franchise opportunity with the history, the menu, and the infrastructure to support serious expansion, we invite you to take a closer look at what we’re building at Bojangles.

Interested in bringing Bojangles to your community? Fill out our inquiry form to access our Chicken Franchise Guide and learn more about our support systems, investment details, and the steps to ownership. From there, our team will reach out to walk you through available markets and the business formats that align with your goals. The menu is a proven winner, the systems are established, and the foundation is in place. All that’s missing is a partner ready to lead the next chapter.