Charlotte, N.C.-based Bojangles, the seventh-largest U.S. chicken chain, says it is planning to open 270 new stores, an increase of 33% from its current 800-plus restaurants. The company opened 40 new locations in 2023, including 10 in new markets, including Dallas, Columbus and Orlando, reports Business North Carolina.
The expansion strategy includes an updated restaurant design, a new staffing model and a streamlined menu with a focus on boneless chicken across breakfast, lunch and dinner. The design includes digital menu boards and dual drive-thru lanes. Bojangles, which opened in 1977, rolled out chicken rice bowls last month.
Bojangles says that its restaurants average $2.2 million in annual sales. The company has more than 800 locations in 17 states, with the majority being operated by a franchisee. QSR Magazine pegs its annual sales at $1.5 billion.
“Seeing our franchisees’ succeed in new markets is a true testament to Bojangles’ excellence and emphasizes the loyalty and commitment of our operators, who are willing to evolve with us at the pace we’re going,” said Jim Cannon, the company’s chief development officer.
The company was bought for nearly $600 million in January 2019 by Jordan Co. and Durational Capital Management. Both investment firms are based in New York.