Franchiseek USA
Bojangles’
Famous Chicken and Biscuits Chain Eyes National Expansion
Long
Time Southern Fixture Equipped to Grow Beyond Regional Ties
Bojangles’,
known throughout the South for its ‘famous chicken ‘n biscuits,’
has grown from a single store in Charlotte, NC to a brand that now
operates in 15 states and three countries. For 30 years, its made-from-scratch
breakfast biscuit sandwiches as well as its one of a kind Cajun, Country
Style chicken and fixin’s have garnered a legion of fans and
a loyal following.
A
true destination chain, Bojangles’ attracts its loyal customers
from every direction who often pass up other viable options for breakfast,
lunch or chicken dinner. They specifically seek out the chain for
its proprietary, made-from-scratch fare with a flavor profile that’s
unlike anything in the market. “People go out of their way to
find us,” said Eric Newman, executive vice president. “They
know what we offer in terms of quality food and service, and as a
result, they make an extra effort to partake in the Bojangles’
experience time and again.”
Currently
developing locations in 15 states, the company has strengthened its
franchise plans for ongoing development. Expansion is continuing in
proven markets such as the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia
– the company’s fastest growing market. To compliment the
continued growth and strengthening of its core markets, Bojangles’
has finalized contracts that will develop new markets like Ohio, West
Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama. To support these new franchisees,
Bojangles’ will continue to target proven restaurant operators
to take advantage of the numerous opportunities for growth in open
locations throughout these states. “With Bojangles’, you
not only get a proven system, but also a family of products that leads
the industry in uniqueness and flavor,” said CEO, Joe Drury.
Growth
meets the demand and fills the niche of a superior alternative to
other quick service options. In 2004 alone, the company opened 35
new locations and has plans to add 40-50 more stores in 2005. “We
believe we can grow these numbers significantly in 2006 and beyond,”
said Drury.
The
commitment to growth and to the franchisees in the system is reflected
in the company’s sales. Comprehensive store sales have grown
every year for the last 10 years and the trend is expected to continue.
The company is seeing average unit sales for full size franchise restaurants
of $1.5 million and rising. A key to the success is its ability to
offer product in all three day parts. Breakfast accounts for up to
35 percent of the company's revenue. “Most quick service restaurant
chains are only able to compete strongly in one or two day parts,”
said Drury. “Bojangles’ gives its franchisees a growth vehicle
that is strongly entrenched in all three day parts.”
The
franchise has proven itself to be an attractive opportunity for franchisees
and area developers from several other systems. “We’ve become
a choice for groups that want to diversify their portfolio,”
said Drury. “In terms of what we offer, we have something for
everyone.” Bojangles’ offers several store options including
an in-line design, a co-branded option for the convenience store industry
and its impressive freestanding model. With real estate at a premium
in just about all of the country, the in-house facility design team
can develop a restaurant to fit almost every application.
“We’ve
refined an operating system and menu concept that we feel will travel
to any market and give our franchisee the greatest opportunity for
success,” added Drury.
