Bojangles Planning NYC Return with 20 Locations
After nearly forty years away, Bojangles is bringing its buttermilk biscuits back to the Big Apple.
The Southern fried chicken chain announced a deal with franchisee Habib Hashimi and Hashimi Holding Corporation to open 20 restaurants across New York City over the next decade. Construction is already underway in Brooklyn's East Flatbush neighborhood, with the first location expected to open this winter.
It's a homecoming of sorts. Bojangles had a brief stint in NYC during the 1980s, but this marks what the company calls "the beginning of a new era" in America's largest city.
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"Bojangles has always stood out to me – from its delicious chicken, biscuits and breakfast to its incredible franchisee support system," said Hashimi, who brings extensive experience running quick-service restaurants in New York and Connecticut. "I couldn't be more proud to lead Bojangles' growth in New York City."
The Charlotte-based chain isn't just eyeing Manhattan. As part of a broader Northeast push, Bojangles recently signed another franchisee to develop 35 locations throughout New Jersey, bringing its regional expansion target to about 55 new restaurants.
"It's a monumental moment, now that we're entering the New York Metropolitan area again," said CEO Jose Armario. "The East Coast is craving the authentic, Southern charm that Bojangles delivers, and we're excited to introduce locals to something new."
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The timing seems right. Bojangles has grown from 773 locations in early 2022 to 825 by the end of 2024, with franchised restaurants averaging about $2.4 million in annual gross sales. The chain's emphasis on breakfast - which accounts for roughly 36% of sales at company-owned stores - could give it an edge in NYC's dense, high-traffic neighborhoods.
The expansion comes as chicken chains nationwide are experiencing unprecedented growth. Raising Cane's and Wingstop recently surpassed KFC in U.S. sales, while newcomers like Dave's Hot Chicken have attracted major investment. For Bojangles, which was reportedly exploring a potential sale earlier this summer, the NYC return represents both a nostalgic milestone and a strategic bet on continued chicken demand.
