Southern quick-service restaurant chain Bojangles is accelerating its Florida growth strategy, unveiling plans to develop 20 to 25 restaurants across the Tampa Bay region over the next seven to eight years as it seeks experienced franchise partners to fuel its next phase of expansion.
The Charlotte, North Carolina-based brand, which operates more than 880 company-owned and franchised restaurants across 24 U.S. states, has identified Tampa Bay as one of its priority growth markets following its recent return to the region. The company currently operates two company-owned locations in Lutz andPinellas Park, with additional sites expected to be developed through franchise partnerships.
“Our real estate team has spent the last 18 months identifying the best locations across Tampa Bay,” said Brooks Speirs, Vice President of Franchise Sales at Bojangles. “Tampa is exactly the kind of market we targeted as we expanded nationally. The region’s continued population growth, vibrant restaurant scene and customers who appreciate bold flavours and quality food make it an ideal market for Bojangles.”
Seeking Experienced Multi-Unit Franchisees
Bojangles said it has already held discussions with several prospective franchise groups but continues to look for the right development partner capable of executing a large-scale regional rollout.
The company is seeking either a dedicated owner-operator or an experienced multi-unit franchise group with a strong local operating team. As part of the strategy, Bojangles is also willing to franchise its two existing company-owned Tampa Bay restaurants to a developer committed to building the market over the next five to seven years.
Speirs emphasized that operational involvement is a key criterion when selecting franchise partners. “Our best franchisees are all in and are focused on running Bojangles. They’re not operating a Bojangles from a spreadsheet a thousand miles away.” He added that while sufficient capital is essential, hands-on leadership remains the company’s highest priority. “Capital is critical because it’s not cheap to build restaurants. What’s most important is a hands-on operator.”
Company-Owned Model Strengthens Franchise System
Unlike many quick-service franchisors, Bojangles continues to operate a substantial company-owned portfolio, allowing it to test new menu items, restaurant technology and operational improvements before introducing them across the franchise network.
The company owns 283 of its approximately 886 restaurants, providing franchisees with proven systems and operational processes before new initiatives are rolled out systemwide.
Breakfast Strategy Shapes Expansion
Breakfast continues to be one of Bojangles’ strongest sales drivers and is influencing where the brand chooses new restaurant sites.
According to the company, about 30% of sales at its Florida restaurants are generated before 11 a.m., prompting Bojangles to prioritize highly visible sites along commuter routes with convenient access, strong traffic counts and proximity to major retail destinations such as Costco and Super Target.
Speirs noted that breakfast sales continue to strengthen as markets mature. While breakfast accounts for roughly 20% of first-year sales in newer markets like Florida and Texas, that figure typically rises to 30% in the second year, compared with nearly 40% in the brand’s mature Carolinas markets.
Expanding Beyond Its Southeastern Roots
Founded in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bojangles has transformed from a regional fried chicken and biscuits chain into a fast-growing national franchise brand.
The company operates more than 880 restaurants in 24 states through a mix of company-owned and franchised locations and has significantly accelerated franchise development over the past four years. As part of that expansion, the brand has broadened its menu in newer markets by placing greater emphasis on chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches alongside its signature breakfast offerings.
With Tampa Bay now firmly in its expansion plans, Bojangles is betting that the region’s population growth, strong consumer demand and experienced franchise community will help establish one of its largest development markets in Florida.
