If you have ever had Bojangles, you know it is not just about chicken—it is about flavor, comfort, and that Southern style of cooking that makes you feel right at home. Now, the beloved chicken and biscuits chain is officially making a bold move into New York, with 20 new franchises planned for the city and surrounding areas.
The company believes New York is the perfect market. With high foot traffic, busy neighborhoods, and a mix of people always on the move, Bojangles wants to introduce its signature Southern menu to a brand-new audience.
The company said in its announcement that New York’s energy makes it an ideal place to expand: “The New York City market will provide high foot traffic and dense urban neighborhoods, which is ideal for introducing the brand’s Southern flavors to an entirely new audience.”
What makes bojangles different from other chicken chains?
You may be wondering—why all the excitement? After all, there are plenty of chicken chains out there. Bojangles, however, has carved out a special niche.
Here is what sets it apart:
- Southern-inspired menu: Fried chicken, biscuits, seasoned fries, and sweet tea are staples.
- Breakfast focus: About 36% of Bojangles sales come from breakfast, making it one of the few chicken chains where mornings are just as big as lunch or dinner.
- Community feel: Unlike many fast-food brands, Bojangles has built its name on being part of local communities across the South.
That combination of breakfast, comfort food, and Southern tradition is what the company is betting New Yorkers will love.
How big is bojangles planning to get in the northeast?
The New York deal is only part of the bigger picture. Bojangles also signed a 35-unit agreement in New Jersey, which means the brand could soon have around 55 restaurants in the Northeast.
This is a huge leap for a chain that has historically been centered in the Southeast. In fact, Bojangles has grown steadily over the past few years:
- 773 units in 2022
- 825 units by the end of 2024
That kind of growth shows the demand is real—and Bojangles is confident it can win over fans in the Northeast just like it has in the South.
What does this mean for the competition?
You have probably noticed that chicken is having a big moment in the U.S. restaurant world. Bojangles is not the only one expanding. Other big names are also making moves:
- Bonchon (Korean fried chicken) wants to triple its U.S. presence.
- Jollibee (Filipino chicken) is planning rapid franchising growth.
- Dave’s Hot Chicken attracted major investment from Roark Capital.
- Raising Cane’s and Wingstop both saw their sales surpass KFC last year.
With so many chicken brands fighting for attention, Bojangles is banking on its unique breakfast offering and Southern comfort food twist to stand out in crowded cities like New York.
What kind of sales do bojangles franchises make?
If you are curious about the business side, Bojangles has relatively strong unit economics compared to many fast-food chains. According to its franchise disclosure document:
- The average gross sales of a full-size franchised location is about $2.4 million annually.
- The company-owned stores, which operate much like franchises, are the main model for expansion.
This strong financial track record is one reason the company has attracted experienced franchise operators. In fact, the New York expansion is being led by an operator with years of experience running restaurants in New York and Connecticut.
What can new yorkers expect when bojangles opens?
If you live in New York, here is what you will most likely find at your local Bojangles when doors open:
- Signature fried chicken with Bojangles’ special seasoning
- Made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits
- Cajun-seasoned fries
- Legendary sweet tea
- A full breakfast menu featuring biscuits, eggs, and sausage
For many people in New York, it will be their first taste of the Bojangles experience. And for Southerners living in the city, it may feel like a taste of home finally arrived.
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