A fast-food chain that’s been a staple in much of the Southeastern U.S. has recently opened its first location in New York City this week.
First founded in 1977, Bojangles is a fast-food restaurant that specializes in Cajun fried chicken. With over 800 restaurants across several southeastern states, Bojangles is one of the most notable regional fried chicken franchises. Recently, like many other regional franchises, Bojangles announced an expansion on the East Coast
In a recent press release, New York City is set to receive its first Bojangles location, a 20-unit building, in Brooklyn. Additionally, future plans have promised an additional 50 total locations across the New York metropolitan area and in New Jersey.
It’s a major step in the company’s history, one that they seem to have put much faith in. The East Coast is no stranger to fried chicken franchises. Kentucky Fried Chicken and Popeyes have dominated that sector in the area for decades.
However, while Bojangles has a customer base, it will need to prove that its products can match or even surpass the quality of food offered by other franchises. Additionally, the rise of Korean fried chicken and other east asian fried chicken franchises has added to the competition.
However, many friend chicken franchises aren’t what they used to be. While Popyes remains strong, KFC has been lagging in the United States, with much of its efforts being pushed out overseas. This could be the leg up that Bojangles might need to survive.
Regardless, given the franchise’s immense popularity in its home region, there is hope that it will be able to thrive on the East Coast.
