Southern Fried Chicken Favorite Plans Massive NJ Expansion

The New York metropolitan area is getting a burst of southern flavor with the opening of dozens of Bojangles fast-food restaurants over the next 10 years, including 35 in New Jersey.

Famous for its fried chicken and biscuits, Piscataway is the only location the chain currently has in the Garden State. Under a new agreement with restaurant owner and operating group Hashimi Holding Corporation, Bojangles announced that they have signed a 20-unit agreement to also make its return to New York City for the first time in 40 years. The first Big Apple location is planned to open this winter in Brooklyn.

“Bojangles has always stood out to me – from its delicious chicken, biscuits and breakfast to its incredible franchisee support system,” says Habib Hashimi. "Our team has extensive experience running quick-service concepts across New York and Connecticut, and I’m confident residents will fall in love with the Southern flavors, hospitality and convenience Bojangles has to offer.”

According to Axios, the expansion may be part of a bigger move to boost the company's value in order to sell itself in a deal that could be worth an estimated $1.5 billion. While the specifics for locations around New Jersey are not yet available, the 35 new restaurants will join Bojangle's footprint it will now have in 20 other states with the addition of the New York City locations. Nationwide, North Carolina leads the way with 349 restaurants, followed by its neighbor South Carolina that has another 151 of their own.

“The East Coast is craving the authentic, Southern charm that Bojangles delivers, and we’re excited to introduce locals to something new...we couldn’t be more excited to see what this next chapter holds," adds Bojangles CEO, Jose Armario.

Bojangles has become well-known across the southern United States for their hand-breaded fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits and all-day breakfast. The chain first opened its doors in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1977 and now has more than 800 restaurants nationwide.

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