Bojangles' Famous Chicken and Biscuits Crosses the Border

Bojangles’ Restaurants Inc, the famous chicken and biscuits chain known throughout the South for its unique Cajun flavor, today announced a development deal with Mexicajun Investment Group to open ten restaurants over the next five years in Mexico. The first Bojangles’ Restaurant is to open within the next three–five months in Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. Headed by Henry Gurganus and Tom Glennon, the group has also committed to opening Bojangles’ across other cities such as Veracruz, Alcapoco and a non-exclusive entry into Mexico City.

“We are pleased to have the Mexicajun Investment Group join our growing Franchise team,” said Eric Newman, executive vice president. “International expansion is a natural addition to the domestic growth we are experiencing at Bojangles’. Latin America in general and Mexico in particular, are natural markets for our concept, our menu and flavor profile.”

The famous made-from-scratch breakfast biscuit and its one of a kind Cajun, Country Style chicken and fixin’s, was what drew Mexicajun Group’s co-owner, Harry Gurganus into buying a franchise. Gurganus, born in the small eastern town of Snow Hill, pursued the franchise deal after a trip home to North Carolina on New Year’s Day last year. While driving around with his wife, they stopped to eat at Bojangles’ and fell in love with the food.

“We were impressed with the family-friendly atmosphere, strong brand and top-notch corporate staff,” said Gurganus. “I knew we needed to open up a Bojangles’ back home, in Mexico - the spicy chicken and flavorful foods are a natural fit for the market.”

Catering To The Local Market

A true destination restaurant, Bojangles’ plans to offer the same menu and service that is consistent with its strong U.S. brand. It however plans to change its restaurant design to appeal to the families in Mexico. Architecturally, there will be elements attuned to the local market such as the use of stucco and tile roofs together with elements of Bojangles’ trade dress and design -- always colorful and festive, utilizing the brand’s red, yellow and orange colors.

“We also plan to create a design that will appeal to the cultural importance of a family meal,” added Newman. “All of the Bojangles’ restaurants in Mexico will have a large eating area and a playground for the kids to enjoy.”

The company has grown from a single store in Charlotte, NC to an international brand. Bojangles’ has two restaurants in Central America with three more planned this year and one that opened in China in 2005. “We hope to expand this group’s growth plans beyond the initial ten, and develop deals in other countries,” added Newman.

About Bojangles’

Founded 1977 in Charlotte, NC, Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc. continues to serve only the highest quality and most flavorful food to its loyal customers in fun festive restaurants with fast friendly service. The breakfast menu offers items such as Cajun fillets, seasoned sausage or steak, country ham, eggs and cheese. With a core menu featuring Cajun-style chicken, fresh buttermilk biscuits and fixin’s such as Bojangles’ Dirty Rice, Bojangles’ Cajun Pintos and seasoned fries, Bojangles’ has cornered the market on taste. First franchised in 1978, Bojangles’ now boasts over 350 total locations with 229 franchised and 124 corporate owned.