Bojangles History: From 1977 Charlotte to Southern Icon
How did a single chicken restaurant become a Southern institution? The Bojangles story is a classic American business tale.
1977: The Beginning
Bojangles was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1977 by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas. The concept: Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and fresh biscuits — flavors inspired by Louisiana, served with Southern hospitality.
The Name
“Bojangles” was inspired by the song “Mr. Bojangles” — evoking a feel-good, down-home spirit. The name stuck and became synonymous with Southern comfort food.
Growth Through the Decades
- 1980s: Rapid franchise expansion across the Carolinas and Southeast.
- 1990s: Menu innovation — the Bo-Berry Biscuit debuts and becomes a phenomenon.
- 2000s: Continued Southeast dominance; the “It’s Bo Time!” slogan becomes iconic.
- 2010s: Modernization — app launch, delivery partnerships, menu refreshes.
- 2020s: Digital transformation, expanded delivery, and growing national awareness.
“It’s Bo Time!”
The slogan, introduced in the 2000s, became one of fast food’s most recognizable taglines. It captures the brand’s personality: fun, Southern, unpretentious, and always ready to eat.
The Biscuit Legacy
The 20-minute fresh biscuit rule and Certified Biscuit Maker program turned a side item into a brand pillar. Bojangles biscuits are now widely cited as the best in fast food — a remarkable achievement for what started as a chicken joint.
Today
With 800+ locations primarily in the Southeast, Bojangles remains a regional powerhouse with national ambitions. The formula hasn’t changed: bold Cajun flavor, fresh biscuits, Southern hospitality.
What’s Next
Continued expansion beyond the Southeast, digital innovation, and menu evolution — while keeping the core promise: it’s always Bo Time.
From one Charlotte restaurant to a Southern icon — not bad for 48 years of chicken and biscuits.