CHARLOTTE — Bojangles, the fast-food chain known for its fried chicken, biscuits and sweet tea, is reportedly exploring a potential sale that could value the company at more than $1.5 billion. The news comes as investor interest in the booming fried chicken sector continues to grow, with fast-casual chicken chains outperforming much of the broader restaurant industry in recent years.
Founded in Charlotte in 1977, Bojangles has expanded steadily across the Southeast and beyond, now operating around 800 locations. While its strongest presence remains in the Carolinas, Georgia and neighboring states, the brand has recently pushed into markets like New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio, signaling a broader national ambition.
According to reports, the company has begun working with investment bankers to gauge interest from potential buyers. Bojangles has been owned by private equity firms Durational Capital Management and The Jordan Company since 2019 when it was taken private in a deal worth roughly $590 million. If a sale moves forward at the rumored valuation, the brand’s value would have more than tripled in just six years.
Demand for fried chicken has surged nationwide, with sales at chicken-focused fast-food restaurants growing at a much faster pace than traditional burger chains. In addition, recent deals in the industry — including Roark Capital’s acquisition of Dave’s Hot Chicken and Blackstone’s investment in Jersey Mike’s — have demonstrated the strong appetite investors have for well-established, scalable food brands.
Bojangles has also made recent moves to modernize its operations and expand its footprint. The company relocated to a new corporate headquarters in South Charlotte, a 61,000-square-foot space that houses executive leadership, training teams and marketing staff. The chain has also introduced new technology, such as a revamped mobile app and improved drive-thru systems to keep up with shifting consumer habits.
Despite national expansion efforts, the brand continues to hold tightly to its Southern identity, with a menu centered on spicy fried chicken, scratch-made biscuits and signature sides. Analysts believe any future owners will likely build on that core brand identity while exploring growth through franchising, menu innovation and technology.
While there is no guarantee a sale will occur, the move to explore strategic options suggests Bojangles is positioning itself for a new chapter, one that could bring in new leadership, additional resources, and an expanded national presence.
