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Bojangles' Brings Southern Comfort Food to NYC

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/18 .. jangles-brings-southern-comfort-food-to-nyc.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 9:12 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

A Long-Awaited Arrival

Bojangles' has cultivated a devoted following across the Southeastern United States, boasting over 750 locations spanning states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The chain's success stems from its commitment to traditional Southern flavors and a menu that prioritizes made-from-scratch ingredients. Its crispy fried chicken, renowned for its unique seasoning blend, is often paired with freshly baked buttermilk biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rotating selection of seasonal side dishes. The demand from New Yorkers, however, has been a constant and vocal chorus, prompting Bojangles' to seriously consider an expansion to the Northeast.

"We're excited to bring the delicious taste of Bojangles' to New York City," stated Don Anderson, SVP of Development for Bojangles', in a recent press release. "We've heard from so many people over the years asking when we'd be coming to NYC, and we're thrilled to be able to answer that question." This quote underlines the level of anticipation surrounding the launch and highlights the strategic importance of the New York City market for Bojangles'.

The Bronx as a Launchpad

The choice of the Bronx for the inaugural New York City location is intriguing. While specific reasons haven't been officially released, it's likely a combination of factors contributed to the decision. Real estate costs in the Bronx are generally lower than in other boroughs, making it a more financially viable starting point for expansion. Furthermore, the Bronx is a diverse community with a significant population of residents who may be familiar with Southern cuisine, either through family heritage or travel experiences. This presents a potentially receptive audience for Bojangles' unique offerings.

The Bronx location is planned as a full-service restaurant, mirroring the experience found at Bojangles' locations in the Southeast. Customers can expect the complete menu, including those signature biscuits and the famous fried chicken, delivered with the chain's signature Southern hospitality. This signifies Bojangles' intention to offer a complete brand experience, not just a quick food stop, in this new market.

Beyond the Bronx: A Citywide Expansion Planned

While the Bronx marks the beginning, it's clearly not the end of Bojangles' New York City ambitions. The company's statements explicitly mention plans for "multiple locations throughout the city." While specific timelines and locations for these future restaurants remain under wraps, the initial Bronx launch serves as a test case and a proof of concept for the brand's viability in the New York market. Analysts predict that if the Bronx location proves successful, Bojangles' will likely target other boroughs with high foot traffic and diverse demographics, potentially including Brooklyn, Queens, and even Manhattan. The company will be closely monitoring consumer response, operational efficiency, and overall profitability in the Bronx before committing to a wider rollout.

What This Means for the Fast-Food Landscape

The arrival of Bojangles' into New York City represents a significant shakeup of the existing fast-food landscape. While the city boasts a vibrant culinary scene, Southern comfort food remains a relatively underserved niche. Bojangles' has the potential to capture a considerable market share by offering a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional fast-food chains. This expansion also signals a broader trend of regional fast-food chains attempting to broaden their national presence, capitalizing on the power of social media and consumer demand. Expect increased competition and potentially some menu adjustments as Bojangles' adapts its offerings to appeal to the sophisticated palates of New York City consumers.