News Summary
Bojangles has officially started construction on its inaugural Arizona restaurant in Gilbert, slated to open in early 2026. This location marks the chain’s first entry into the state, with plans for a total of 20 new locations in the greater metro Phoenix area. Known for its Cajun-style fried chicken and Southern cuisine, Bojangles is capitalizing on the growing demand for chicken in the region. The Gilbert site is set to attract customers in a high-traffic area and will be followed by more expansions in Arizona.
Arizona—Bojangles has officially begun construction on its first Arizona location in Gilbert, with plans for the restaurant to open in early 2026. This new venue will be situated at the northeast corner of Val Vista Drive and Mercy Road, marking the chain’s initial foray into the state.
The Gilbert restaurant represents the first of a total of 20 new Bojangles locations planned for the greater metro Phoenix area. The North Carolina-based chain is well-known for its Cajun-style fried chicken meals, biscuits, and sweet tea, which have garnered a dedicated following across the Eastern United States. Currently, Bojangles operates approximately 800 restaurants spread across 15 states.
Bojangles announced its expansion into Arizona in March 2024, highlighting the growing demand for chicken in the region as a key motivator for this move. The company has expressed confidence in the appeal of its menu items within the Phoenix market, given a recent survey conducted by The Arizona Republic that recognized Bojangles as a sought-after restaurant chain in the state for 2024.
Jim Cannon, Chief Development Officer of Bojangles, has stated that the company plans to continue expanding its footprint in Arizona with more locations, the second of which is slated for the Phoenix area, located on Indian School Road, and also expected to open in 2026.
According to market insights, the success of fast-food restaurant chains often hinges on their adaptability and ability to innovate menus for different markets. In this regard, Bojangles has shown a commitment to meeting local tastes and preferences throughout its U.S. operations. This strategy is expected to resonate well with residents in Arizona.
The development of the Gilbert location is being facilitated through Diversified Partners LLC, a real estate agency involved in securing the land for the restaurant. The Gilbert Bojangles will be located just north of a Chipotle restaurant, potentially placing it in a high-traffic area conducive to attracting customers from various demographics.
As Bojangles looks to establish a foothold in Arizona, it is also on the lookout for franchisees who can help expand the brand’s reach. The company is focusing on a strategic expansion to meet the increasing demand for chicken, especially within vibrant markets such as the Phoenix area.
Bojangles’ menu, which features signature items like its fried chicken, flaky biscuits, and freshly brewed sweet tea, has received positive recognition, with media critic Bill Goodykoontz praising the food quality. This favorable reception may help fuel the enthusiasm around the brand’s entry into the Arizona market.
Overall, Bojangles’ plans for expansion in Arizona represent a significant step toward meeting consumer demand and branching out into new territories. With its first location set to open in Gilbert and additional sites on the horizon, Bojangles aims to become a staple in the local dining landscape by early 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZCentral: Bojangles Gilbert Restaurant
- Phoenix New Times: Arizona Bojangles Locations
- ABC15: Bojangles Opening in Gilbert
- Google Search: Bojangles Arizona Expansion
- Hoodline: Bojangles Expansion in Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bojangles
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
