News Summary
Bojangles is set to open its first restaurant in Arizona, with construction beginning in Gilbert on September 22, 2024. This marks the fast-food chain’s entry into the state and is part of a larger plan to establish 20 locations in the metro Phoenix area by 2026. Located at Val Vista Drive and Mercy Road, the new restaurant will offer popular Southern-style meals, including fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea, catering to the growing demand for chicken. Local residents have expressed excitement for the brand’s debut in the Grand Canyon State.
Arizona is set to welcome its first Bojangles location, as construction officially began on September 22, 2024, in Gilbert. The anticipated opening of this new restaurant is expected in early 2026, marking a significant expansion for the popular North Carolina-based fast-food chain.
The new Bojangles will be strategically situated at the northeast corner of Val Vista Drive and Mercy Road in Gilbert, positioning it to attract customers from surrounding areas. This location will be the first of many for the chain in Arizona, as Bojangles has plans for a substantial market entry into the state.
In March 2024, Bojangles announced an ambitious expansion plan that includes opening 20 new locations in the metro Phoenix area. As the initial restaurant in Arizona, the Gilbert site is poised to serve the delicious Cajun-style fried chicken meals, signature biscuits, and refreshing sweet tea that Bojangles is celebrated for. The company operates roughly 800 restaurants across 15 states and is known for its unique Southern flavors and hospitality.
Jim Cannon, Bojangles’ Chief Development Officer, expressed optimism about welcoming the Phoenix community to the Bojangles experience, indicating that the brand’s Southern cuisine is expected to resonate well with local diners. The demand for chicken has surged across the market, making this the right time for Bojangles to enter the Arizona market.
The initiative to introduce Bojangles to Arizona was noted in a 2024 article by The Arizona Republic, where residents expressed their eagerness for the popular chain to arrive in the state. This sentiment was echoed by media critic Bill Goodykoontz, who highlighted the quality of Bojangles’ chicken, sweet tea, and biscuits, underscoring the significant anticipation for the restaurant’s debut among residents.
Diversified Partners LLC, a commercial real estate agency, facilitated the sale of the land in Gilbert for Bojangles’ development. Brandon Vasquez, Vice President of Brokerage & Development at Diversified Partners, provided commentary on the new restaurant’s construction, reflecting the growing interest in the region’s dining landscape.
Looking ahead, Bojangles has plans to establish a second location in Phoenix, targeted for an opening on Indian School Road near 99th Avenue, also expected in 2026. This roll-out highlights the chain’s commitment to becoming a staple of the Arizona dining experience.
While the initial two locations have been confirmed, no additional timelines or specific details for other Arizona sites have been disclosed at this time. The first Bojangles restaurant in Gilbert marks a pivotal moment for fans of Southern cuisine and those eager to experience the brand for the first time in the Grand Canyon State.
As the development nears completion, excitement continues to grow within the community, paving the way for what is expected to be a successful entrance into the competitive fast-food market in Arizona.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Arizona’s First Bojangles Location in Gilbert – AZCentral
- Bojangles to Open in Gilbert – ABC15
- Bojangles Gilbert Restaurant – AZCentral
- First Two Arizona Bojangles Locations Opening – Phoenix New Times
- Bojangles to Open 20 New Locations in Arizona – Hoodline
- Wikipedia: Bojangles’
- Google Search: Bojangles chicken Arizona
- Google Scholar: Bojangles restaurant expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bojangles
- Google News: Bojangles news Arizona
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.
