October 5, 2025

Bojangles Begins Construction on First Arizona Location

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.