Charleston, SC, January 14, 2026
Bojangles’, the well-known Southern culinary chain, has seen significant growth since its acquisition by private equity firms in 2019. With plans for expansion and modernization of its locations, Bojangles’ remains committed to its Southern heritage while adapting its menu to new markets. This transformation emphasizes the importance of regional brands in fueling local economic growth and showcases the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in South Carolina’s restaurant sector.
Charleston, SC
Bojangles’ Thrives Post-Acquisition: What It Means for South Carolina’s Economic Landscape
A major Carolinas-based culinary chain, known for its distinctive Southern flavors, including its popular coffee and breakfast offerings, underwent a significant change in ownership, drawing attention to the dynamic nature of regional businesses within the national economic framework. This strategic acquisition by national investment firms has not only reshaped the company’s trajectory but also highlighted ongoing trends in entrepreneurial innovation and expansion across South Carolina.
In a move that underscored the value of established regional brands, Charlotte, NC-based Bojangles’ was acquired by private equity firms Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company, L.P. in an all-cash transaction that concluded on January 28, 2019. This acquisition transitioned the fast-food chain into a privately held company, though its headquarters proudly remained in Charlotte, North Carolina. The new ownership group articulated a clear vision: to strengthen operations and significantly expand the brand’s market presence, showcasing a commitment to leveraging existing strengths for future growth.
This event serves as a compelling case study for South Carolina entrepreneurs and the broader Charleston County economy, illustrating how private investment can fuel the expansion of successful local ventures, propelling them onto a larger stage while ideally preserving their core identity and regional appeal. The subsequent growth trajectory of Bojangles’ across the Southeast, including its robust presence and continued investment in South Carolina, reflects a positive economic ripple effect from such strategic financial partnerships.
Private Investment Fuels Regional Expansion
The acquisition of Bojangles’ by national private equity firms underscored a belief in the inherent value and growth potential of well-loved regional brands. Rather than dissolving its unique character, the new ownership aimed to enhance the chain’s operational efficiencies and broaden its geographic footprint. This approach aligns with a business philosophy that sees private investment as a catalyst for growth, enabling companies to scale effectively and introduce their proven models to new markets.
Private equity involvement often brings not just capital, but also strategic expertise, operational improvements, and a disciplined focus on market expansion. For Bojangles’, this meant maintaining its strong Southern heritage while strategically planning for future development. This kind of investment empowers regional enterprises to overcome potential capital limitations, fostering greater job creation and contributing to the overall Lowcountry economic growth and the wider state economy.
Bojangles’ Strategic Growth Across the Carolinas and Beyond
Since the 2019 acquisition, Bojangles’ has demonstrated a robust expansion strategy. As of October 8, 2025, the company operates 852 restaurants across the United States. While its roots are firmly planted in the Carolinas, its growth extends nationwide. North Carolina boasts the highest concentration of Bojangles’ locations with 348 restaurants, representing approximately 41% of the national total. South Carolina follows with a significant presence of 151 locations, accounting for around 18% of all Bojangles’ restaurants.
The commitment to growth is further evidenced by the company’s recent development achievements. In 2023, Bojangles’ expanded its pipeline by an impressive 270 units and successfully opened 40 new restaurants, with 10 of these marking entries into entirely new markets. Looking ahead, the company continues to focus on national franchise growth, with plans for additional openings in both existing and new territories, including further development within Columbia, South Carolina, in 2025. This steady expansion illustrates a dynamic business model, capitalizing on existing market strength while exploring new opportunities.
Columbia Stores See Investment and Modernization
The impact of this forward-looking strategy is tangibly felt in key South Carolina cities like Columbia. Far from diminishing local presence, the investment has led to modernization and expansion. A notable example is the Bojangles’ location at 4301 Fort Jackson Boulevard in Columbia. In 2024, this site underwent a complete transformation, involving the demolition of the previous structure and the construction of a larger, more efficient restaurant. The new establishment, which reopened on August 27, 2024, now spans approximately 3,100 square feet and features two drive-thru lanes, a significant upgrade from its former 2,600 square foot, single drive-thru configuration.
This reinvestment in existing locations, coupled with plans for new stores, highlights a commitment to enhancing customer experience and operational capacity in crucial regional markets. Across the Midlands, including Columbia, there are currently 25 Bojangles’ locations, serving as vital community hubs and contributing to local employment and economic activity.
A Menu Reflecting Southern Heritage and Market Adaptation
Bojangles’ maintains its reputation for Southern-inspired cuisine, featuring Cajun-seasoned fried chicken, its signature made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, and Legendary Iced Tea®. The popular breakfast menu is available all day, catering to a wide range of customer preferences. This commitment to its core offerings has been a cornerstone of its enduring appeal.
In parallel with its growth, Bojangles’ has also shown a strategic willingness to adapt its offerings for new markets. Its expansion strategy, launched in 2021, introduced an all-new boneless chicken menu designed to deliver the chain’s bold Southern flavors. This streamlined menu includes items such as the Bo’s Chicken Biscuit for breakfast and the Bo’s Chicken Sandwich and Bo’s Chicken Tenders for lunch and dinner, specifically in new territories, without replacing the traditional bone-in chicken in its established core markets. This dual approach allows the brand to honor its heritage while innovating for broader appeal and operational efficiency in diverse regions.
The Broader Charleston and South Carolina Coffee Scene
Beyond this large-scale acquisition, the broader coffee industry in Charleston SC business community and across South Carolina continues to demonstrate remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and economic vitality. Local businesses and national brands alike are investing in the region, recognizing its vibrant consumer base and favorable economic climate.
For instance, Charleston Coffee Roasters, a craft coffee roasting company established in 2005, announced a significant expansion in Charleston County in 2021. This $2.2 million investment was projected to create 28 new jobs, further solidifying the local coffee industry’s contribution to the Charleston County economy. Meanwhile, Mudhouse Coffee Roasters, originally from Virginia, chose Charleston for its fifth retail outpost in 2023, marking its first venture outside its home state and signaling Charleston’s appeal as a prime location for new businesses. [cite: 8, 10 of prev search]
National coffee chains are also recognizing the potential within South Carolina. 7 Brew Coffee, a rapidly expanding national drive-thru chain with over 220 locations nationwide, including six in South Carolina, is set to open its first Charleston-area shop in Summerville in late 2024. Similarly, Clutch Coffee, a Carolinas drive-thru chain, began its expansion into Charleston with its first Mount Pleasant location in 2025. Additionally, Canal Coffee Co., a family-owned, Carolina-based drive-thru coffee shop, expanded its presence in South Carolina with a new location in Lexington in 2025, contributing to its nine stores across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. [cite: 9, 11, 13 of prev search]
Even smaller, more specialized coffee shops are adapting. In Columbia, Cool Beans Coffee Co. continues to operate at its long-standing location despite the University of South Carolina Development Foundation purchasing the property, ensuring its continued service to the community. Another Columbia establishment, Bitty & Beau’s, known for its mission to employ individuals with intellectual disabilities, closed its Vista location for renovation and a rebrand, demonstrating local entrepreneurial resilience and adaptation. [cite: 14, 17 of prev search]
Conclusion
The evolution of Bojangles’ following its acquisition by national investment firms exemplifies the potential for regional businesses to achieve substantial growth and expansion while retaining their core values. The continued investment in locations like those in Columbia, coupled with strategic menu adaptations, highlights a proactive approach to maintaining market relevance and fostering economic vitality. This narrative resonates throughout the thriving South Carolina entrepreneurs landscape, where both established brands and innovative newcomers contribute to a robust and diverse economy. From significant corporate acquisitions to local coffee shop expansions, Charleston and the broader state stand as a testament to the power of private initiative and strategic investment in driving progress and opportunity. We encourage our readers to continue supporting all Charleston small business and state-level enterprises, playing an active role in shaping the promising future of the Lowcountry economic growth.
Key Features of Bojangles’ Post-Acquisition Growth
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition Date | January 28, 2019 | Nationwide |
| Acquiring Entities | Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company, L.P. (private equity firms) | Nationwide |
| Headquarters Post-Acquisition | Remained in Charlotte, NC | State-level |
| Total U.S. Locations (Oct 2025) | 852 restaurants | Nationwide |
| South Carolina Locations | 151 restaurants (18% of U.S. total) | State-level |
| Columbia Store Rebuild | Fort Jackson Blvd. location reopened August 27, 2024, as a larger 3,100 sq ft store with two drive-thru lanes | State-level |
| Key Menu Offerings | Cajun-seasoned fried chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, Legendary Iced Tea®, all-day breakfast | Nationwide |
| New Market Menu Strategy | Streamlined menu focusing on boneless chicken items for new territories | Nationwide |
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