What is the secret to longevity? If you ask Charlie Lentz, a 105-year-old Bojangles fan, he’ll say a 2-piece leg and thigh combo from Bojangles every Sunday after church. On a sunny Sunday afternoon in March, Charlie finished up the 11 o’clock church service at Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church and headed over to Bojangles. Dressed to the nines in a suit and tie, he walked in with his daughter Gale, expecting to uphold his Sunday afternoon tradition, but instead walked into a birthday celebration to mark more than a century of life with more than 100 of his closest friends and family members.
Alongside his daughter, Charlie was ushered to a throne fit for a king and a sparkling Bojangles crown awaiting its rightful wearer. As he stood and posed for photos, Charlie was crowned the honorary king of Bojangles for the day while his guests were treated to Bojangles favorites.
Charlie Lentz is no ordinary centenarian. With a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step, he is a hero to so many, including the employees of the Bojangles on New Walkertown Road in Winston Salem, NC. For Charlie, Bojangles chicken and biscuits have been more than just a meal; they have been a source of comfort, joy and connection for years. As Charlie blew out the candles on Bo-Berry biscuits and partygoers sang happy birthday, everyone reflected on his journey through more than a century of highs and lows – a reminder that the key to a fulfilling life lies in seizing the moment and sharing time with those who matter most.
After all, as Charlie would be the first to tell you, life is too short to pass up chances, including the chance for a Bojangles meal and a whole lot of love.
Happy 105th birthday, Charlie!