It’s no secret Bojangles is growing. With more than 830 restaurants already opened and a mission to increase to 1,000 in the next few years, the brand has ambitious expansion goals within the United States. If the idea of spearheading and executing those goals sounds like a monumental task, it is, and that’s exactly what excites Chief Development Officer (CDO) Jim Cannon.
Jim was named CDO nearly two years ago, and since his start, his primary focus has been to help develop and execute a strategic expansion plan. While doing this, he also was tasked with overseeing the construction of a new Support Center (more on that later). Jim, along with the help of OpCo and Franchise development teams, is achieving impressive expansion results. Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Orlando, Canton and Las Vegas are just some of the new markets Bojangles has entered within the last two years, and the list continues to grow.
Those successful market entries are not random. They are a part of the strategic expansion plan, and there’s a science to determining where Bojangles is going next. “We identify trends in consumer behavior, tap into new customer bases and increase the brand’s visibility within communities across the country that provide prime conditions for Bo’s growth,” Jim explained. “Once we study the demographics of a community, a site is selected, and then the team collaborates with real estate and construction experts in an insight-driven approach to ensure each new restaurant is tailored for the needs and preferences of the local community.”
From determining the correct restaurant size, optimizing the drive-thru layout, and even deciding the number of dining room seats to ensure a great guest experience, Jim and his team navigate hurdles and turn challenges into opportunities. Working with supply chain to meet the needs of new locations is a prime example of a challenge that turned into an opportunity, and it’s why the expansion plan is moving in a methodical manner across the country towards the West Coast. This approach allows the company to join new markets while developing and maintaining a robust supply chain to support growth.
As for the construction of a new Support Center, Jim has juggled his regular development duties while simultaneously helping create a plan for what will essentially be Bojangles’ new corporate headquarters. From new offices, expanded
conference rooms and an improved test kitchen, he has worked with Support Center team members, architects and construction crews to put the organization on a path to enter the new space in Spring 2025.
The reason Jim has the strategic knowledge to manage so many projects is because he has experience. Born and raised just outside of Boston, he attended Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts and eventually began working for Stride Rite, a children’s shoe manufacturer. He became a Construction Manager within the
company and learned the ins and outs of the development business. “I learned how to communicate with the stores nationwide to ensure they had all their necessary equipment and infrastructure,” Jim explained. “That’s where I learned the value of communication and planning.”