New York City foodies have seen it all. We’ve got $30 gold-leaf burgers and dollar slices that honestly taste better. But right now, the city is buzzing about something way more humble: Bojangles. The legendary North Carolina fried chicken and biscuit chain finally made its big return to the five boroughs this January, and people are actually losing their minds.
If you weren't around in the 80s, you might not realize this isn't technically their first rodeo here. They had a brief run back in the day, including a spot on Manhattan's Sixth Avenue that eventually folded in 2007. But 2026 is a different beast. This isn't just one random shop opening; the Bojangles New York City expansion is a massive, calculated ten-year takeover.
The Brooklyn Launch: Church Avenue is Seeing Stars
On January 12, 2026, the first outpost officially opened at 5910 Church Ave. in East Flatbush. I’m talking 24/7 service. Basically, if you want a Cajun Filet Biscuit at 4:00 AM, you can get one.
The crowd on opening day was pretty wild. People were lined up for blocks. Why? Well, Bojangles gave away free breakfast for a year to the first ten customers. But even after the prizes were gone, the line didn't move. New Yorkers are suckers for "real" Southern food, and Bojangles brings that scratch-made energy that's hard to find in a city dominated by frozen patties.
Habib Hashimi is the man behind the curtain here. His company, Hashimi Holding Corporation, signed a 20-unit deal to bring these stores to life across the city over the next decade. He’s not a rookie either; the guy has a background running Popeyes and Dairy Queens. He knows the NYC grind.
What’s Different This Time?
Honestly, the menu at the Brooklyn spot isn't a carbon copy of what you’d find in Charlotte. There’s a catch that has some purists a bit annoyed. To keep things moving fast in the "city that never sleeps," this location is serving boneless chicken only.
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- The Menu Staples: You’ve still got the Bo-Berry Biscuits (the ones with the blueberry and icing).
- The "Fixins": Seasoned fries, dirty rice, and mac and cheese are all present and accounted for.
- The Beverage: Their Legendary Iced Tea is basically a requirement if you're eating there.
- The Vibe: The dining room shuts down at midnight, but that drive-thru is a 24-hour lifeline.
Why This Expansion Actually Matters for NYC Business
This isn't just about fried chicken. It’s a signal. When a brand like Bojangles—which is so deeply rooted in the Southeast—decides to drop 20 locations in New York and another 35 in New Jersey, it means they see a massive gap in the "fast-casual breakfast" market.
Most NYC breakfast is either a bodega BEC (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese) or a sit-down brunch that costs $40. Bojangles is sliding right into that middle ground. They are banking on the fact that we want high-quality biscuits at a fast-food price point.
CEO Jose Armario called this a "monumental moment." He’s right. The brand has over 850 locations now and they’re pushing for 1,000. NYC is the ultimate proving ground. If you can make a Southern biscuit work in Brooklyn, you can make it work anywhere.
The Competition is Stiff
Let’s be real. Within a mile of that new East Flatbush spot, you’ve got:
- Popeyes
- Raising Cane’s (which has been expanding like crazy too)
- Chick-fil-A
- KFC
It’s a literal chicken war. Bojangles is trying to win by owning the breakfast hours and the late-night drive-thru crowd. Most of those other guys aren't open 24/7, and almost none of them do biscuits from scratch every 20 minutes. That’s the "secret sauce."
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The Roadmap: Where Are the Next 19 Stores Going?
While the Church Avenue spot is the "launching pad," Hashimi hasn't released the exact addresses for the next 19 locations yet. However, based on the franchise strategy, we can make some very educated guesses.
They are looking for "going-to-work" traffic arteries. Think major intersections in Queens (maybe Long Island City or Astoria) and potentially high-foot-traffic areas in the Bronx. Manhattan is tougher because of the real estate costs, but with a 10-year plan, it’s inevitable.
The company is also pushing hard into New Jersey. They recently opened in Piscataway, and with 35 more Jersey stores coming, they are basically encircling the city.
Is the Hype Real?
I’ve had people ask me if it’s actually better than Popeyes. Look, it’s different. Bojangles has a specific "Cajun" spice profile that hits the back of your throat. It’s not just salty; it’s seasoned. And the biscuits... look, if you haven't had a Bo-Berry Biscuit, you’re missing out on a top-tier fast food dessert.
But it’s not perfect. The "boneless only" thing is a gamble. Part of the Bojangles experience for Southerners is the bone-in fried chicken. By removing that, they risk feeling like "just another tender shop." We’ll see if the New York crowd cares or if they’re just happy to have the biscuits.
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What to Do if You’re Heading to the East Flatbush Location
If you're planning a pilgrimage to 5910 Church Ave, here is the move.
Don't just go for lunch. Go for the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit in the morning. It’s arguably their best item. And if you're driving, use the drive-thru after midnight—it's surprisingly efficient for a brand-new NYC opening.
What’s Next for the Bojangles Expansion
Expect more announcements by mid-2026 regarding the second and third locations. The company is currently watching the metrics on the Brooklyn store like a hawk. If the 24/7 model holds up without too much "city drama," they’ll likely fast-track the next few builds.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Investors:
- Check the App: Bojangles usually runs location-specific deals through their app for new market entries. It's the best way to snag a free biscuit.
- Monitor Real Estate News: Watch for commercial lease filings in Queens and the Bronx; that’s where the "20-unit deal" will likely manifest next.
- Taste the Competition: Compare the Bojangles Cajun Filet to the Raising Cane’s sandwich in Times Square. The difference in seasoning is where you'll see why Bojangles has such a cult following.
The South has officially arrived in Brooklyn. It’s loud, it’s buttery, and it’s open all night.