Approximately how long does it take to open a Bojangles restaurant after an acceptable site is located and a Franchise Agreement is executed?
Bojangles Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
It is our experience that after an acceptable site has been located and a Franchise Agreement executed, it takes approximately 15 months (negotiating, documentation, permitting and construction) before a Restaurant is ready to open for business. Factors that may affect the time period from execution of the Agreement to the opening of the Restaurant include ability to obtain a lease, financing or building permits, zoning and local ordinances, weather conditions, shortages or delayed installation of equipment, fixtures and signs.
If you sign a Development Agreement, you must: (1) commence construction of and pay the franchise fee for each Restaurant by the earlier of the construction commencement deadline in the development schedule in the Development Agreement or within 270 days after site approval as required by the Franchise Agreement for the Restaurant; and (2) construct, furnish and open the Restaurant by the earlier of the opening deadline in the development schedule in the Development Agreement or within 180 days after the start of construction as required by the Franchise Agreement for the Restaurant. If you execute a Franchise Agreement, Individual Franchise Agreement or Bojangles Express Franchise Agreement not associated with a Development Agreement, you must obtain our approval of a site within 180 days after you sign the Franchise Agreement, commence construction within 270 days after site approval, and complete construction of the Restaurant and open for business within 180 days after the start of construction.
You may request an extension of the site approval deadline, construction commencement deadline, and opening deadline for a Restaurant if you submit your request at least 14 days before the deadline and pay the extension fee. Upon review, we may grant your extension request in our sole discretion. If we grant an extension on any deadline, we will determine the length of the extension at our sole option. We may consider a variety of factors in whether to grant an extension, including the diligence you have shown in developing the Restaurant. If we reject your extension request, then we will refund the extension fee to you. Extensions do not change any deadlines other than the particular deadline then being adjusted by the extension that is the subject of your request.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bojangles's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the typical timeframe to open a restaurant after securing an acceptable site and executing the Franchise Agreement is about 15 months. This period includes negotiating terms, completing necessary documentation, obtaining permits, and finishing construction. However, this 15-month estimate is subject to various factors that can either shorten or extend the timeline.
Several factors can influence the duration from signing the agreement to opening the restaurant. These include the franchisee's ability to secure a lease, obtain financing, and acquire building permits. Zoning regulations, local ordinances, and weather conditions can also play a significant role. Additionally, potential delays in equipment delivery, fixture installation, and signage can impact the opening timeline.
For franchisees entering into a Development Agreement with Bojangles, specific timelines are outlined for construction commencement and restaurant opening. Construction must begin, and the franchise fee paid, by the earlier of the deadline in the development schedule or within 270 days after site approval. The restaurant must then be constructed, furnished, and opened by the earlier of the opening deadline in the development schedule or within 180 days after construction starts. Franchisees who sign an Individual Franchise Agreement or Bojangles Express Franchise Agreement without a Development Agreement must secure site approval within 180 days of signing the agreement, start construction within 270 days of site approval, and complete construction and open within 180 days of starting construction.
Bojangles allows franchisees to request extensions for site approval, construction commencement, and opening deadlines, provided the request is submitted at least 14 days before the deadline, along with the required extension fee. The decision to grant an extension is at Bojangles's discretion, considering factors such as the franchisee's diligence in developing the restaurant. If the extension is denied, the extension fee will be refunded. It is important to note that extensions only modify the specific deadline requested and do not affect other deadlines.