What factors influence the upfitting costs for an existing facility to accommodate a Bojangles Express Restaurant?
Bojangles Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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4 Upfitting costs. The costs for upfitting an existing facility to accommodate a Bojangles Express Restaurant will vary depending on several factors, including whether an existing food or deli type facility is being converted, whether a drive-thru window is being added to the facility if none exists, the square footage and dimensions of the Bojangles Express Restaurant, which may vary from approximately 800 square feet to 3,800 square feet, whether a seating addition is added, the size required for the kitchen depending on the menu format adopted for the Bojangles Express Restaurant and the existence of adequate hood systems and HVAC. In some cases, part of the upfitting cost may be paid by the landlord with the expectation of increased rents based upon a percentage of sales.
5 Equipment, furniture, signage and fixtures.
Source: Item 9 — Initial inventory. The estimate covers initial inventory of products, including food and paper products, and cleaning, office and general supplies for the opening of the Restaurant. (FDD pages 27–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bojangles's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the costs to upfit an existing facility into a Bojangles Express Restaurant can vary widely based on several key factors. These include whether the existing facility was previously a food service establishment, such as a deli, which could reduce costs if some infrastructure is already in place. The addition of a drive-thru window, if one doesn't already exist, will also significantly impact costs. The size of the restaurant, which can range from approximately 800 to 3,800 square feet, is another major determinant.
The decision to add seating will also influence upfitting expenses, as will the size and complexity of the kitchen required, which depends on the specific menu format chosen for the Bojangles Express Restaurant. The presence of adequate hood systems and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems is also a factor; if these need to be installed or upgraded, it will add to the overall cost.
The FDD indicates that in some instances, the landlord may cover a portion of the upfitting costs, potentially in exchange for increased rent based on a percentage of sales. This is a common practice in commercial leasing, where landlords may invest in improvements to attract tenants and increase the property's value. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these factors and negotiate with landlords to potentially offset some of the upfitting expenses.
The estimated low amount for upfitting costs is $327,000, while the estimated high amount is $705,000. These costs are paid to contractors and suppliers as arranged and as incurred. It is important for potential franchisees to get detailed quotes and consider all these variables when budgeting for the conversion of an existing facility into a Bojangles Express Restaurant.