Is a Bojangles franchisee permitted to lease or finance the equipment and fixtures in their first restaurant?

According to Bojangles's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a new franchisee is explicitly required to purchase the equipment and fixtures for their first restaurant outright. The agreement states that franchisees must pay in full and are not permitted to lease or finance these items for their initial Bojangles location. This requirement is part of the duties outlined for the franchisee within the franchise agreement.

This stipulation has significant financial implications for prospective franchisees. It means they must have sufficient capital available to cover the full cost of equipment and fixtures upfront, which can be a substantial investment. This policy likely aims to ensure that new franchisees have a strong financial foundation and are fully committed to the business from the outset.

While this may present a higher initial barrier to entry, it could also lead to long-term benefits. Owning the equipment outright avoids ongoing lease or finance payments, potentially improving profitability over time. Additionally, it gives the franchisee full control over these assets, allowing for flexibility in future upgrades or sales. Franchisees should carefully consider this requirement and ensure they have adequate funding before entering into a franchise agreement with Bojangles.