Does Bojangles offer direct or indirect financing for any part of the initial investment for a Bojangles franchise?
Bojangles Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
10 Total. We relied on our affiliate's experience in operating Bojangles Express Restaurants and outside sources of consultation to derive our estimates for these additional funds. You should review these figures carefully with a business advisor, a certified public accountant with relevant industry experience and/or your attorney before making any decision to purchase the franchise. We do not offer any financing directly or indirectly for any part of the initial investment.
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Low Amount | Estimated High Amount | Method of Payment | When Due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee1 | $20,000 | $20,000 | Lump Sum | At signing of Franchise Agreement | Us |
| Insurance2 | $5,000 | $21,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Insurers |
| Pre-opening salaries, training materials, travel, living expenses during initial training3 | $144,550 | $166,500 | As arranged and as incurred | During training | Employees, suppliers of food, training materials and lodging |
| Upfitting costs4 | $327,000 | $705,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Contractors and Suppliers |
| Equipment, furniture, | $231,000 | $702,500 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers |
| signage and fixtures5 | |||||
| Initial inventory6 | $20,000 | $62,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers |
| Utility deposits & business licenses7 | $220 | $23,500 | As arranged | As incurred | Utility Companies, Government Authorities |
| Additional funds8 | $30,900 | $186,400 | As arranged | As incurred | Employees, |
| (3 months initial | insurers, | ||||
| phase) | suppliers | ||||
| Total10 | $778,670 | $1,886,900 | (Does not include real estate acquisition or leasehold costs.9) |
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, Bojangles does not offer direct or indirect financing for any part of the initial investment. The total estimated initial investment to open a Bojangles Express Restaurant ranges from $778,670 to $1,886,900, excluding real estate acquisition or leasehold costs. This means prospective franchisees must secure funding through their own means, such as personal savings, loans, or other external financing options.
Given that Bojangles does not provide financing, franchisees should carefully review their financial resources and explore all available funding avenues. This may involve preparing a detailed business plan to present to potential lenders, assessing personal creditworthiness, and understanding the terms and conditions of any loans or financing agreements. Franchisees should also consult with financial advisors to determine the most suitable financing strategy for their individual circumstances.
The lack of direct financing from Bojangles is not uncommon in the franchise industry, as many franchisors do not offer financial assistance. However, this places a greater responsibility on the franchisee to manage their finances effectively and secure the necessary capital to launch and sustain their business. While Bojangles requires that for your first Bojangles Restaurant you pay in full for the equipment package and avoid equipment financing, they may, at their option, extend this requirement for additional Restaurants that you develop.
Prospective franchisees should also consider the various costs associated with opening a Bojangles Express Restaurant, including the $20,000 franchise fee, upfitting costs ranging from $327,000 to $705,000, and equipment, furniture, signage, and fixtures costs ranging from $231,000 to $702,500. Additionally, franchisees will need to cover initial inventory costs, utility deposits, business licenses, pre-opening salaries, training materials, travel, living expenses during initial training, and additional funds for the first three months of operation. These costs highlight the significant financial commitment required to become a Bojangles franchisee.