Bojangles' Ranked No. 1 for Unit Growth in Chicken

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bojangles' , the rapidly growing quick-service restaurant franchise known for its uniquely seasoned and marinated chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, Dirty Rice® and Legendary Iced Tea®, was recently ranked No. 1 for percentage unit growth in the chicken segment by Technomic®, the leading fact-based consulting and research firm serving the food industry. Bojangles' showed 5.9 percent unit growth, a faster growth rate than larger competitors like Chick-fil-A, KFC, Popeyes and Zaxby's.

Furthermore, Bojangles' is the fastest growing freestanding, drive-thru, quick-service brand based on percentage unit growth, and the Charlotte-based company is the 48 ^th largest restaurant brand based on 2012 performance with an impressive 12.7 percent system sales increase from the previous year and a seven percent increase in same-store sales system wide. The Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report is an annual update of the restaurant industry as a whole with overall rankings based on total sales.

"Of course we're happy that these statistics prove what we have always known about the Bojangles' brand," said Eric Newman, Executive Vice President for Bojangles' Restaurants, Inc. "More importantly, it is an indicator that our customers are unfailingly loyal, and Bojangles' food maintains an excellence that is unparalleled in quick service."

Bojangles' attracts customers with its proprietary, made-from-scratch fare, offering a flavor profile unlike anything in the market and breakfast served all day. The menu features southern classics with Bojangles' one-of-a kind flavors, including fresh, never frozen, hand-breaded chicken, buttermilk biscuits, sandwiches, flavorful fixin's and Legendary Iced Tea ^® steeped the old-fashioned way.

For more about Bojangles' or to learn about franchising opportunities, visit www.bojangles-franchise.com . For more about Technomic, visit www.technomic.com .

About Bojangles' Restaurants Inc.

Founded in 1977 in Charlotte, N.C., Bojangles' Restaurants Inc. serves one-of-a-kind southern classics such as fresh, never frozen, hand-breaded chicken; buttermilk biscuits; sandwiches; flavorful fixin's and Legendary Iced Tea® steeped the old-fashioned way. The menu features proprietary, made-from-scratch fare, offering a flavor profile unlike anything in the market and serves breakfast all day. First franchised in 1978, Bojangles' boasts more than 550 locations in 10 states and Washington, D.C., primarily in the Southeast. In 2013, Bojangles' ranked number one for growth in the chicken category by Technomic; QSR magazine recognized Bojangles' in its list of Top 10 Franchise Opportunities as well as its Hall of Fame Category for repeating each year in its Best Franchise Opportunities, and the company ranked in the Top Five for food by Zagat among large fast food chains. Additionally, Inc. magazine has included Bojangles' in its list of fastest growing private companies for several years. For more information, visit www.bojangles-franchise.com .

About Technomic®

Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include numerous publications and digital products, as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry. www.technomic.com .

Media Contact: John Everette, Fishman PR (847) 239-8147 or