What started as a small Charlotte restaurant in 1977 has since grown into a beloved brand with over 800 locations across 17 states, known for its fried chicken, biscuits and sweet tea.
That’s right, we’re talking about Bojangles.
Tom Boland is the chief marketing officer of Bojangles. He’s responsible for marketing the chicken chain’s classics — including the Bo-Berry biscuit — as well as its new ideas. Before joining Bojangles in 2023, Boland worked with big names including Barstool Sports, WarnerMedia, and the WWE.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Boland about how Bojangles stays relevant in a fiercely competitive industry, how it innovates their menu and how it is expanding beyond the Southeast. They also discuss:
The magic of the “Bo-Berry” (and what a Bo-Berry is).
How the company uses data like in the movie “Moneyball” to make informed decisions.
How different parts of the country perceive Bojangles’ Southern menu as the company expands outside the South.
How Bojangles has turned customers’ menu hacks — like putting chicken supremes into hot dog buns — into standard menu items.
Why sports, including professional wrestling and football, is such a big part of Bojangles’ marketing.
Why Bojangles has a “cult-like following.”
How things are going with “Bo-linda,” the drive-thru’s AI-powered chatbot.
We hope you enjoy the conversation with Tom Boland.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 4 of our local newsletters:
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about The Charlotte Ledger
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news through e-newsletters and on a website. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing, or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and to tell a friend.
Social media: On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email support@cltledger.com.
Bo-Berries and other Bojangles innovations, with Tom Boland