Acorn Food Group, LLC, a Bojangles’ franchise group based in Jasper, Ga., was recently honored with a 2013 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Bojangles’ is a Southern culinary staple known for its world-famous chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits and Legendary Iced Tea. The group is being recognized for its dedication to the principles of free enterprise and its contributions to restoring jobs and prosperity.
Acorn Food Group, LLC, led by Franchise Partner Kristal Beaver, opened the Jasper Bojangles’ in 2006. The franchise group recently opened a second location in Canton, Ga., as well. Beaver and the group immediately began partnering with local churches, charities, and non-profits, operating under the motto of, “Yes is the answer, what is the question?”
Through the countless positive relationships they have built in the community, loyal customers flocked to the restaurant to the tune of more than $2 million in sales in 2012. The Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, which Beaver describes as “wonderful and supportive”, put together the award nomination on behalf of Bojangles’ last year, surprising Beaver and her team when the announcement was made.
“We are humbled and honored to receive this award on behalf of Bojangles’,” said Beaver. “This job is more than just a business to us, it is a calling, and we’re proud to represent the brand in our local communities.”
This year’s 100 Blue Ribbon winners were selected from a record number of nationwide applicants and will be honored at America’s Small Business Summit 2013, which will be held from April 29 – May 1 in Washington, D.C.
“The Blue Ribbon Award winners show that, even facing uncertainty and economic challenges, small businesses can grow and succeed,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber President and CEO. “They are America’s economic engine, driving growth and job creation all across this country.”
For more information about Bojangles’, visit www.bojangles.com. For more information about the Bojangles’ franchise opportunity, visit www.bojangles-franchise.com.
Founded in 1977 in Charlotte, N.C., Bojangles’ Restaurants Inc. serves only the highest quality and most flavorful food to its loyal customers, with all of its proprietary menu items made from scratch. A special blend of seasonings gives the food its unique flavor, including Bojangles’ core menu selections of seasoned chicken, fresh-made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits and Legendary Iced Tea steeped the old-fashioned way. Bojangles’ also offers biscuit sandwiches that are served all day. Unique sides like Dirty Rice, Cajun Pintos and Seasoned Fries are just a few of the flavorful fixin’ choices. First franchised in 1978, Bojangles’ boasts more than 530 locations in 10 states and Washington, D.C., primarily in the Southeast.
In the 2012 Nation’s Restaurant News survey, Bojangles’ ranked number one in terms of growth in the chicken category. QSR magazine recognized Bojangles’ in its list of 2012 Top 10 Franchise Opportunities and GE Capital listed the brand as one of its Top 10 Growth Concepts in 2010. Inc magazine has included Bojangles’ in its list of fastest growing private companies for several years. Bojangles’ also ranked in the top five in the large chain restaurant category for food in Zagat’s 2012 Survey of Favorite Fast-Food chains. The company’s strong performance in all three day parts, breakfast all day and its “made-from-scratch” recipes set Bojangles’ apart from all other restaurants. For more information about Bojangles’, visit www.bojangles.com. For more information about the Bojangles’ franchise opportunity, visit www.bojangles-franchise.com.
