Bojangles Honors Franchise Excellence with 2025 Awards

Awards celebrate standout leadership in operations, growth, innovation, brand stewardship and community impact

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bojangles proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 Franchise Awards, honoring its franchisees who exemplify the brand’s values through consistent operational excellence, market growth, innovation, brand stewardship and meaningful community engagement across the Bojangles system.

In the Opening Week Sales Awards category, Jeannette Davis of LVP Restaurant Group was recognized for leading a high-energy Las Vegas debut that delivered outstanding sales results and strong market excitement in March of this year, while Sanjay Patel of ADS Restaurant Group in Piscataway, New Jersey, was honored for an exceptional launch execution in April that drove early demand and positioned his new restaurant for accelerated growth in the region. Both openings achieved all-time record weekly sales for the brand.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognized Jeff Rigsby, who started as a company employee and later became the largest franchisee in the Bojangles system. Rigsby grew BOJ of WNC from six Asheville-area restaurants in 2001 to more than 120 locations across six states. His leadership includes a landmark 45-unit expansion commitment announced in 2021 and a track record of entering emerging markets. Rigsby’s ability to scale with excellence, build strong teams and champion brand standards makes him one of Bojangles’ most enduring contributors.

The Brand Stewardship Awards recognize franchisees who elevate the Bojangles experience through strategic remodels, modernized facilities and thoughtful reinvestment in their restaurants. The 2025 winners include:

• Mark and Jennifer Kiskunas, Bo Benton: Owners of 12 Bojangles restaurants across Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina, the Kiskunases are recognized for completing two remodels in one year, maintaining their commitment to modern, inviting environments that elevate the guest experience. Beyond physical remodels, they are known for cultivating a strong, team-first culture under their “Bo-Family” philosophy and for being deeply engaged community partners across the Myrtle Beach region.

• Raj & Neil Pathak, Bo Ventures / Star Enterprises: Raj and Neil Pathak oversee a multi-unit enterprise built on strong family leadership and a disciplined approach to operations. Their organization – which includes 12 Bojangles restaurants across the Charlotte region and South Carolina – is recognized for leading a series of remodels across six locations, with more on the way.

• Stan Seymour, RoBo: With more than 25 years as a franchisee, Seymour is honored for his commitment to elevating the Bojangles brand through a full-scale remodel in Salem, Virginia. His thoughtful facility improvements, focus on operational quality and strong alignment with brand standards help set the tone for his markets.

The Community Brand Ambassador Awards are given to franchisees who exemplify Bojangles’ commitment to community engagement and serving guests with dedication and passion. The 2025 winners include:

• Eldon & Collette Hyde, Sun Restaurants Corporation: The Hydes, who have proudly represented Bojangles internationally in Roatan, Honduras, for 27 years, are celebrated for representing Bojangles with a deep commitment to education. They have built a new classroom every year for local schools and ensured every child in grades 1 – 6 started the year with a backpack full of supplies.

• Rick Mays, Bo’s Hospitality Group: Mays is recognized for being a community-driven leader whose involvement in Athens, Tennessee, embodies the essence of Bojangles hospitality. He partners with local schools, churches and community organizations by sponsoring tournaments, supporting school lunches and providing meals for families in need.

Raj and Neil Pathak of Bo Ventures/Star Enterprises earned the Technology Achievement Award for their forward-looking approach to digital innovation and operational technology, leveraging early adoption and thoughtful integration to enhance speed, accuracy and efficiency across their restaurants.

The Star Performer Awards honor franchisees whose operational excellence and dedication to the guest experience have set an industry benchmark. The 2025 winners include:

• Justin Haddock, New Generation Foods: Haddock is honored for consistent operational excellence, sales growth and a commitment to leading high-performing teams across his 12 restaurants throughout Huntsville, Alabama.

• Eddie Frazier & Matthew Frazier, Frazier Service Co.: The Fraziers are recognized for their track record of strong results in sales and operational excellence as well as a commitment to reinvestment at their location in Columbia, South Carolina.

• Stan Seymour, RoBo: Seymour is celebrated for his consistent operational excellence and deep-rooted dedication to quality, with eight restaurants throughout Virginia.

• Phil Trigg & Sam Trigg, Trigg Enterprises: The Triggs have achieved strong sales by consistently delivering reliable performance and contributing positively to the guest experience, with five locations in Tennessee and Virginia.

• Tommy & Donna Haddock, Tri-Arc Food Systems: Celebrating 45 years with Bojangles, the Haddocks are honored for their ongoing leadership and dedication to operational quality, team engagement and the continued success of their high-performing restaurants. They own more than 30 restaurants in the Triad area and Virginia.

“At Bojangles, we’re growing, innovating and expanding into new markets – and that momentum starts with our exceptional franchisee partners,” said David Whitaker, Chief Operating Officer at Bojangles. “These honorees embody the discipline, creativity and passion that define our brand. We’re grateful for their leadership and proud to celebrate their achievements.”

For photos of the award ceremony, click here.

About Bojangles, Inc.

Bojangles is a Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable Southern food made by hand from real recipes. Founded in 1977 as a single location in Charlotte, N.C., the beloved brand continues to grow – currently at around 800 company owned and franchised restaurants – bringing its focus on food and people along with it. For more information about Bojangles’ handcrafted approach to food and community impact, visit www.bojangles.com. To join in on the fan fun, follow Bojangles on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.