Charlotte-based Bojangles’ Inc. does not need major changes, incoming CEO Clifton Rutledge said recently, because the core menu of chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea is powering the company to steady growth. The 30-year restaurant industry veteran has held posts at KFC and TCBY. His most recent job was chief operations officer of the 740-unit Whataburger chain, a regional restaurant group headquartered in San Antonio. Rutledge takes the helm on January 27. Current CEO Randy Kibler will become chairman of the company’s board of directors.
Rutledge told the Charlotte Observer that Bojangles’ is on track to reach the $1 billion mark in sales for the first time this year. Rutledge said he plans to continue the company’s strategy of growing in its core Southeast markets, rather than expanding more rapidly to far-flung locales.
Since then, Bojangles’ has rebounded. The company now has about 575 stores in 10 states, and plans to open 55 more this year, Rutledge said. The stores will be a mix of franchised and corporate locations. “We want to grow smart, and grow in the right communities,” he said. He also said he doesn’t anticipate any major menu overhauls. Bojangles’ has largely relied on its core items. “I think that’s important: Do what you do and do it well,” Rutledge said.
Bojangles’ had sales totaling $870 million in 2012, up from $575 million in 2007. The majority of its restaurants are in the Carolinas.
