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Bojangles' CEO discusses company's fast growth

September 21, 2012

Bojangles' CEO Randy Kibler appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box with Joe Kernen this week to discuss the company's fast-paced growth.

Currently, the chain includes 525 restaurants in 10 Southeastern states.

"Bojangles has been blessed with a fantastic 2012. Our same-store sales are up 8.5 percent, and that's over a very solid 2011, much better than most of the industry and we're growing, we're opening 40 restaurants this year," Kibler said. "In fact, there are 35 percent more Bojangles today than at the beginning of 2008. It's an exciting time for our brand."

Kibler also discussed Bojangles signature menu, including made-from-scratch biscuits, hand-breaded chicken and steeped iced tea made "the old-fashioned way."

He said Bojangles is one of few brands that have all three dayparts contributing to strong sales. Forty percent of the company's business, and 50 percent of all transactions, happen before 11 a.m. This, Kibler said, is when most of the brand's competitors are just getting started.

Finally, Kernen asked Kibler about Bojangles' food in light of recent efforts to offer healthier fare, citing New York City's ban on large sodas as an example.

"We are happy we operate in the Southeast," Kibler said. "We think nutrition is really about personal choice and moderation, not about government regulation. But we think the industry really hasn't gotten the credit it deserves for being progressive (on this issue)."

For example, Bojangles has worked with its vendors throughout the past several years to reduce calorie and salt levels. It also cooks its food in transfat-free oils.

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