Florence, SC, October 10, 2025
Bojangles
Founded in the early 1970s, Bojangles is a well-established fast-food restaurant chain specializing in Southern-style cuisine, particularly its signature fried chicken and flavorful biscuits. With a strong presence across South Carolina and other southeastern states, Bojangles has become a staple for quick, satisfying meals rooted in Southern culinary tradition. The chain has grown to over 150 locations in South Carolina alone, including recent innovative ventures such as a downtown Florence location that features a unique, historic building adaptation, local art displays, and future plans to serve alcohol. Bojangles continues to expand its menu and footprint, emphasizing quality, community connection, and a distinct Southern flavor.
News Summary
Florence, S.C. has welcomed the first Bojangles restaurant in South Carolina that will serve alcohol, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. Located at 130 S. Irby St., this new establishment features a unique menu and showcases local art, although it will not offer bone-in chicken or a drive-thru service. The soft opening took place amidst positive feedback regarding the restaurant’s ambiance and service. While alcohol is planned for future availability, it is currently not served. Free parking is provided for patrons, further enhancing accessibility.
Florence, S.C. is now home to the first Bojangles restaurant in South Carolina that serves alcohol, having officially opened on Thursday, October 9, 2025. This is not only a significant milestone for the popular fast-food chain but also an attraction for the local community.
The new Bojangles is situated at 130 S. Irby St. with a soft opening held that same day, as confirmed by downtown development manager Hannah Davis. However, it is important to note that while the restaurant will be serving alcohol in the future, beer and wine are currently not available.
Unlike traditional Bojangles locations, this downtown establishment will not feature bone-in chicken, nor will it have a drive-thru service. The design of the restaurant includes displays of local artists’ work, enhancing the ambiance and community feel. Based on initial customer feedback reported by district manager Monica Moten, patrons have responded positively to the restaurant’s fast service, cleanliness, and general cuteness.
To accommodate visitors, the restaurant offers free parking both on-site and in the adjacent Florence city parking garage, ensuring accessibility for all customers.
The plans for this downtown Bojangles were first announced in July 2024. While there were no delays in the construction process, it was necessary to adapt and reuse a historic building, which contributes to the restaurant’s unique character. It is expected that the downtown Bojangles will be smaller than traditional locations, with fewer menu items and less kitchen equipment due to its size constraints.
Potential offerings may include a unique menu with items such as milkshakes, lemonade, and cold-brew coffee, although final details regarding specific menu items remain unclear. The downtown location aims to benefit from the foot traffic generated by the nearby Francis Marion University campus, which adds a vibrant student population to the area.
This downtown Bojangles will be the first chain restaurant in Florence, joining a total of 14 local establishments. Presently, there are 146 Bojangles locations throughout South Carolina, including three in Florence and one in Lake City. Melanbo, one of the largest Bojangles franchise groups, is responsible for establishing this new location.
Florence is also on the brink of welcoming additional dining options, such as Panda Express, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Positano Italian Specialty Foods, thereby further enhancing its culinary landscape.
Key Features of the New Bojangles in Florence
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 130 S. Irby St., Florence, SC |
| Alcohol Service | Not currently available; planned for future |
| Menu Options | No bone-in chicken; potential offerings include milkshakes, lemonade, and cold-brew coffee |
| Parking | Available onsite and in adjacent free city parking garage |
| Unique Features | Local artists’ work displayed inside |
| Construction Timeline | Initial announcement in July 2024 |
| Franchise Group | Melanbo, one of the largest Bojangles franchise groups |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the Bojangles in Florence open?
- The restaurant opened on October 9, 2025.
- Where is the Bojangles located?
- The restaurant is located at 130 S. Irby St., Florence, SC.
- Is alcohol currently served at the Bojangles?
- No, beer and wine service will be available at a later date.
- Will the Bojangles have a drive-thru?
- No, this location will not include drive-thru service.
- What differences can we expect in the menu?
- The menu may include milkshakes, lemonade, and cold-brew coffee, but final items are not yet confirmed.
- Is parking available?
- Yes, free parking is available at the restaurant and in an adjacent city parking garage.
- What other dining options are coming to Florence?
- In addition to Bojangles, other new restaurants set to open include Panda Express and Dave’s Hot Chicken.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Francis Marion University Receives Grant for Student Support
Florence Restaurants Prepare for Mother’s Day Celebrations
Inmate Escape from Florence Work Program Ends in Capture
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Additional Resources
- WBTW: First South Carolina Bojangles to Serve Alcohol Opens in Florence
- Wikipedia: Bojangles
- SCNow: New Bojangles Location in Florence
- Google Search: Bojangles Florence
- Post and Courier: Bojangles Downtown Florence Restaurant
- Google Scholar: Bojangles Restaurant
- Post and Courier: Downtown Florence New Walk-Up Bojangles Opening Soon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bojangles Restaurant
- Post and Courier: Florence County Beer and Wine Sunday Sales
- Google News: Bojangles Florence
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
