North Carolina Based Iconic Fast Food Franchise Moving Westward

According to Eat This, a North Carolina-based fast food chain is growing. We know all about Bojangles in the Carolinas, but the rest of the nation is starting to get a taste.

Our beloved Bojangles has 800 restaurants in 15 states, announced this week that it will open 30 new locations in the West. These include 20 locations in Las Vegas and 10 additional locations inside TravelCenters of America across Western markets.

Bojangles CEO Jose Armario said, "This expansion represents an incredible opportunity to share Bojangles with the Las Vegas community. The city's energy and unparalleled entertainment aligns with our brand's commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences."

Earlier this year the CEO announced they are experimenting with a different menu that doesn't include bone-in fried chicken at some locations. This is a big deal for Bojangles. Bone-in chicken has been a delicious part of their offerings since the chain was founded in 1977.

The Bojangles CEO added, that the smaller menus will focus on chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and Southern-style sides. They will also continue Bojangles' breakfast items. So far, sales have been very good with this menu.

So the folks out west are about to experience the tasty chicken and biscuits from Bojangles. Also the real southern sweet tea. This could cause a taste bud explosion out west!

People have strong opinions about their fast food chains. Especially the more regional chains. But did you know that North Carolina was the birthplace of several fast food restaurants? I for sure have a clear favorite on this list. Though I also have strong opinions about some of the newer locations they've opened. My own personal "walk uphill both ways" bias.

Did your favorite North Carolina fast food chain main the list? Did we miss some? Let us know!

You can't convince me there is a better deal than a Cookout tray. The milkshakes, the "side" options, it's top notch. Cookout was founded in Greenboro in 1989 and now has more than 250 restaurants across the south.

Can you imagine life without cajun chicken, bo-berry biscuits, and those seasoned fries? I'm sure glad we don't have to. The first Bojangles was right here in Charlotte back in 1977.

I've never actually had Biscuitville (I'd rather sleep than go to breakfast oops) but the lines are always long so I'm sure it's delicious. Biscuitville's roots trace back to Burlington in 1966.

Known for their classic Thickburgers Hardee's is a staple in NC and across the country. The first Hardee's restaurant opened in Greenville, North Carolina, on September 3, 1960.

If you aren't from the Triangle you may not have tried CharGrill, but the next time you're in the area you absolutely should. They pride themselves on being the best burger in Raleigh. CharGrill has 10 locations in and around our state's capital city.

Known for their eastern NC BBQ Smithfield's has 40 locations along the coast and the Piedmont.

While some would argue it's not technically a fast food chain, Krispy Kreme had to make this list. Few things in life are better than a glazed donut while that Hot Now sign is on. The donut chain got its start in 1937 in what is now historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem.