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Bojangles names Jim Cannon as chief development officerBojangles names Jim Cannon as chief development officer

Jim Cannon most recently served as SVP of design and construction for Focus Brands.

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

July 17, 2023

1 Min Read
bojangles
A Bojangles restaurantPhoto courtesy of Bojangles

Bojangles has named Jim Cannon as its new chief development officer. Cannon will oversee the growth of both corporate and franchised locations for the approximately 800-unit, North-Carolina-based company, including the recruitment of new franchisees, the identification of new real estate sites and the management of development services such as building design, construction and facilities.

Cannon most recently served as senior vice president of design and construction for Focus Brands. Throughout the past 40 years, he has held several roles in design and development for quick service restaurant brands, including Inspire Brands, Arby's, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Jack in the Box.

“We’re thrilled to bolster our development team with someone as experienced as Jim, especially during a season of focused growth for Bojangles,” President and CEO Jose Armario said in a statement. “This role is so important to our brand as we continue to grow and expand in new and existing markets via an intentional, strategic approach, and we look forward to the contributions Jim will make as we pioneer our way forward.”

Cannon's hire comes less than a year after the company named Patricia Halpin as its new vice president of growth, tasked with leading the company's franchise expansion in key domestic markets. 

Related:Bojangles promotes from within for new leadership roles aligned with growth

According to Datassential information, Bojangles grew its footprint by nearly 2% from 2021 to 2022, while sales grew by 8.5%, to $1.6 billion. AUVs surpassed the $2 million mark after growing by 5.3% year-over-year.

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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