Charlotte NC, November 26, 2025
Bojangles held its annual Franchise Awards, celebrating franchisees who show exceptional operational excellence, community engagement, brand stewardship, and innovation. Awardees included leaders from various regions, such as Jeannette Davis in Las Vegas and Jeff Rigsby, recognized for lifetime achievements. The awards highlighted the brand’s growth and the positive impact franchisees have on their communities, reflecting their commitment to quality and service.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bojangles has announced the recipients of its 2025 Franchise Awards, recognizing franchisees who exemplify the brand’s values through operational excellence, market growth, innovation, brand stewardship, and community engagement.
Opening Week Sales Awards
Jeannette Davis of LVP Restaurant Group was honored for leading a high-energy Las Vegas debut in March, achieving outstanding sales and market excitement. Similarly, Sanjay Patel of ADS Restaurant Group in Piscataway, New Jersey, received recognition for an exceptional launch in April, driving early demand and positioning his new restaurant for accelerated growth.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jeff Rigsby, who began as a company employee and became the largest franchisee in the Bojangles system, was honored for his significant contributions. Under his leadership, BOJ of WNC expanded from six Asheville-area restaurants in 2001 to over 120 locations across six states.
Brand Stewardship Awards
The following franchisees were recognized for elevating the Bojangles experience through strategic remodels and reinvestment:
- Mark and Jennifer Kiskunas, Bo Benton: Owners of 12 restaurants in South Carolina, they completed two remodels in one year, enhancing the guest experience.
- Raj & Neil Pathak, Bo Ventures / Star Enterprises: Overseeing 12 restaurants across the Charlotte region and South Carolina, they led remodels across six locations, with more planned.
- Stan Seymour, RoBo: With over 25 years as a franchisee, he was honored for a full-scale remodel in Salem, Virginia, aligning with brand standards.
Community Brand Ambassador Awards
The following franchisees were recognized for their commitment to community engagement:
- Eldon & Collette Hyde, Sun Restaurants Corporation: Representing Bojangles in Roatan, Honduras, for 27 years, they built a new classroom annually for local schools and provided backpacks for children in grades 1–6.
- Rick Mays, Bo’s Hospitality Group: In Athens, Tennessee, he partners with local schools, churches, and organizations, sponsoring tournaments and providing meals for families in need.
Technology Achievement Award
Raj and Neil Pathak of Bo Ventures/Star Enterprises earned this award for their forward-looking approach to digital innovation and operational technology, enhancing speed, accuracy, and efficiency across their restaurants.
Star Performer Awards
The following franchisees were honored for their operational excellence and dedication to the guest experience:
- Justin Haddock, New Generation Foods: Recognized for consistent operational excellence and sales growth across 12 restaurants in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Eddie Frazier & Matthew Frazier, Frazier Service Co.: Honored for strong sales and operational excellence, along with a commitment to reinvestment at their Columbia, South Carolina location.
- Stan Seymour, RoBo: Celebrated for consistent operational excellence and dedication to quality across eight restaurants in Virginia.
- Phil Trigg & Sam Trigg, Trigg Enterprises: Recognized for strong sales and reliable performance across five locations in Tennessee and Virginia.
- Tommy & Donna Haddock, Tri-Arc Food Systems: Celebrating 45 years with Bojangles, they were honored for ongoing leadership and dedication to operational quality across more than 30 restaurants in the Triad area and Virginia.
David Whitaker, Chief Operating Officer at Bojangles, emphasized the importance of these franchisee partners in the brand’s growth and innovation. He expressed gratitude for their leadership and pride in celebrating their achievements.
The positive impact of these franchisees reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels Charlotte’s economy, showcasing how dedication to operational quality and community involvement can lead to significant business success. As we celebrate these achievements, it’s a reminder of the potential within our local entrepreneurs and the supportive environment that can foster even greater innovation and growth.
FAQ
- What are the Bojangles 2025 Franchise Awards?
- The Bojangles 2025 Franchise Awards recognize franchisees who exemplify the brand’s values through operational excellence, market growth, innovation, brand stewardship, and community engagement.
- Who received the Opening Week Sales Awards?
- Jeannette Davis of LVP Restaurant Group and Sanjay Patel of ADS Restaurant Group were honored for leading successful restaurant openings in Las Vegas and Piscataway, New Jersey, respectively.
- What is the Lifetime Achievement Award?
- The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Bojangles system over an extended period. This year, Jeff Rigsby was recognized for expanding BOJ of WNC from six to over 120 locations across six states.
- Who were the Brand Stewardship Award winners?
- Mark and Jennifer Kiskunas, Raj & Neil Pathak, and Stan Seymour were recognized for their efforts in remodeling and reinvesting in their Bojangles restaurants to enhance the guest experience.
- What is the Community Brand Ambassador Award?
- This award honors franchisees who demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement. Winners include Eldon & Collette Hyde and Rick Mays.
- Who received the Technology Achievement Award?
- Raj and Neil Pathak were recognized for their innovative use of digital and operational technology to improve restaurant efficiency.
- Who were the Star Performer Award winners?
- Justin Haddock, Eddie Frazier & Matthew Frazier, Stan Seymour, Phil Trigg & Sam Trigg, and Tommy & Donna Haddock were honored for their operational excellence and dedication to the guest experience across various locations.
| Award Category | Recipient | Location | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Week Sales Awards | Jeannette Davis | Las Vegas, NV | Led a high-energy debut with outstanding sales and market excitement. |
| Opening Week Sales Awards | Sanjay Patel | Piscataway, NJ | Executed an exceptional launch driving early demand and growth. |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Jeff Rigsby | Asheville, NC | Expanded BOJ of WNC from six to over 120 locations across six states. |
| Brand Stewardship Awards | Mark and Jennifer Kiskunas | Horry and Georgetown counties, SC | Completed two remodels in one year, enhancing the guest experience. |
| Brand Stewardship Awards | Raj & Neil Pathak | Charlotte, NC and South Carolina | Led remodels across six locations, with more planned. |
| Brand Stewardship Awards | Stan Seymour | Salem, VA | Committed to elevating the brand standards through a full-scale remodel. |
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