A popular fast-food chain with roots in the Deep South has finally made it to New Jersey.  

Bojangles is the first location in the Garden State and is now open just off Interstate 287 in Piscataway.  

After years of planning and months of training, the doors swung open 600 miles from Bojangles’ home in Charlotte North Carolina on Stelton Road in Piscataway.  

“I think it’s one of the first ones in the north, and I have it all the time when I go to Georgia with my cousins who live down in the south,” said Aneil Persaud, a fan of the restaurant.  

“Just like the first Fourth of July celebration was in Piscataway, the first Bojangles is here in Piscataway,” said Piscataway Township Mayor Brian Wahler  

Biscuits, sweet tea - and of course, chicken highlight the menu.  Behind the scenes, more than 100 newly hired local employees tend to the kitchen and dining room under the leadership of general manager and Piscataway High School graduate Sanjay Patel.  

“American dream come true. We were looking for something in Piscataway and I live in Piscataway, so that’s how we came together,” said Patel.  

The chief operating officer of Bojangles says more restaurants are planned for New Jersey, including one near Neptune that should be open by the end of 2025.