Bojangles and Chick-fil-A Open New Locations in South Jersey

The popular chicken chains expand their presence in the region with new restaurants in Vineland and Blackwood.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished metal container filled with crispy fried chicken pieces, a glass of sweet tea, and a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background and lit with dramatic studio lighting to convey the premium quality and craftsmanship of the Southern-inspired cuisine.The arrival of beloved Southern-style chicken chains in South Jersey reflects the region's growing appetite for familiar fast-food options with premium quality and local flair.Vineland Today

Two major fast-food chicken chains, Bojangles and Chick-fil-A, have opened new locations in South Jersey. Bojangles, a Carolina-based chain, opened its first South Jersey restaurant in Vineland on March 24, while Chick-fil-A, which already has dozens of locations in the area, opened a new restaurant at the Gloucester Premium Outlets in Blackwood on April 2.

Why it matters

The arrival of these well-known Southern chicken chains in South Jersey reflects the region's growing appetite for fast-food options and the continued expansion of major restaurant brands across the state. The openings also highlight the competitive nature of the fast-food industry, as chains vie for market share and customer loyalty.

The details

The new Bojangles location in Vineland is the first South Jersey site for the chain, which is known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken, sweet tea, and buttermilk biscuits. The restaurant hosted a private event to honor local first responders before its official opening. The new Chick-fil-A in Blackwood is located at the Gloucester Premium Outlets and will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended summer hours until 11 p.m. The Blackwood Chick-fil-A is owned and operated by New Jersey native Steve Bouhadana, who started with the company as a team member in 2014.

  • Bojangles opened its Vineland location on March 24, 2026.
  • Chick-fil-A opened its Blackwood location at the Gloucester Premium Outlets on April 2, 2026.

The players

Bojangles

A Carolina-born chicken restaurant chain known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken, sweet tea, and buttermilk biscuits.

Chick-fil-A

A fast-food chicken chain founded in Georgia that has dozens of locations in South Jersey.

Steve Bouhadana

A New Jersey native who owns and operates the new Chick-fil-A location in Blackwood. He started with the company as a team member in 2014.

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What they’re saying

“This opening is about more than just great Bojangles chicken and biscuits — it's a celebration of the first responders who serve and protect the community day in and day out.”

— Sanjay Patel, of ADS Restaurant Group

“Growing up and often feeling out of place among my peers, Chick-fil-A helped me discover my purpose in life and challenged me to give my best in everything I do. With the opening of Chick-fil-A Gloucester Outlets, I'm excited to build a lasting legacy in Blackwood by empowering the next generation of leaders and investing in the growth of the community.”

— Steve Bouhadana, Owner and Operator, Chick-fil-A Gloucester Outlets

What’s next

The new Chick-fil-A location in Blackwood is expected to create approximately 100 part-time and full-time jobs in the local community. The restaurant will also participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, which redirects surplus food to local nonprofits.

The takeaway

The arrival of Bojangles and Chick-fil-A in South Jersey underscores the region's growing demand for popular fast-food chains and the continued expansion of major restaurant brands across the state. These openings also highlight the competitive nature of the industry as chains vie for market share and customer loyalty.