Bojangles makes plans to come to Bluffton; construction to begin July 15

Bluffton has Wendy's. It has McDonald's. It has Taco Bell. But the town does not have a Bojangles. Yet.

For people who live in Bluffton and feel they are being deprived of Bojangles fried chicken or its signature Bo-Berry Biscuits, fret no more.

The fast-food restaurant is coming to Bluffton.

Construction is slated to begin by July 15, according to Jay Foods Corp. president J.K. Jay.

Jay said the 3,800-square-foot restaurant, which will be located in Buckwalter Plaza across from the Outback Steakhouse on Buckwalter Parkway, should be completed around October, depending on weather.

The town of Bluffton's Development Review Committee looked over the initial development plan Tuesday and recommended a few changes.

"We love Bluffton and this area," Jay said, adding that he grew up coming to Hilton Head Island for the Heritage golf tournaments.

Jay's business partner and father, Jerome Jay, said Jay Foods jumped at the opportunity to open a restaurant in Bluffton.

"We're coming as a 'community store,' as we like to call ourselves," Jerome said. "We don't want to be a highway fast-food restaurant."

J.K. Jay said his company is partnering with Michael C. Riley Elementary School for a program called The Leader in Me, in which Bojangles will provide rewards for students who meet certain criteria.

The restaurant will employ about 75 people and will be the only Bojangles in southern Beaufort County.

"It's just a great opportunity," J.K. Jay said. "We're looking forward to being able to serve the community and really be a part of it."

This story was originally published April 28, 2015 at 10:32 AM with the headline "Bojangles makes plans to come to Bluffton; construction to begin July 15."