FROM STAFF REPORTS

CALERA – Calera residents now have a new way of eating fried chicken as Bojangles’ opened today.

The 3,808-square-foot restaurant seats 78 guests and will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to a press release.

As part of the opening celebration, the first 100 customers will receive a $20 Bojangles’ gift card. Dine-in customers will also be able to register to win a $20 Bojangles’ gift card and a Bojangles’ “It’s Bo Time” T-shirt. The store will have five drawings throughout the day, the release stated.

According to the release, Bojangles’ new company-owned restaurant in Calera also represents an economic investment in the area. The average investment made by the company for new locations is $1.7 million, and each new store creates an average of 25-35 new jobs. The new Bojangles’ will also affect the local economy through increased tax revenues and by using local companies for recurring needs such as landscaping and repairs.

“As Bojangles’ continues to grow in the state of Alabama, we are very excited to open our first restaurant in Calera,” Bojangles’ President and CEO Randy Kibler said in a press release. “The Bojangles’ team is ready to give Calera residents a taste of what Bojangles’ is all about – quality, delicious Southern classics served in a fast and friendly environment.”