One of Charlotte’s unofficial historic landmarks, the first Bojangles is undergoing extensive renovations

What’s happening: The Bojangles at 300 West Blvd. in the Wilmore neighborhood has been temporarily closed since early June. It’s undergoing an “extensive remodeling,” company spokesperson Stacey McCray tells Axios.

• The restaurant’s grand reopening is Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 2pm.
• There will be a new interior and decor, an extended drive-thru window, landscaping, self-serve kiosks, a new digital menu board and signage.

Flashback: July 6 marked 46 years since Bojangles opened at that location in 1977 and started serving up hot biscuits and Cajun-spiced chicken. It was a walk-in restaurant with no seating, located near what is today South End but what was then a “less desirable” location, as the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources notes.

• Some say the Charlotte restaurant should be considered a historic landmark. Such a distinction usually comes with stipulations that hinder changes to the building.

Details: Bojangles is celebrating the reopening with a ceremonial unveiling Tuesday with the company CEO and one of the original employees. There will be throwback uniforms, a selfie wall banner and gift card giveaways.

• In honor of the year the location opened, the restaurant will serve a $19.77 “throwback meal” with eight pieces of chicken, four biscuits, two sides and a half-gallon of tea. It’s available through Dec. 12.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published July 6, 2023 and updated Nov. 30, 2023 to include the reopening date and other details.