During a soft opening, the new Bojangles Restaurant in Haines City will serve first responders lunch on July 28 during what the company calls a “First to Table” ribbon cutting event.
On July 29, the Bojangles will open to the public at its only current Polk County location at 40235 U.S. Hwy. 27 (which has a Davenport address). The grand opening day for the public will include giveaways and plenty of the restaurant’s famous southern-style chicken, biscuits and sweet tea, a press release said.
At the Carolina-born restaurant’s First to Table event, it will host a private friends and family-style lunchtime event to honor the police officers, firefighters, EMTs and medics who serve every day in Haines City and Davenport.
The event will run from noon to 3 p.m., with a ‘biscuit cutting’ ceremony (Bojangles’ spin on a classic ribbon cutting) at 2 p.m., the Bojangles release said. Among the invited dignitaries are the Davenport police chief, mayor and Chamber of Commerce members.
“First responders can stop by at any time during the event window to enjoy a complimentary lunch, including Bojangles favorites like Bo’s Chicken Sandwich, Bo-Berry Biscuits, Chicken Tenders and more,” the Bojangles release said.
“The event celebrates the heroes who are first to every call – and who make it possible for families to gather safely around the table each night,” the release said.
When Bojangles officially reopens its doors to the public at 6 a.m. on July 29, Davenport residents can enjoy a taste of Carolina flavor. Plus, 10 lucky guests will have the opportunity to win a free breakfast for a year by clicking here.
The Davenport location is the fourth Bojangles in the Orlando metropolitan area and the ninth in Florida, reinforcing the brand’s continued expansion across the state. Clermont is the closest location beyond Polk County’s borders.
Twice before Bojangles has opened restaurants in Polk County dating back to the 1980s, public records show. Those locations were in Winter Haven and Lakeland and have been closed for years,
In the summer of 2023, the North Carolina-based chain founded in 1977 “unveiled a refreshed growth strategy,” according to the QSR trade magazine. Bojangles started 2022 with 773 restaurants and went to 825 ahead of 2025.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Bojangles in Haines City opens 6 a.m. July 29 to the public. 1st responders invited July 28
Reporting by Paul Nutcher, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
