AHOSKIE – If you like spiced fries, cajun chicken, dirty rice, pinto beans and homemade biscuits, you’ll be happy to know you won’t have to look much further than your own back yard.

Recently, Bojangles franchise owner Cameron McRae decided to expand his service area to include customers in eastern North Carolina and with approximately 30 stores already in place, he is on a roll.

The popular fast food restaurant will be located on the corner property adjacent to the newly constructed Dollar General at the intersection of US 13 and Hertford County High Road and is tentatively scheduled to begin construction sometime around August.

&uot;We are really excited about it,&uot; said Bojangles Human Resource Coordinator Jay Converse. &uot;The new franchise offers a great opportunity to provide a service to the community and creates jobs that boost the economic development of the area as well,&uot; he said projecting approximately 50 employment positions.

&uot;We are looking forward to meeting the future employees of the restaurant and are hoping to find some good managers as well,&uot; he said.

Bojangles, which was started in June of 1980 in Kinston, North Carolina, under the direction of Tands Incorporated has grown to international status and is on a proactive mission to expand eastward in North America.

&uot;Mr. McRae maintains stores in 30 counties and is looking at several other locations east of I-95,&uot; said Converse adding that the franchise is in 11 different states up the east coast from New York to Florida and extending west to Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri.

In the reciting of a recent success story, Converse stated, &uot;About a year ago, we opened a store in Williamston. We no more got it open and people were lined up around the building at the drive through.

&uot;There were people at the grand opening that were so excited to see us come to town that they even told us they’d see us for lunch and dinner that evening,&uot; he said laughing. &uot;The smaller communities really seem to love it and we enjoy being there for them.&uot;

The future Bojangles will be provide a menu with items for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is projected to be open from 5:30 a.m. to approximately 11 p.m.

&uot;As far as I know, we will be the only place in the area that offers chicken for breakfast,&uot; said Converse.

Once built, the new store will reflect a completely updated look. &uot;The entire store has been remodeled inside and out, by the original designer, so we’re really excited about how the public will receive it,&uot; he stated.

According to Converse, Bojangles takes pleasure in being involved with the local community. &uot;We love to participate in job fairs and other community events including sponsorship of local sports teams and things like that. It’s a give and take kind of relationship.&uot;

Converse shared that the company will announce where and when to submit applications when the time comes and stated that there would likely be a trailer on site to handle such interviews.

Those with management experience are encouraged to call: 1-800-BECAJUN ext. 456.