From Gas Station to Corporate Success: Bojangles CEO José Armario's Unconventional Path to Leadership

Bojangles CEO José Armario's Rise to Success: A Lesson in Humility and Discipline In a remarkable turnaround, Bojangles, the North Carolina-based fried chicken chain, has nearly tripled in value since being taken private in 2019 for approximately $590 million. The company is now reportedly exploring a sale of up to $1.5 billion, with plans to expand its presence in the highly competitive US market. At the helm of this success story is CEO José Armario, who rose from humble beginnings pumping gas and flipping burgers at McDonald's to become the leader of a thriving fast-food empire. Armario's journey to the top is a testament to the power of discipline and humility. He attributes his success to the lessons he learned from his early days in the service industry, where he worked tirelessly to provide excellent customer service without seeking to step on others. This approach has served him well in his leadership role, where he has focused on fostering a culture of humility and teamwork within Bojangles. Under Armario's guidance, Bojangles has experienced significant growth, with sales increasing steadily over the past few years. The company's financial performance is a reflection of its successful turnaround strategy, which has included investments in digital transformation, menu innovation, and operational efficiency. As a result, Bojangles has been able to expand its market share and attract new customers, particularly in the highly competitive US fast-food market. The fried chicken market in the US is a highly competitive space, with major players such as Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and KFC vying for market share. However, Bojangles has managed to carve out a niche for itself by offering a unique blend of traditional Southern-style cooking and modern convenience. The company's focus on quality, customer service, and community engagement has helped it to build a loyal customer base and establish a strong brand presence. Armario's leadership approach has been instrumental in driving Bojangles' success. He has emphasized the importance of humility and teamwork, encouraging his team members to work together to achieve common goals. This approach has helped to foster a positive company culture, where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the company's success. As Bojangles continues to grow and expand its presence in the US market, Armario's leadership approach will be crucial in driving the company's future success. His commitment to humility and discipline has served him well in his career, and it is likely to continue to serve him well in the years to come. With plans to bring its biscuits and Cajun chicken to New York City, Bojangles is poised for continued growth and success, and Armario's leadership will be at the forefront of this journey. In an interview with Fortune, Armario emphasized the importance of humility in leadership, saying, "I personally think you can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be heard." This approach has served him well in his career, and it is likely to continue to serve him well as he leads Bojangles into its next phase of growth and expansion.