Bojangles Partners with Alyath to Launch EV Charging Stations Across Restaurant Locations
Bojangles, the iconic Southern quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain renowned for its chicken, biscuits, sweet tea, and all-day breakfast offerings, is embracing a transformative shift in sustainability and customer experience. In a groundbreaking move for the fast-food industry, the company has announced a comprehensive partnership with Smart Big Box, Alyath EV, and Energy and Environmental Design Services to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at many of its locations across the United States.
This innovative project, poised to set a new benchmark for QSR chains nationwide, aims to deliver an eco-friendly, customer-centric solution by integrating EV charging into Bojangles’ operational landscape. The charging stations will offer both Level 2 (medium-speed) and Level 3 (high-speed) charging options, with a guaranteed uptime exceeding 97%, ensuring availability and efficiency for EV drivers on the move. Each Bojangles restaurant participating in the initiative will be equipped with a minimum of four EV charging spots.
Driving Sustainability in the QSR Industry
“This partnership is a significant milestone not just for Bojangles, but for the entire quick-service restaurant industry,” said Richard Del Valle, Chief Information Officer at Bojangles. “As we look toward the future, it’s vital to align our brand with innovation, sustainability, and the evolving expectations of our customers. By working with Alyath and Smart Big Box, we are taking steps to ensure Bojangles locations provide a modern and convenient experience for our guests—one that also contributes positively to the environment.”
Del Valle emphasized that the installation of top-tier EV chargers supports the brand’s core mission of delivering fast, friendly service while also recognizing the increasing shift toward electric mobility across the country. “Our guests will now have the opportunity to charge their vehicles while enjoying our delicious food—whether it’s a biscuit sandwich in the morning or our signature chicken at dinner. It’s a win-win,” he added.
Seamless Integration of EV Charging and Dining
The broader vision behind the partnership is to create a seamless, dual-purpose experience for consumers: one where vehicle charging and quality dining happen simultaneously, enhancing the overall utility and convenience of each visit to Bojangles. With EV charging infrastructure still evolving in many parts of the country, this project positions Bojangles as a leader in forward-thinking infrastructure development in the food service sector.
Cristiane Rosul, CEO of Alyath, shared her excitement about the collaboration. “We’re thrilled to bring fast, reliable, and widely accessible EV charging to Bojangles locations across the nation,” she said. “This initiative sets the foundation for a new kind of roadside experience—one where travelers and EV owners don’t have to compromise. By aligning with a household name like Bojangles, we’re delivering convenience without sacrificing quality or speed.”
According to Rosul, the chargers to be deployed at Bojangles will leverage state-of-the-art technology with advanced load-balancing capabilities, real-time performance diagnostics, and user-friendly interfaces. This ensures that even drivers new to EVs can access and use the stations with ease.
Exclusive Installation and Maintenance Partnership
Smart Big Box, the operational facilitator of this rollout, has contracted Energy and Environmental Design Services as the exclusive partner responsible for the installation and maintenance of the EV chargers at all participating Bojangles sites. This ensures that the system performs optimally and consistently, with rapid response protocols in place to resolve any technical issues. The choice of Energy and Environmental Design Services reflects Bojangles’ commitment to long-term reliability and accountability in delivering this new offering.
With over 97% guaranteed uptime, the stations are designed to operate with minimal disruption, offering dependable access for EV drivers no matter the time of day. This technical reliability is crucial for winning customer trust and encouraging repeat use, especially in locations where charging options may still be scarce.
A Phased Rollout with Nationwide Reach
The rollout of Bojangles’ EV charging infrastructure is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Customers can expect the charging stations to become widely accessible throughout 2026 as the initiative progresses through various regions. While initial implementation will focus on high-traffic and strategic locations, the goal is to extend the availability of chargers across most Bojangles restaurants in the months following the initial launch.
The national expansion will be guided by a data-driven site selection process, factoring in traffic patterns, EV adoption rates in local markets, proximity to highways, and existing gaps in charging infrastructure. This strategic approach aims to maximize the impact and utility of the chargers while optimizing Bojangles’ investment in sustainability.
Supporting Broader Environmental Goals
The EV charging initiative is part of Bojangles’ broader vision for environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility. As electric vehicles become more mainstream, businesses across all sectors are being called to rethink how they interact with customers on the move and how they contribute to global climate objectives. Bojangles’ decision to become a frontrunner among QSRs in supporting EV adoption reflects both a market-savvy and socially conscious approach to business growth.
“This move is about more than convenience—it’s about responsibility,” said Del Valle. “Our customers care about the environment, and we care about them. This initiative allows us to contribute in a tangible, impactful way to a cleaner future.”
The integration of EV charging with fast-casual dining not only supports the U.S. government’s goals for expanding EV infrastructure but also signals to the broader restaurant industry that innovation can and should extend beyond the menu.
Industry-Wide Implications
By becoming one of the first major QSR chains to commit to a widespread EV charging rollout, Bojangles is setting a powerful precedent. Analysts expect that other restaurant chains, particularly those with locations near major highways or commuter corridors, may follow suit in an effort to remain competitive and relevant in an increasingly electrified transportation landscape.
“This initiative represents a convergence of technology, sustainability, and hospitality,” said Rosul. “We believe this model could become the norm in the years to come, with Bojangles leading the charge.”
The partnership between Bojangles, Alyath, Smart Big Box, and Energy and Environmental Design Services demonstrates how cross-industry collaboration can generate innovative, customer-friendly solutions. It’s a testament to what’s possible when established brands take bold steps to meet the future head-on.
