CHARLOTTE, NC – Bojangles’ Restaurants Inc. has opened its 600th location in Charlotte, NC, as it continues to build its market presence primarily in the Southeast. It serves southern classics such as hand-breaded chicken, sandwiches and more and operates  in 11 states and Washington, DC.

One Bojangles’ restaurant opens every six days, the company claims. The Charlotte, NC-based chain plans to open 55 to 60 locations throughout the Southeast this year. During this process, it will add new restaurants in more than 25 market areas including Atlanta, Ga.; Birmingham, Ala.; Orlando, Fla.; Richmond, Va.; Nashville, Knoxville, and Tri-Cities, Tenn. This year’s expansion is part of Bojangles’ long-term growth plan to have 1,000 units open by 2020.

“We approach growth in a way to build toward our strength as much as possible,” said Eric Newman, EVP of Bojangles’ Restaurants Inc. “As we continue to grow, our focus will remain on building market share and elevating brand awareness within the areas we do business even as we gradually expand and strengthen that footprint.”

Average unit volumes for the chicken-and-biscuit concept continue increasing; the average restaurant’s sales now register more than $1,725,000. Bojangles’ management relays the business is on track to reach $1 billion in system-wide sales in the third quarter of 2014.