THE GREAT COVER UP
BACKGROUND:
Bojangles is a Southern-born restaurant brand founded in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina, known for its bold Cajun flavors and scratch-made biscuits. Over the years, it has grown from a regional favorite into a recognizable name across multiple states while staying rooted in its original Southern identity.
The brand is best known for its seasoned fried chicken, all-day biscuit breakfast sandwiches, and classic sides like dirty rice, Cajun pintos, and Bo-Tato Rounds. Guests also love its signature sweet tea and unique treats such as the Bo-Berry Biscuit.
People are drawn to Bojangles for its authentic flavors, warm Southern comfort, and consistently satisfying experience. These qualities have helped it build a loyal and passionate fan base.
They have recently been expanding into new areas of the country where they have less awareness with a more streamlined menu.
CHALLENGE:
Bojangles came to us with a clear challenge: elevate their presence in new markets where many people still saw them as just another fast-food spot. They wanted to be viewed as a bold challenger brand that could stand toe to toe with national competitors and earn attention in crowded markets.
Our task was to create real noise and drive trial at scale. We knew that once people tasted Bojangles' chicken, the flavor and quality would speak for itself. The real hurdle was getting them through the door.
So we set out to build a confident, attention-grabbing campaign that disrupted expectations and introduced Bojangles with the energy of a brand ready to compete at the national level.
WE KNEW WE NEEDED TO TAKE
A COMPETITIVE, RUTHLESS STANCE
THAT WE’LL PLACE OUR CHICKEN
UP AGAINST ANYBODY
THE APPROACH
Our campaign strategy was built on two simple truths. First, the internet thrives on conspiracy theories. Second, many of Bojangles' competitors lean heavily on sauces to mask chicken that, frankly, lacks flavor. These insights led us to a powerful creative platform: The Great Cover Up.
IDEA
We would peddle and expose a saucy conspiracy that other chicken chains “cover up” their bland chicken by pushing gobs of sauce and distract people from what's really missing underneath.
CALL TO ACTION
Once the conspiracy was uncovered, we directed people toward the truth. Our call to action invited guests to “taste the truth” for themselves and experience chicken that brings real flavor without needing to hide behind sauce. The message was confident and straightforward: when the chicken is bold enough, it does not need a cover-up.
THE RESULTS
The creative and business performance has led
to all time highs across all factors for the brand.
ER had a 57% increase in November over Q3
on Meta and more the 2X on TikTok.
Record conversion results: including lowest
Cost Per Order the brand has ever had
Transaction lift of more than 5% over control
TEASER
SPOT 1
