Acorn Food Group LLC, a Bojangles’ franchise group based in Jasper, Georgia, was recently honored with a 2013 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Bojangles’ is a Southern culinary staple known for its world-famous chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, and Legendary Iced Tea. The group is being recognized for its dedication to the principles of free enterprise and its contributions to restoring jobs and prosperity.
Acorn Food Group LLC, led by Franchise Partner Kristal Beaver, opened the Jasper Bojangles’ in 2006. The franchise group recently opened a second location in Canton, Georgia, as well. Beaver and the group immediately began partnering with local churches, charities, and non-profits, operating under the motto of, “Yes is the answer, what is the question?”
Through the countless positive relationships they have built in the community, loyal customers flocked to the restaurant to the tune of more than $2 million in sales in 2012. The Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, which Beaver describes as “wonderful and supportive,” put together the award nomination on behalf of Bojangles’ last year, surprising Beaver and her team when the announcement was made.
“We are humbled and honored to receive this award on behalf of Bojangles’,” says Beaver. “This job is more than just a business to us, it is a calling, and we’re proud to represent the brand in our local communities.”
This year’s 100 Blue Ribbon winners were selected from a record number of nationwide applicants and will be honored at America’s Small Business Summit 2013, which will be held from April 29 – May 1 in Washington, D.C.
“The Blue Ribbon Award winners show that, even facing uncertainty and economic challenges, small businesses can grow and succeed,” says Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. chamber president and CEO. “They are America’s economic engine, driving growth and job creation all across this country.”
