Jimmy Ruane of Conway, South Carolina, takes first place in this year’s competition
Bojangles is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 “Best of the Best” competition, an annual contest designed to recognize the exceptional leadership and operational excellence of its general managers. After nearly 10 months of rigorous competition among over 400 general managers, Jimmy Ruane from Bo Benton, Inc. in Conway, South Carolina, has been crowned this year’s first-place winner, with Brandon Miles of Huffbo, LLC in N. Wilkesboro, North Carolina, earning the runner-up position.
The 2024 competition wasn’t just about system rank—it tested Bojangles’ general managers on a wide range of key initiatives that included the annual Biscuit Maker Challenge, Spring Spruce Up, Digital Readiness and an Operations Knowledge assessment. These leaders were also mystery-shopped throughout the year, ensuring they consistently delivered Bojangles’ signature Southern hospitality and the highest standards of quality.
“Our general managers are the heart of Bojangles,” said David Whitaker, chief operating officer for Bojangles. “This competition highlights their daily commitment to excellence, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their success. Jimmy Ruane and all the finalists represent the best in the business, and their dedication is what makes Bojangles a leader in the quick-service industry.”
2024 “Best of the Best” Top 5 Finalists:
Jimmy Ruane – Conway, South Carolina (1st Place)
Brandon Miles – N. Wilkesboro, North Carolina (2nd Place)
Page Barnett – Elizabethton, Tennessee (3rd place)
Angela Shores – Whiteville, North Carolina (4th place)
Roz Scott – Roxboro, North Carolina (5th place)
The finalists received a trip to Disney and additional cash prizes, with Ruane winning $5,000 for first place. As part of the competition, Bojangles visited the top five at their respective locations to capture their strategies and stories of success. The video is linked here.