Aiken on menu for Bojangles'

A Bojangles' is coming to Aiken. Franchise owner Tim Biakabutuka is sure of that.

The restaurant's possible location has changed, though.

Biakabutuka was in negotiations in 2008 to open the restaurant in the former Bella Cucina Trattoria site, which was once home to a Hardees and Fazoli's. The former NFL player said on Wednesday that the first deal with the seller did not go through. A second deal with the same seller also tanked.

Now, he is negotiating with the owner of a lot in Hitchcock Plaza, the shopping center that holds TJ Maxx, Old Navy and Bed Bath and Beyond.

"It is a hard process to find a property that meets your specs," Biakabutuka said. "But we're coming. We're coming to Aiken hopefully this year."

A Bojangles' was open on Whiskey Road as late as 2000 but later closed.

Bojangles' began in 1977 with a core menu that remains the same today - chicken served with made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits and fixings such as dirty rice or pinto beans.

Biscuit sandwiches are filled with spicy chicken filets, seasoned sausage or steak, country ham, eggs and cheese and are served hot all day, every day.

Biakabutuka was a Carolina Panthers running back from 1996 to 2001.