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Zaxbys® has officially surpassed 1,000 locations nationwide and achieved $2,847,345
AUV for 2025 [1], but for the fast-growing chicken franchise, milestones are less about looking back and more about what comes next. As the brand continues expanding beyond its Southeastern roots, Zaxbys is building momentum in new markets across the Midwest and Northeast, bringing its signature chicken Fingerztm, bold sauces, and modernized restaurant model to entirely new audiences.
Zaxbys’ growth strategy has evolved significantly over the last several years. Once concentrated primarily in the Southeast, the brand is now entering new states and major metropolitan markets with a disciplined, market-by-market approach focused on strong operators, adaptable real estate, and growing consumer demand for chicken.
The opening of the brand’s first Chicago DMA location in Plainfield, Illinois in January, marked a major milestone in Zaxbys Midwest expansion. The brand continues building momentum throughout the Northeast, with recent openings in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, and the brand’s first location in New York that is scheduled to open this summer. Zaxbys is proving that its appeal translates well beyond one specific region. For franchisees, this growth signals a brand with national relevance, operational flexibility, and a development strategy designed for long-term scalability.
These expansions are not happening by accident. In recent years, Zaxbys has invested in modernizing its operations, refining its development strategy, and strengthening brand awareness nationally, creating the infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth in competitive markets.
One of the biggest drivers behind Zaxbys continued growth is the flexibility of its development model. The introduction of Zaxbys Modern Farmhouse design has given franchisees more options than ever before, allowing the brand to adapt to a variety of market conditions and real estate opportunities.
With multiple prototype formats now available, including smaller-footprint, drive-thru-focused, and non-traditional layouts, franchisees can pursue opportunities in suburban retail corridors, urban environments, and mixed-use developments. That flexibility is especially important in regions like the Northeast and Midwest, where site availability and development patterns can vary dramatically from market to market.
The updated prototypes also support operational efficiency, helping multi-unit franchisees improve throughput, optimize labor, and maintain consistency across locations while still delivering the bold guest experience the brand is known for.
As Zaxbys enters new territories, national brand recognition plays a critical role in helping franchisees gain traction quickly. The brand has leaned into high-profile, personality-driven marketing campaigns, helping introduce Zaxbys to Gen-Z and Millennial consumers who may be encountering the brand for the first time.
The result is a brand that feels established, even in emerging territories. Guests recognize the personality, crave the menu, and understand what makes Zaxbys different before ever stepping inside the restaurant.
Zaxbys’ continued expansion across the Midwest and Northeast signals a brand entering its next chapter with stronger infrastructure, broader recognition, and a development strategy built for scale.
With flexible formats, operational modernization, and increasing national awareness, Zaxbys is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic chicken franchise opportunities in the country. As the brand continues growing into new territories, multi-unit franchisees can grow alongside a concept that’s building momentum nationwide.
To learn more about franchise opportunities with Zaxbys, visit zaxbys.com/franchise.
[1] See Item 19 of the Zaxby’s SPE Franchisor, LLC Franchise Disclosure Document issued April 24, 2026.
Zaxbys is a fast-growing QSR brand specializing in the highest quality chicken and sides. Established in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, the company pioneered the concept of serving chicken tenders as an entrée, a novel idea at the time.
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