History of Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s is a popular American fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in chicken wings, fingers, sandwiches, and salads. It was founded in 1990 by childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley in Statesboro, Georgia. Inspired by their love for chicken and the need for a restaurant that offered high-quality, flavorful chicken dishes, they opened the first Zaxby’s near Georgia Southern University. The brand quickly gained popularity for its signature sauces, hand-breaded chicken, and Southern-style hospitality.
Over the years, Zaxby’s expanded rapidly across the Southeastern United States, growing into a franchise with hundreds of locations. The company became known for its menu innovation, introducing items like the Zax Sauce and Zalads. By the 2010s, Zaxby’s had solidified its place as a major player in the fast-casual chicken segment, competing with brands like Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s. Today, Zaxby’s continues to expand while maintaining its commitment to quality and customer service.