Homegrown and Hungry For More!

Golden-brown fried chicken. Perfectly-seasoned crinkle fries. The truly marvelous concoction that is Zax Sauce. Here in Georgia, these flavors are synonymous with one thing: Zaxby’s.

The beloved Georgia-based chicken chain is spreading its wings this year, opening dozens of new restaurants nationwide. This expansion marks a major business move not only for Zaxby’s, but also for the countless Georgia vendors, suppliers, and service providers making their wings fly.

What’s Cooking?

• Zaxby’s plans to open more than 50 new restaurants in 2025, with an ultimate goal of surpassing 1,000 total restaurants.
• They’ve already opened new Georgia locations in Cochran, Richmond Hill, Ellabell, Valdosta, and Brookhaven, with more on the way.
• Most new locations will be franchise-owned, opening doors for Georgia entrepreneurs to step into business ownership.
• The brand is also upgrading drive-thru tech and streamlining operations, using tools and support systems sourced or serviced by Georgia companies.

Homegrown Brand, Statewide Impact

Zaxby’s isn’t just a fan favorite—it’s an economic engine. Here’s how every expansion strengthens the state’s food service ecosystem from the inside out:

• Local ownership: Franchise opportunities empower Georgia residents to become small business owners.
• Supplier demand: More restaurants mean more demand for everything from poultry processing to cleaning supplies.
• Small-town impact: Places like Columbus and Cochran are landing new Zaxby’s locations, bringing foot traffic and energy to smaller markets.

Flying Beyond Georgia

Zaxby’s is spreading its wings even further this year:

• The chain is opening new locations in states beyond the Southeast, including Indiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
• This national growth increases demand for support services provided by Georgia-based vendors—like tech, marketing, and supply chain management.
• Franchise opportunities outside Georgia still rely on the brand’s Georgia headquarters for training, operations, and brand management.
• Expanding markets help strengthen Zaxby’s overall business, which in turn supports job growth and investment back home in Georgia.

In short, Zaxby’s isn’t just delivering delicious meals—it’s fueling a business boom, bringing jobs, investment, and a flavorful boost to Georgia’s economic future. As the brand spreads out, it’s a reminder that local companies can make a big splash while keeping their roots close. With this kind of momentum, the future is bright—not just for Zaxby’s, but for the whole Georgia community savoring every bite of its success.

Explore more homegrown eats at https://gbj.com/food-drink!