Amid economic uncertainty, many businesses in 2025 are downscaling, but one beloved Southern fast-food chain is making an innovation no one saw coming. More than 50 new restaurants are going to open on U.S. soil, moving across the traditional borders of the Southeast.
The franchise aims to find success in broadening its reach in new markets and gaining a foothold in a competitive landscape. Consumers should expect to gain access to an entirely new blend of Southern hospitality.
A New Move
The restaurant chain has seen slow growth over the last few years, but is now taking things up a notch with the rapid expansion. Rivals like Wingstop and Raising Canes are quickly expanding, so the franchise needs to do the same in order to stay competitive.
This model will focus on profitability, efficiency, and overhauling digital systems. Right now is the perfect time to expand, as consumers are demanding more variety and quality in their chicken takeouts.
Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s is the restaurant behind this ambitious expansion. The franchise has its roots in Atlanta and first hit the consumer market 35 years ago in 1990. Since then, Zaxby’s has become known for crispy Chicken Fingerz, signature sauces, and Southern culture.
The franchise already has nearly 1,000 stores total and aims to break that number with its expansion efforts.
Expanding West And North
It has traditionally kept its core markets in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi but is opening up over 50 fast-food locations in further west and north states like Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Illinois, Ohio, and New Jersey.
This should set up the franchise to be a new contender from coast to coast, offering new consumers the chance at something fresh and exciting.
New Openings
This year alone Zaxby’s has already opened 16 new locations, including a one in Las Vegas, Nevada. Other cities that have have a chance to try the restaurant chain for the first time are Charlotte, Chapel Hill, Vincennes, and Leavenworth.
The expansion is a radical one, with each new opening bringing along what the franchise is known for in the Southeast.
Innovative Plans
Along with the expansion are new innovations to keep up with the latest consumer market by reducing unnecessary business costs, prioritizing streamlined operations, and providing a better customer experience.
The future of Zaxby’s locations could see more flexible store formats, as well as lower costs. This would be a win-win for business owners, investors, and consumers.
Investing In Tech
Technology is rapidly dominating multiple business sectors, and the fast food industry is no exception. Zaxby’s knows this and has overhauled drive-thru operations, which has cut down time in the drive-thru by 20% since 2022.
Digital sales over the years have gone up dramatically, and by focusing on speed and convenience, these sales should only increase over time all while keeping customers coming back through Zaxby’s signature style and charm.
Franchisees
Zaxby’s is not only opening its own new stores, but also looking at new and existing franchisees, offering reduced building costs, better returns, and more support. This could earn the franchise 25% on cash-on-cash returns, making them an attractive business for investment in 2025.
As new restaurants crop up across the country, sales are expected to go up dramatically, bolstering the franchise’s decision and letting it reinvest the capital into more expansion or into existing locations.
What Makes Zaxby’s Unique
Zaxby’s success has been in part due to the simplicity and traditional feeling of its menu items. These iconic items include chicken finger meals, wings, salads, and sandwiches.
The franchise also prides itself on Southern hospitality, hygiene, service with a smile, and an overall welcoming feeling. Tradition has been integrated with modern comforts consumers can expect, including ordering online ahead of time.
A Bright Future
With the franchise’s goal of surpassing 1,000 locations in the U.S. and in new markets in 2025, it could be setting itself up for a bright future. In the coming months, it could become a staple outside of its southern borders, all fueled by innovative measures and rapid expansion.
Only time will tell how the majority react to Zaxby’s entering new regions, but things are looking good so far for the Southern-based restaurant as it looks towards the horizon.