4/5 Kevin C. 10 months ago on Google
Zaxby's
was
founded
in
1990
by
two
childhood
friends,
Zach
McLeroy
and
Tony
Townley,
in
Statesboro,
Georgia.
The
idea
for
the
restaurant
originated
when
Zach
and
Tony
were
in
college
and
missed
the
delicious
chicken
fingers
they
enjoyed
growing
up.
Realizing
there
was
a
lack
of
quick-service
restaurants
specializing
in
chicken
fingers
and
wings,
they
decided
to
launch
their
own.
Zach's
father
provided
$35,000
in
startup
funding,
allowing
them
to
open
the
first
Zaxby's
in
a
converted
car
dealership
in
Statesboro.
Focusing
on
high-quality
chicken
fingers,
wings
and
signature
sauces,
the
restaurant
quickly
gained
popularity
with
college
students.
Zaxby's
began
expanding
across
the
South
through
franchising
in
1996.
The
brand
stood
out
with
its
irreverent
advertising
and
fun,
casual
vibe.
By
2000,
Zaxby's
had
100
locations
and
became
known
for
its
craveable
chicken
and
hospitable
service.
The
company
continued
its
rapid
growth
over
the
next
two
decades,
opening
its
600th
restaurant
in
2018.
From
humble
beginnings
in
a
small
Georgia
town,
the
childhood
friends
built
Zaxby's
into
one
of
the
most
prominent
fast-casual
chains
in
the
Southeast
through
franchising
and
a
dedication
to
"fanatical"
customer
service.