Zaxbys Reaches 1000 Stores: Zaxbys is a growing chicken place that is doing really well. They are starting the year 2026 on a note. Zaxbys has already opened than 1,000 restaurants all over the country. People at QSR Magazine think Zaxbys is one of the impressive brands of the year. Zaxbys used to be popular in the South but now Zaxbys is a big deal all, over the country serving food really fast.
Rapid National Expansion
- More than 1,000 locations operating across 22 U.S. states as of January 2026
- New market debuts in major metro areas such as Las Vegas and Phoenix
- Continued expansion across Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
- Targeting 60+ new restaurant openings in 2026, with a long-term goal of 100 new stores annually
Modern Farmhouse Prototype Driving Growth
Introduction of the Modern Farmhouse restaurant design, featuring:
- Flexible building footprints
- Dual-lane drive-thrus
- Modernized interiors and exteriors
Supports multiple formats, including:
- Full dine-in locations
- Drive-thru-only units
- Non-traditional venues
Recently signed a non-traditional franchise deal for a location on a major U.S. military base
Strong Franchise Demand
Increased interest from multi-unit franchise operators
- Ability to adapt to urban, suburban, and high-traffic locations
- Some important places that will see a lot of growth by 2026 include:
- Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky
- Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
Non-traditional sites such as college campuses, military bases, and travel hubs
Zaxbys is at an important time right now said Bert Lane, the Vice President of Franchise Sales at Zaxbys. This is a deal, for Zaxbys. Zaxbys is. It is exciting to see what will happen to Zaxbys next.
Our main goal, for 2026 is to find the markets and work with the right partners. We also want to make sure we have a foundation for the company to grow in the long term. This will help the company grow for years to come. We are focused on building the markets with the right partners.
Nation’s Restaurant News
Marketing & Menu Innovation
We started the “Whos Got the Sauce” marketing campaign in the year 2025. The “Whos Got the Sauce” campaign was really something and it began that year.
- Featured actor Omar Epps as the ‘Sauce Boss’
- Boosted brand awareness among younger audiences
Expanded menu offerings with:
- Lemon Pepper Dry Rub (limited-time offer)
- New dayparts, including Late-Night Zax
- Innovations designed to increase traffic and franchisee revenue
Brand Legacy & Recognition
Founded in 1990 Zaxbys is known for things. Zaxbys has a lot of food that people like to eat. When you go to Zaxbys you can get things, like chicken fingers and wings. Zaxbys also has salads and sandwiches. People like to go to Zaxbys because they have food. Zaxbys is a place to eat. You can find Zaxbys in locations. Zaxbys is a restaurant that serves Zaxbys food.
- Chicken Fingerz™
- Wings and Zalads®
- 12 signature sauces
Earned national recognition from:
- Franchise Times Top 400
- QSR Magazine Top 50 Fast-Food Chains
- Entrepreneur, Forbes, and Newsweek
Looking Ahead
With a leadership team guided by Servant Leadership values, Zaxbys continues to focus on quality, innovation, and franchisee success. As the brand accelerates nationwide expansion in 2026, it aims to build a lasting legacy where team members, franchise partners, and guests all feel valued and inspired.
Also Read: Pizza Hut to Close 250 Locations as Parent Company Rethinks the Brand
