When it comes to chicken, few brands have built a loyal following quite like Zaxby’s. Known for its chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, and signature Zax Sauce, Zaxby’s has grown from a single location in Georgia into a powerhouse with hundreds of restaurants across the United States.
Now, as chicken continues to dominate the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant landscape, Zaxby’s stands out as a proven brand with strong regional roots and nationwide growth potential.
Zaxby’s Franchise Overview
- Founded: 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia
- Franchising Since: 1994
- Headquarters: Athens, Georgia
- Units: 900+ locations across the U.S.
- Menu Focus: Chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, Zalads®, and signature sauces
Zaxby’s positions itself in the “better chicken” segment, combining fast-food convenience with fast-casual quality. With its quirky branding, family-friendly atmosphere, and menu variety, the chain has cultivated a cult-like following — particularly in the Southeast.
Investment Requirements
While actual costs vary by market, Zaxby’s franchise candidates should be prepared for a significant but competitive investment in the chicken QSR sector.
- Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Estimated Total Investment: $500,000 – $1,000,000+
- Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
- Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales
Zaxby’s requires franchisees to demonstrate strong financial capability and operational experience. Multi-unit development agreements are common, as the brand continues to scale in new markets.
Franchisee Support
Zaxby’s offers comprehensive franchise support designed to ensure long-term success:
- Real Estate & Site Selection Assistance – Expert guidance on market analysis and location choice.
- Training & Onboarding – In-depth programs for owners, managers, and staff.
- Marketing & Branding – National campaigns combined with local marketing tools.
- Operations Support – Ongoing resources and field consultants to optimize performance.
- Technology Systems – POS, data, and analytics tools to help operators streamline operations.
Why Zaxby’s?
The chicken segment has seen explosive growth in recent years, and Zaxby’s continues to expand beyond its Southern roots to challenge other national players like Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, and Wingstop.
Key strengths include:
- A unique menu mix that balances indulgence (wings, sandwiches) with health-conscious options (Zalads®).
- Strong brand loyalty in its core markets.
- A franchise system with decades of experience and proven scalability.
For franchise investors, Zaxby’s presents an opportunity to join an established yet still rapidly growing brand in one of the hottest food categories.
How ChickenFranchiseMaster.com Helps You Succeed
At ChickenFranchiseMaster.com, powered by Star Brands Consulting Group, our mission is to help you navigate the crowded chicken franchise sector and find the right fit for your goals and budget.
We provide:
- Franchise Comparisons & Market Insights – Understand how Zaxby’s stacks up against other leading chicken brands.
- Investment Guidance – Detailed breakdowns of costs, fees, and expected ROI.
- Advisory Services – From application to launch, we guide you through the entire franchise process.
- Global Network – Access to investors, franchise consultants, and operators worldwide.
👉 Whether you’re exploring Zaxby’s or other top chicken brands, ChickenFranchiseMaster.com is your trusted hub for insights, opportunities, and expert support.
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