Zaxby’s franchise is moving west and has plans to bring several locations to the valley, marking Arizona as the 21st state for the brand.

Zaxby’s is known for two things, their exceptionally good chicken and Zax Sauce. If you also like fried pickles, you are in for a treat!

This year Zaxby’s has sold 51 new locations and is on pace to surpass 950 new units by the end of the fiscal year.  The team bringing the franchise to Arizona is husband and wife entrepreneurs Brian and Jessica Nelson.

They have a plan to develop six locations over the next five years in the East Valley of Phoenix, which includes Queen Creek, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa areas, with the first store to open in the fall of 2024.  Additional locations are on schedule to open in the spring of 2025, and four more locations by 2027. The Nelson’s have extensive experience in the industry and are both longtime fans of Zaxby’s food.

“We are looking for our next venture to pour our heart, soul, knowledge, and resources into,” says Jessica. “Zaxby’s has a high standard of excellence, which is important to us, while a lot of businesses seem to be compromising or lessening their standards. It is literally the only casual dining establishment I will eat at due to the quality and freshness of ingredients — big, longtime fan!”

Originally founded in 1990 in Stateboro, Georgia, the fast-casual restaurant offers a variety of chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, and salads – as well as their special Zax sauce. Other menu highlights include their bacon ranch loaded fries, fried pickles, and funnel cakes. Click here to see the Zaxby’s menu.