Who Owns Zaxby’s? (Get the Scoop)

Zaxby’s is a fast-food chain specializing in chicken dishes, such as wings, tenders, and sandwiches. The restaurant is known for its signature Zax Sauce, a tangy, creamy sauce often paired with their chicken. Zaxby’s also offers salads, sides, and milkshakes on its menu and has locations in over 20 states in the United States.

Who Owns Zaxby’s?

Zaxby’s is a privately held company, and the ownership is shared by the two co-founders, Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley. The company was founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, by McLeroy and Townley, who were childhood friends. As of now, McLeroy and Townley still own and operate the company.

How Did Zaxby’s Start?

At the time, McLeroy was working as a cook at a local restaurant, and Townley was studying business at Georgia Southern University.

They noticed that there were no fast-food restaurants in the area that served high-quality chicken dishes and saw an opportunity to fill that gap in the market. They started experimenting with different chicken recipes and sauces and eventually came up with the idea for Zaxby’s signature dish, the Chicken Finger Plate.

Furthermore, they opened their first restaurant in Statesboro, quickly becoming popular among locals. Over the years, they expanded the chain to other locations in Georgia and neighboring states, and the business grew through franchising. Today, Zaxby’s has over 900 locations in over 20 states and continues to be known for its chicken dishes and signature Zax Sauce.

What Is the Secret Behind Zaxby’s Success?

There are several factors that have contributed to Zaxby’s success:

• High-Quality Food: Zaxby’s places a strong emphasis on using high-quality ingredients in its dishes, which has helped to differentiate them from other fast-food chains.
• Signature Sauce: Zaxby’s is famous for its signature sauce, which is a unique blend of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors. The sauce has helped to create a loyal following among customers, who often come back for more.
• Strong Branding: Zaxby’s has created a strong brand identity through its advertising campaigns and restaurant decor, which features a fun and playful chicken theme.
• Franchising Model: Zaxby’s has successfully grown its business through franchising, which has allowed the company to expand rapidly while maintaining consistency in its food and service.
• Customer Service: Zaxby’s places a strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service, which has helped to create a loyal customer base.
• Innovation: Zaxby’s has continued to innovate its menu over the years, introducing new items and flavors to keep customers coming back. They have also embraced technology, offering online ordering and a mobile app to make the ordering process more convenient.

What Is Zaxby’s Revenue?

As of 2021, Zaxby’s had an estimated revenue of $2.5 billion, which is 12.8% higher than the previous year. This figure is likely to have increased since then, given the company’s continued expansion and growth. It is also worth noting that Zaxby’s is a privately held company, so it is not required to disclose its financial information publicly.

What Inspires Zaxby’s Owners?

Zaxby’s co-founders, Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley have been inspired by several things throughout their journey with the company. One of the main inspirations behind their business is a passion for providing high-quality food and a great customer experience.

In interviews, McLeroy has also talked about his inspiration for Zaxby’s coming from his upbringing in rural Georgia, where he learned the value of hard work and community. He has spoken about wanting to create a business that would not only provide a great product but also create jobs and support local communities.

Another source of inspiration for McLeroy and Townley has been their customers. They have emphasized the importance of listening to customer feedback and adapting their business to meet their needs and preferences.

Overall, it seems that McLeroy and Townley are driven by a desire to create a successful business that provides great food and a great experience for their customers while also supporting their employees and the communities they serve.

The Bottom Line

Zaxby’s is a fast-food chain that has grown into a successful business with over 900 locations in the United States. The company was founded in 1990 by childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley, who had a passion for providing high-quality chicken dishes and a great customer experience. 

Zaxby’s has become known for its signature sauces, strong branding, and commitment to innovation and customer service. The company’s success can be attributed to a variety of factors, including high-quality food, franchising, strong branding, customer service, and a commitment to innovation. 

Overall, Zaxby’s continues to be a popular choice for fast-food chicken dishes, and its co-founders remain committed to providing a great product and experience for their customers.