Zaxby’s Franchisee Unveils Upcoming Locations

Zaxby’s , an American chain of fast-casual restaurants primarily in the Southern United States, is preparing to expand throughout Phoenix .

Last year, What Now Phoenix reported that franchise owners Brian and Jessica Nelson signed a multi-unit deal with the company, with plans of opening multiple locations throughout the Phoenix territory in the next five years. Now, the franchisees are revealing where they plan to open Zaxby’s in the area, starting with a new site to the new Vineyard Towne Center shopping center on the northwest corner of Gantzel and Combs in Queen Creek .

Jessica Nelson tells What Now Phoenix that they hope to open this location in Winter 2024 or Spring 2025 as part of the shopping center’s development phase 2. Other eateries to join the mall during this time include McDonald’s, Better Buzz Coffee , and Ono Hawaiian BBQ . This is just the first of many new Zaxby’s coming to Phoenix, as Jessica tells What Now Phoenix that they are negotiating with multiple developments for more locations, including at the corner of Signal Butte Road & East Queen Creek Road, Elliott and Ellsworth, and possibly going into the development The Gilmore. However, none of these lease agreements have been finalized.

Last year, when the duo signed the multi-unit franchise deal, they announced initial plans to develop six locations in the next five years in the East Valley of Phoenix, encompassing Queen Creek, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa. Current plans call for the first store to open in the fall of 2024, the second in the spring of 2025, and four more locations by 2027. Brian and Jessica have extensive histories in the restaurant industry, are longtime fans of Zaxby’s food, and feel ready to take on this challenge.

“We are looking for our next venture to pour our heart, soul, knowledge, and resources into,” Jessica told Nation’s Restaurant News last year. “Zaxby’s has a high standard of excellence, which is important to us, while many 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! I also love the consistency in product quality across locations. Two words: Zax Sauce.”

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