Zaxby's is a chicken-focused fast-casual chain with locations mainly in the Southeast
Zaxby's operates as a fast-casual restaurant, meaning you order at a counter or kiosk and food arrives to your table rather than through a drive-through window. The chain specializes in chicken — primarily chicken fingers, wings, and sandwiches — along with salads, wraps, and sides. Most Zaxby's locations are in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, though the chain has expanded into other states.
The restaurant sits between traditional fast food and sit-down casual dining in terms of speed and price. A typical meal costs more than a McDonald's order but less than a full-service restaurant. You can eat in the dining room, take food to go, or order for delivery through third-party apps in many locations.
Key Takeaways
- Zaxby's menu centers on chicken fingers, wings, and sandwiches, with salads and wraps as alternatives.
- Most locations are in the Southeast, particularly Georgia and Florida, though the chain continues to expand into new states.
- You order at a counter or kiosk and receive food at your table, making it faster than full-service dining but slower than a drive-through.
- Zaxby's offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options at most locations, though delivery availability depends on your area and the specific restaurant.
Main menu categories and what to expect
The core menu divides into several categories. Chicken Fingerz come as a plate with your choice of sauce, fries, and a drink, or as a combo with additional sides. Wings are available in various quantities and flavors, ranging from mild to hot. Sandwiches include the Chicken Sandwich, Kickin' Chicken Sandwich, and specialty options that change seasonally.
Salads feature grilled or fried chicken on top of mixed greens with your choice of dressing. Wraps offer a lighter alternative to sandwiches, with chicken and vegetables wrapped in a tortilla. Sides include fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and other options that vary by location. Most locations also serve Zaxby's Sauce, a signature dipping sauce available in bottles to take home.
Portion sizes tend to be generous — a single order of Chicken Fingerz typically contains more pieces than you would receive at a standard fast-food chain. Prices vary by location and menu item, but a single-person meal usually ranges from $8 to $15 before tax and drink.
How to order and pay
At most Zaxby's locations, you walk up to a counter or approach a digital kiosk to place your order. You select your main item, choose your sauce, pick your sides, and decide on a drink size. The staff will give you a number or receipt, and you either wait at a table or at the counter for your order to be called.
Payment methods include cash, credit cards, and debit cards at the register. Many locations also accept mobile payment through their own Zaxby's app or through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Some Zaxby's locations have partnered with delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, allowing you to order through those apps for delivery to your home.
The Zaxby's app offers a loyalty program where you earn points on purchases and can redeem them for free items or discounts. You can also place orders through the app for pickup at participating locations, which can speed up the process during busy times.
Dietary information and allergen concerns
Zaxby's publishes nutritional information and allergen details on its website and in-restaurant. Most chicken items are fried, so they are high in calories and fat. Grilled chicken options are available on salads and some sandwiches if you prefer lower-fat choices.
Common allergens in Zaxby's food include peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and milk. Cross-contamination is a risk in any kitchen where multiple foods are prepared, so if you have a severe allergy, inform the staff before ordering. The restaurant does not have a dedicated fryer for allergen-free items, so fried foods prepared in shared equipment may contain trace amounts of allergens.
Zaxby's does not currently offer vegan or vegetarian entrees, though you can order sides like fries or coleslaw if you follow those diets. The salads can be ordered without chicken, but dressings may contain animal products.
Finding locations and hours
You can search for Zaxby's locations using the restaurant's website location finder or through Google Maps. Enter your city or zip code to see nearby restaurants, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Hours vary by location — some open at 10:30 a.m. and close at 10 p.m., while others may have different times on weekends or may close earlier.
Many locations are open seven days a week, but some close on Sundays or have limited Sunday hours. If you are planning to visit a specific Zaxby's, it is worth calling ahead or checking the website to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing.
Franchise ownership and expansion
Zaxby's is a privately held company founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia. The chain operates through a franchise model, meaning individual owners operate most locations under the Zaxby's brand. This structure means that while the menu and branding are consistent, individual franchisees may make small decisions about hours, delivery partnerships, or local promotions.
The company has announced plans to expand into new states over the coming years, though the pace of expansion varies. If Zaxby's is not currently in your area, checking the website periodically may show whether a location is planned for your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zaxby's have a drive-through?
Most Zaxby's locations do not have a traditional drive-through window. You order at a counter or kiosk inside the restaurant. However, some newer locations may include drive-through service, so check your local restaurant's setup before visiting.
Can I customize my order?
Yes. You can choose your sauce, sides, and drink size with most entrees. You can also request modifications like extra sauce, no sauce, or substitutions, though availability depends on what the location has in stock that day.
What is Zaxby's Sauce?
Zaxby's Sauce is the restaurant's signature dipping sauce — a tangy, slightly spicy blend that comes with most chicken orders. You can purchase bottles of it to take home and use on other foods. The exact ingredients are not publicly detailed, but it contains vinegar and spices.
Are there healthier options on the menu?
Grilled chicken salads are the lowest-calorie entree option. You can also order sides like coleslaw or request modifications to reduce salt or fat. The nutritional information on the website shows calorie counts for each item, helping you make informed choices.
Does Zaxby's offer catering?
Many Zaxby's locations offer catering for groups and events. Contact your local restaurant directly or check the website for catering menus and pricing. Availability and options vary by location.