Chicken chain Zaxby’s recently opened its first location in
The Falls Shopping Center in Bristol, Virginia. The
3,800-square-foot Bristol Zaxby’s is a farmhouse-themed prototype
that could be the new design for the chain’s locations in the
future, and it’s going to be home to more than 50 full-time and
part-time workers.
Alan Crowder, a Zaxby’s General Manager, said the Bristol
prototype is one of just two in the country, and he praised the
local beauty of the new site.
The Bristol store marks the Georgia-based franchise business’
fifth location in the Tri-Cities area and the first Zaxby’s on the
Virginia side. Its owners are none other than Tony Townley and Zach
McLeroy, the brand’s co-founders, through Zax LLC, Zaxby’s largest
licensee with more than 120 locations.
Zaxby’s
outlets traditionally have bold décor and bright colors, but the
Bristol prototype features darker tones and a more rustic look with
nostalgic signs adorning the walls.
Crowder described the new Zaxby's look as being closer to a
full-service restaurant than a fast-food feel, with a very
different kitchen layout than you'd find in a traditional Zaxby’s.
The manager says that other visitors to the second prototype
location will sometimes enter and stop because they’re not sure
whether they need to wait to be seated.
Bristol Zaxby’s opened for the first time on Monday, February
1st, and it attracted a small crowd, with some people lining up as
early as 4:00am for free meal gift card giveaways. This is the
first eatery in the Falls development, and Crowder believes that
this is an advantage because patrons won’t have any other options.
However, the GM did note that he and his staff would do everything
they can to ensure people will want to return to the Bristol store
even when they have alternatives available.
The Zaxby’s Franchise Opportunity
Zaxby’s first location was opened in 1990 in Georgia by
childhood friends Tony Townley and Zach McLeroy. Since then, the
chain has grown to more than 700 locations across 16 states and is
still expanding. The franchise business focuses on chicken and
associated products, including salads, bone-in and boneless wings,
and sandwiches.
Zaxby’s
is seeking franchisees in key areas, particularly in the South and
Southeast regions. Available markets include Dallas and Houston in
Texas, Louisville in Kentucky, and West Palm Beach in
Florida.
Alongside a commitment to customer satisfaction, Zaxby’s also
focuses on the community. The franchise brand is partnered
with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has sponsored more than 200
wishes since 2011 to the tune of $1.9 million.
Qualified franchisees will have at net worth of at least
$1,000,000, with a minimum of $500,000 in liquid capital and must
be able to pass a background check that includes the evaluation of
credit history and criminal records.
If you’re on the hunt for a franchise
opportunity that has its own unique style and solid
growth potential, be sure to take a closer look at Zaxby’s.
Visit FranchiseExpo.com where you can search for opportunities by industry, investment level and area while researching the franchise industry as a whole using its free resources.
