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Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA - March 17, 2011: A roadside sign for a Zaxbys Restaurant, near the business location.
toddmedia/istockphoto

Zaxbys, the popular Southern fried chicken chain that has no interest in apostrophes, is planning a big expansion this year. With the intention of hitting a whopping 1,000 locations nationwide, the company is opening 50 new stores in 2025. Though the chain is distinctly southern, some surprising West Coast and Midwest options are planned.

What Is Zaxbys Known For?

Zaxby’s Fries
Chris M. / Yelp

Fried chicken is the lifeblood of Zaxbys, and the reason it’s been able to make it to the 950 stores it currently operates. The place is extremely interested in the letter Z, offering things like Chicken Fingerz and the virtually unsayable “Zalads.” Sandwiches, like at all fast-food chicken chains, are also huge here.

What States Is Zaxbys Currently In?

J. Michael Jones/istockphoto

Zaxbys is currently in 17 states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Nevada

Where Will the New Zaxbys Locations Open?

r/LosAngeles / Reddit.com

Zaxbys has plenty more stores on the way this year, and is planning on opening stores in the following states:

  • Arizona
  • Pennsylvania
  • New York
  • Maryland
  • Illinois
  • Ohio
  • New Jersey

Where Has Zaxbys Opened So Far This Year?

Marc R. / Yelp

So far in 2025, Zaxbys has opened restaurants in these cities:

  • Cochran, Georgia
  • Spartanburg, South Carolina
  • Richmond Hill, Georgia
  • Bristol, Tennesse
  • Vincennes, Indiana
  • Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  • Locust, North Carolina
  • Leavenworth, Kansas
  • Valdosta, Georgia
  • Rocky Mount, Virginia
  • Brookhaven, Georgia
  • Natchez, Mississippi

What Should I Order at Zaxbys?

Machmud M. / Yelp

Chicken is obviously the place to start; the bone-in wings especially. And if you don’t know what sauce to dunk ’em in? We’ve got you covered with our ranking of the best Zaxbys sauces.

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Meet the Writer

Wilder Shaw is a staff writer at Cheapism who has written for publications like The Washington Post