Article
Zaxby's to unveil new store design
January 22, 2012 by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance
Zaxby’s has unveiled a new comprehensive restaurant design that will be rolled out at two Georgia locations, the first one in Valdosta and a second at Lake Park. The new design will streamline operational efficiencies, provide a heightened guest experience and increase each location's a curb appeal.
“We are always looking for new ways to surprise our guests,” said Zach McLeroy, Zaxby’s co-founder and CEO. Since its inception more than 20 years ago, this is only the third restaurant modification by Zaxby’s.
"It is important to Zaxby's to always differentiate ourselves in the market with our building designs. Our previous prototype building consisted of cream color split face block and EFIS with the dark tan towers. This look has become very commonplace in the retail market with strip shopping centers, hotels, and other establishments having a similar look," said Kathy Brooks, Design & Construction Director for Zaxby's Franchising Inc. "Zaxby's felt it was time to depart from this look with something that was different from other restaurant concepts, while being constructed of materials that were affordable, and maintenance-friendly."
The design was created in partnership with MRP Design Group.
"We feel it ties back to our core menu items of chicken, with the lapboard siding and corrugated metal silo at the drive-thru helping to brand the concept," Brooks said.
The new restaurant design will showcase a new, open kitchen design, allowing multiple equipment options and additional storage capacity. The 90-seat restaurant will feature an open, inviting atmosphere with spacious seating and bright graphics. The interior includes a redesigned drink station to provide improved customer access and convenience, and a high-performance heating and air-conditioning system that reduces humidity and provides a comfortable seating area and kitchen.
Reminiscent of the architecture found in rural farmhouses across the South, the 3,785-square-foot building exterior will feature corrugated tin awnings, brick trimming below the windows, fluted gooseneck light fixtures and, most recognizably, a metal silo that highlights Zaxby’s drive-thru services.
The silo prototype will be available in both 90- and 70-seat building versions. There also is a building version that does not have the corrugated metal silo drive-thru structure.
"We felt it was important to have an alternate version for locations that restricts certain buildings materials and may consider the silo as 'signage' or additional branding that would not be approved," she said. "We feel the silo drive-thru component is an exciting part of our new look. As we continue to fine-tune the construction of this prototype it is our hope that we are able to continue to build this style building."
The new, corporately owned Lake Park and Valdosta, Ga., Zaxby’s restaurants will be the first in the market to display this design, as well as the first in the company. Zaxby’s will be returning to Valdosta to replace a past Zaxby’s that closed as a result of a fire. The previous location was the third Zaxby’s in existence for the company, before the expansion into franchising. Both Georgia locations featuring the revolutionary design are scheduled to open mid- to- late February 2012.
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