News

Zaxby's hits billion-dollar milestone

August 20, 2013

Zaxby's Franchising Inc. has hit $1 billion in gross sales in the past 12 months. The fast casual chicken franchise based in Athens, Ga., operates 576 units primarily in the Southeast.

"So far, 2013 has been a great year for Zaxby's growth. We ranked fourth in growth for fast casual chicken franchises, 14th in the country for growth in fast casual franchises overall — and hit a billion dollars," said Zach McLeroy, Zaxby's CEO. "For a regional, privately held, fast casual chicken franchise restaurant company with only 575 locations, this is basically unheard of — really huge."

"By focusing on smart growth — growth that's both culturally and financially sustainable — we've remained debt-free, while delivering growth quarter after quarter," McLeroy said. ZFI's growth this year included an increase in average unit volume and a strategic westward expansion across the U.S.; recently selling the exclusive rights for the entire state of Utah in a single multiunit deal.

"What I'm the most proud of is our sustainable cultural growth. We've continued to develop and grow our core values of operational excellence, guest focus and developing talent. From our guests having an exceptional dining experience, to the smile they receive at the counter, to our restaurant design — it all comes down to taking the long-term approach with operational excellence, guest focus and training. Ultimately, it's about enriching the lives of everyone the brand touches," McLeroy said.

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