Zaxbys presses the gas on non-traditional locations
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Zaxbys is expanding in service plazas in Florida Photo courtesy of Zaxbys
Zaxbys has signed a five-unit agreement with major airport and travel-hospitality operator Areas USA to open restaurants in Florida Turnpike service plazas. This marks the fast-casual chicken chain’s largest non-traditional development deal to date.
The first of those five locations has already opened in Orlando’s Turkey Lake Service Plaza, along the high-traffic Florida corridor.
Zaxbys is also actively exploring opportunities across airports, colleges, and universities, military installations and other non-traditional venues as part of its long-term development plan. As part of their new agreement, Areas will support Zaxbys’ broader strategy to pursue flexible formats and strategic real estate opportunities.
In a statement, Zaxbys’ Chief Development Officer Russ Holland, who was named to that position in June, said the partnership allows the company to meet today’s guests where they are.
“Working with Areas USA enables us to introduce the Zaxbys experience to millions of travelers each year while continuing to build on our non-traditional development strategy. We’re excited to expand into one of Florida’s most heavily traveled corridors alongside a partner that shares our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences,” he said.
Areas has long had a partnership with Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise to enhance the state’s service plazas and establish a scalable model for growth. In a statement, Areas Chief Development Officer Richard Schneider said Zaxbys is a great fit to execute on those objectives.
Zaxbys recently surpassed the 1,000th-unit milestone following a strong 2025 that exceeded growth expectations. The Atlanta-based chain now operates in 24 states and recently debuted in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and New York City.
Last year, the company introduced a new Modern Farmhouse designed as part of its “Grow to Win” plan. The company now has six building types for franchisees to choose from (seven, if you count conversions), including non-traditional and drive-thru-only prototypes. Prior, there was one, 3,000-square-foot box. With smaller options now available, franchisees have more flexibility for real estate.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
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