LANSING — Two months after Atlanta, Georgia-based fast food chain Zaxbys announced plans to open over 50 new locations in 2025, a company official says the company is very interested in expanding into the Lansing area.
“The greater Lansing area continues to grow, supported by a mix of longtime residents, students and professionals,” Zaxbys’ Chief Development Officer Mike Mettler said in an email. “It offers an ideal environment for Zaxbys flexible store formats.”
Those formats include larger 2,900-square-foot dine-in restaurants that offer nearly 60 seats, smaller 1,650-square-foot locations with 30 seats and drive-in only operations, Mettler said.
The franchise chain, known for its fried chicken tenders and sandwiches, currently has nearly 1,000 restaurants in 18 states. The chain has no Michigan locations.
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In June, USA Today reported the company planned to add 50 new restaurants this year and intended to branch out into new markets. The chain was started in 1990. Its menu includes chicken wings, tenders and sandwiches, “zalads,” French fries, cole slaw, Texas toast and fried pickles.
Mettler said the company is interested in several Lansing area communities.
“We see strong potential throughout the Lansing area, including East Lansing, Delta Township, and nearby surrounding communities,” he said.
Zaxbys is looking for franchisees who can be “paired with a team of specialists who guide them through the entire startup process,” Mettler said. “We’re currently in the process of finding the right operators to partner with. Once we find an operator that aligns with our values as a brand, we plan on looking more closely at the geographics.”
New restaurants typically open 18 to 24 months after new franchise operators are identified, he said.
Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ .
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Will Zaxbys come to Lansing area? Georgia-based restaurant chain interested in local market
Reporting by Rachel Greco, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
