Georgia-based Chicken Fingerz chain Zaxbys signed a multi-restaurant deal in Illinois, with seven locations coming soon to the Chicagoland area.
Its the second such deal the brand has signed in the area in the past two years.
Here’s what we know about the openings.
What is Zaxbys?
Founded in 1990 in Athens, Georgia, the fast-casual Southern style chain is known for its hand-breaded Chicken Fingerz, wings and diverse lineup of 12 signature sauces.
The chain has more than 1,000 restaurants across 22 states, including in Illinois, where it opened its first location in Plainfield earlier this year.
Where is Zaxbys opening restaurants in Illinois?
The chain previously signed a separate multi-unit agreement in the Chicagoland area in 2025.
A spokesperson told the Peoria Journal Star the newest batch of locations are expected to open in Woodridge, Naperville and Bolingbrook.
“Chicago remains a priority market for the brand due to its strong population growth in surrounding suburbs, high-volume commuter corridors and favorable conditions for Zaxbys’ flexible restaurant formats,” the brand said in a press release.
The brand said the agreement was signed by a local entrepreneur who was “drawn to Zaxbys’ strong unit economics, flexible development model and growing momentum throughout the Midwest.”
Where are Zaxbys locations in Illinois?
The Southern chain currently has one Illinois restaurant, located at 13429 Illinois Route 59 in Plainfield.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Southern chicken finger chain to open 7 restaurants in Chicagoland
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
