Fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its chicken fingers, wings, and sandwiches, offering a menu of Southern-inspired comfort food.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
826
+
6%
6%
Franchise fee
?
$35,000
Investment
?
$1,445,000 - $3,811,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$2,710,000
+
4.2%
4.2%
Sign up to unlock
Zaxby’s has established itself as a premier American fast-casual chain, with over 912 thriving locations across the United States and a growth trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down. The brand's impressive journey started in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, when entrepreneurs Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley founded the first Zaxby’s.
Known for its made-to-order menu, Zaxby’s delights customers with a variety of tasty options, including succulent chicken fingers, savory chicken wings, mouthwatering sandwiches, wholesome salads, and delicious appetizers.
Enhancing the dining experience are Zaxby’s signature dipping sauces, offering flavors like teriyaki, BBQ, and hot honey mustard. Zaxby’s began its franchising journey in 1994 with the opening of its first franchise location in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Headquartered in Athens, Georgia, and operating under Zaxby's SPE Franchisor LLC, Zaxby’s continues to solidify its position as a successful fast-casual dining franchise.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Zaxby’s franchise is
$1,445,000 - $3,811,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000
Lease Deposit and Payment
$10,000 - $19,000
Utility Deposits
$0 - $9,000
Building
$640,000 - $1,300,000
Sitework
$150,000 - $990,000
Architect & Engineer
$45,000 - $110,000
Permits and Licenses
$2,000 - $150,000
Accounting and Legal Fees
$500 - $25,000
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment Package
$445,000 - $497,000
Technology System
$60,500 - $217,500
Signage
$23,000 - $245,000
Insurance
$1,000 - $17,000
Printing/Business Supplies
$300 - $1,000
Initial Marketing Contribution
$5,200 - $10,000
Initial Inventory
$5,000 - $22,000
Uniforms
$1,500 - $5,000
Training Expenses
$10,000 - $25,000
Pre-Opening Payroll
$10,000 - $37,000
Additional Funds - 3 months
$1,000 - $96,000
Total
$1,445,000 - $3,810,500
Create a free account to access this table and more. For more information see our plans here.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000
Lease Deposit and Payment
$10,000 - $19,000
Utility Deposits
$0 - $9,000
Building
$640,000 - $1,300,000
Sitework
$150,000 - $990,000
Architect & Engineer
$45,000 - $110,000
Permits and Licenses
$2,000 - $150,000
Accounting and Legal Fees
$500 - $25,000
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment Package
$445,000 - $497,000
Technology System
$60,500 - $217,500
Signage
$23,000 - $245,000
Insurance
$1,000 - $17,000
Printing/Business Supplies
$300 - $1,000
Initial Marketing Contribution
$5,200 - $10,000
Initial Inventory
$5,000 - $22,000
Uniforms
$1,500 - $5,000
Training Expenses
$10,000 - $25,000
Pre-Opening Payroll
$10,000 - $37,000
Additional Funds - 3 months
$1,000 - $96,000
Total
$1,445,000 - $3,810,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Zaxby’s's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Zaxby’s had 969 total units in 2025, of which 826 were franchised-owned and 143 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee of
Zaxby’s
?
The royalty fee for a Zaxby’s franchise is 6.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 4.00%.
What is the total investment of
Zaxby’s
?
The initial investment required for a Zaxby’s franchise is $1,445,000 - $3,811,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee of
Zaxby’s
?
The initial franchise fee for a Zaxby’s franchise is $35,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
What is the average revenue (Average Unit Volume) of
Zaxby’s
?
Zaxby’s does not disclose the average unit volume (average revenue) in its FDD.
The average unit volume (average revenue) for a Zaxby’s franchise is $2,710,000.
Prior to opening a restaurant, the designated principal, key operator, and selected managers must attend and successfully complete an initial management training program, referred to as the Training Program.
This program is divided into three segments: Operations Basics, Operations Leadership, and Operations Excellence Capstone.
The training duration varies from six to nine weeks based on the participant's role and experience, and must be completed no later than 21 days before the restaurant opens. The training sessions are scheduled as needed.
While there is no tuition fee for the first four individuals to attend the Training Program, a fee of $2,500 per person is charged for each additional manager. Franchisees are responsible for covering all travel and living expenses for their representatives attending the training.
Territory Protection
Franchisees are granted the right to operate a Zaxby's Restaurant within a specific location referred to as the "Protected Area." The Single Unit Development Agreement is signed for each location and grants franchisees the right to construct a single Zaxby's restaurant within the Development Area.
This Development Area could be a specific site or a larger area agreed upon and described in the Agreement.
The Company will not grant new Zaxby's franchises to any person or entity other than the franchisee for the operation of, and the Company will not open, any new Zaxby's restaurant within the Development Area.