Zaxbys Partners with Areas USA to Expand into Travel Plazas

Zaxbys, the rapidly growing Georgia-based QSR franchise known for its Chicken Fingerz, wings and 12 signature sauces, is entering the travel hospitality sector through a multi-unit agreement with Areas USA, the nation’s largest privately held travel hospitality company. The deal will develop five restaurants at Florida Turnpike service plazas, and the team recently opened the first unit on Sept. 29 at the Turkey Lake Service Plaza in Orlando.

The restaurant situated at 263 Florida’s Turnpike will introduce millions of travelers each year to one of the nation’s fastest-growing chicken brands along a high-traffic Florida travel corridor. The deal marks a significant step in Zaxbys’ long-term growth strategy and is the brand’s largest non-traditional development agreement to date.

As consumers increasingly seek recognizable restaurant brands wherever they travel, Zaxbys is expanding beyond traditional freestanding restaurants into heavily frequented destinations that offer greater convenience and introduce the brand to new audiences. Pairing Areas’ extensive travel hospitality expertise with Zaxbys’ growing brand presence and consumer appeal, the partnership creates a strong foundation for continued expansion in travel venues and other non-traditional environments. Areas will support Zaxbys’ broader strategy to pursue flexible formats and strategic real estate opportunities that encourage long-term growth.

“Today’s guests expect convenience without compromising on quality, and this partnership allows us to meet them where they are,” said Russ Holland, Chief Development Officer at Zaxbys. “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.”

The Areas agreement, part of Areas’ longstanding partnership with Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise to enhance the state’s service plazas, establishes a scalable model for future growth while reinforcing Zaxbys’ potential across broader non-traditional environments. Zaxbys is actively exploring opportunities within airports, colleges and universities, military installations and other high-traffic destinations. By combining flexible restaurant formats with strong operational support, Zaxbys is well positioned to work with leading non-traditional operators to expand its presence in new venues while strengthening brand awareness nationwide.

“With its bold flavors and Southern hospitality, Zaxbys is a great fit for these plazas. We’re proud to be part of Florida, home to our U.S. headquarters, and to partner with Zaxbys and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise on this expansion. We’ve invested in these plazas, and we’re excited to continue investing in their future. For us, hospitality is about making every stop a better experience, with welcoming spaces, great service and more choices for travelers,” said Richard Schneider, Chief Development Officer of Areas USA.

Founded in 1990, Zaxbys has grown to more than 1,000 restaurants by delivering differentiated chicken offerings, bold flavors and Southern hospitality. Today, the brand continues to build momentum through strategic franchise expansion, menu innovation and flexible development models designed to meet guests wherever they live, work and travel.

The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous industry accolades, including recognition in QSR Magazine’s 2024 Top 50 Fast-Food Chains, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and Newsweek. With a strong leadership team and a focus on long-term, sustainable growth, Zaxbys continues to stay true to its mission of delivering mouthwatering food and memorable experiences to its loyal fanbase.