General Manager
About the job
- The candidate must be 21 years of age or older.
- The candidate must have a valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation.
- The candidate must have open availability and be able to work a minimum of 5 days and 48 hours per week.
- The candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- The candidate must successfully complete a background check and motor vehicle report.
- The candidate must possess leadership qualities, organizational skills, and the ability to interact cooperatively with others.
- The candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- The candidate must have 3–5 years of management experience.
- The candidate must be able to sit, stand, and walk continuously.
- The candidate must occasionally stoop, bend, crouch, or climb, including using ladders.
- The candidate must frequently lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds, including lifting overhead.
- The candidate must continuously use their hands and wrists for grasping and fine manipulation.
- The candidate must communicate proficiently through speech, reading, and writing.
- The candidate must maintain effective audiovisual discrimination and perception to observe and respond to the environment.
- The candidate must work in an environment with hot and cold temperature variations and exposure to food allergens.
- The candidate must operate and work safely with restaurant equipment including knives, fryers, and potentially hazardous equipment.
- Provide guidance and leadership to the team to create a positive culture, maintain high team morale, and encourage team members to strive for excellence.
- Execute and assist in developing action plans according to company goals and objectives.
- Manage and oversee daily restaurant operations, focusing on staffing, team member development, sales growth, cost management, and operational standards.
- Complete the Zaxbys General Manager Development Plan and Operations Excellence Capstone Class, food safety certification, manager certification, and any additional required training.
- Ensure the restaurant delivers positive guest experiences.
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels by sourcing, interviewing, hiring, retaining, and recognizing top performers.
- Ensure team members receive proper training, ongoing mentoring, coaching, and development while holding them accountable for performance.
- Ensure effective work schedules are created timely and appropriately to drive sales and control labor costs.
- Plan and delegate shift assignments, communicate expectations, and adjust assignments as needed.
- Ensure service, product quality, and cleanliness standards are consistently upheld.
- Create and maintain a positive culture and healthy team morale by providing guidance, leadership, and role-model behavior.
- Manage profitability by driving sales, controlling costs, developing team members, and upholding operational standards.
- Increase sales by building community relationships and providing outstanding products and service.
- Control costs and losses, improve operations, maintain standards, and ensure compliance with company guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Complete performance reviews for crew members and assist with performance reviews for managers.
- Maintain compliance with company, federal, state, and local laws, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Use management tools and maintain neat, accurate, and current records.
- Review daily performance metrics and develop action plans to improve systems, processes, profitability, sales, and guest experience.
- Handle and report guest and team member complaints, concerns, and injuries promptly and respectfully.
- Ensure the team works safely and follows safety guidelines and procedures.
- Escalate concerns to a supervisor when appropriate.
- Perform other duties necessary to ensure restaurant operations function properly.
- Some college is preferred.
- Restaurant management experience is preferred.
About the company
Zaxby's is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves chicken fingers, Zalads, wings, and signature sauces. Its products are prepared and served at its many local restaurants, offering a southern-inspired menu with a modern twist and friendly service. The company differentiates itself through its combination of distinct menu items (notably Chicken Fingerz and Zalads), signature sauces, and a hospitality-driven brand experience, supported by a large franchised footprint (over 950 locations in 17 states). The goal is to provide consistent, craveable chicken-focused dishes with a welcoming dining experience across its locations, while expanding its brand through franchising and steady growth.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Greenville, South Carolina
Founded
1994
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Zaxbys launched the NERDS Strawberry Milkshake nationwide on August 31, 2026.
- New York openings in Bronx and Manhattan prove Northeast demand.
- 2026 deals in Chicago, Las Vegas, Jacksonville, and Salisbury extend franchise momentum.
What critics are saying
- Revelio puts Zaxbys headcount at 13,182 in March 2026, down 14.9% since 2023.
- Franchised unit growth demands operators; one bad real-estate cycle freezes openings.
- If Northeast stores underperform, Zaxbys stays Southern regional and loses acquisition appeal.
What makes Zaxby's unique
- Zaxbys pairs Chicken Fingerz with 12 signature sauces and a farmhouse prototype.
- Russell Holland’s 2026 development leadership accelerates flexible drive-thru, dine-in, and non-traditional formats.
- More than 1,000 locations across 24 states give Zaxbys national recognition.
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Benefits
401(k) Company Match
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Flexible Work Hours
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
15%1 year growth
15%2 year growth
15%Zaxbys drives non-traditional growth with five Florida Turnpike locations. October 10, 2026 Zaxbys has locked in its largest non-traditional deal yet, five Florida Turnpike service-plaza restaurants with Areas USA, led by a new Orlando stop for highway travelers. Atlanta-based chicken chain Zaxbys has signed a five-unit agreement with travel-hospitality operator Areas USA to put restaurants inside Florida Turnpike service plazas, and the first one is already open at Orlando's Turkey Lake Service Plaza on a high-traffic corridor. Nation's Restaurant News reported the pact as the chain's biggest non-traditional development deal to date, with Areas set to back flexible formats and strategic real estate as Zaxbys pushes beyond the standard freestanding box. The move fits a broader push into airports, colleges and universities, military installations, and other non-traditional sites after a strong 2025 that beat growth expectations and carried the brand past the 1,000-unit mark across 24 states. Holland says the deal puts Zaxbys in front of millions of travelers. Zaxbys Chief Development Officer Russ Holland, named to the post in June, framed the Areas partnership as a way to meet guests where they already are. Holland said: "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," Areas Chief Development Officer Richard Schneider said in a statement that Zaxbys is a strong fit for the company's long-running work with Florida's Turnpike Enterprise to upgrade service plazas and build a scalable growth model along the toll road system. New markets and more building types follow a big 2025. Zaxbys recently opened in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and New York City while it widened the menu of buildings franchisees can use. Last year the company rolled out a Modern Farmhouse design under its "Grow to Win" plan. Franchisees now have six building types, seven if conversions count, including non-traditional and drive-thru-only prototypes. For years the chain ran mainly on one 3,000-square-foot box. That shift matters on a turnpike plaza, where space, traffic patterns, and speed of service do not match a suburban pad site. Areas, a major airport and travel-hospitality operator, is positioned to help Zaxbys plant smaller or more flexible formats where travelers already stop for gas and food. Absolute dates for the signing and the Turkey Lake opening were not disclosed, and the company has not publicly mapped the other four Turnpike sites or said whether the units will be franchise- or company-owned. Financial terms also were not released. Service plazas become the next growth lane. Highway travel plazas, airports, campuses, and military bases give national chains captive foot traffic without waiting on another crowded retail corner. Zaxbys is treating those sites as a core development track rather than a side experiment, and the five-unit Florida package is the clearest proof so far. For a brand that just cleared 1,000 restaurants and is still entering big metro markets, the Areas deal is a practical bet: put the chicken where the cars already are, on one of Florida's busiest corridors, with a partner that already runs the plazas. Companies that follow customers instead of forcing them to detour tend to keep growing, and Zaxbys is doing exactly that on the Turnpike.
Zaxbys partners with Areas USA to expand into travel plazas. Oct 6 2026 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.
Zaxby's is zipping into South Bridge Marketplace. * By Karen Bartunek * Oct 2, 2026 * Chicken run Zaxby's will bring speed and zing to a growing dining corridor at South Bridge Marketplace. Developer Thompson Thrift, the company behind Sonoran Creek Marketplace, is currently in the throes of construction for South Bridge Marketplace. Last week, they revealed in a social media post the fast food chicken restaurant is one of the dining options opening in the new shopping center. Zaxby's will move into a space off John Wayne Parkway and Honeycutt Avenue. It is the second chicken restaurant to join the marketplace; Angry Chickz, a Nashville hot chicken restaurant, will sit two doors down from Panera Bread. The chicken chain is known not only for its play on the letter "z" - zalads or Zaks Packz, anyone? - but also for its menu of chicken fingers and wings. While Thompson Thrift did not confirm the exact location, there are currently two restaurant spaces undergoing negotiations - a 1,400-square-foot space between Panera Bread and Angry Chickz, and a 3,200-square-foot space immediately south. Other confirmed South Bridge tenants include Aldi, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Tropical Café Smoothie, Club Pilates and European Wax Center. Construction began in April 2024 with a Lowe's retail and garden center. Continued construction spans 60,000 square feet that will include a grocery store, plus 10,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. Karen Bartunek. Karen is a reporter for InMaricopa. Reach her at [email protected].
Zaxbys to open its third Las Vegas Valley location. Zaxbys is slated to open within the Rancho Oakey neighborhood area. Published Date: September 24, 2026, 10:21 PM EDT Zaxbys is planning to open its third location within the Decatur Meadows Center. (Image credit: Zaxbys Facebook) Zaxbys is working on another Las Vegas Valley opening. According to a City of Las Vegas permit, the new Zaxbys is expected to open in the Rancho Oakey neighborhood area within the Decatur Meadows Center at 398 S Decatur Blvd. At the helm of the opening are Jie Zhou and Royce Chow, who were listed on the permit. What Now Las Vegas reached out to Zhou and Chow to find out more about the exciting new development. Unfortunately, Whatnow Media Group did not hear back by the time of this publication. "As Zaxbys has grown over three decades, we have forged a culture made up of what matters to us and our core values. Our saucy personality is what makes us stand out in a crowded chicken coop," the Zaxbys website reads. "At Zaxbys, our core values are built on a willingness to do whatever it takes to do right by our customers, a culture of hospitality and inclusion, and a spirit of boldness - to pursue a vision and chase a dream." Zaxbys was founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, by childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley, who promoted chicken fingers from appetizers to main entrees. McLeroy sold his drum set for $8,000, and Townley matched the amount to gather $16,000 for their initial startup costs. The first location near the Georgia Southern University campus was originally called "Zax" before being renamed. Inspired by working at Guthrie's in Athens, Georgia, they focused on chicken fingers, crinkle fries, Texas toast, and signature Zax Sauce. The company began franchising in 1993 and officially adopted the name Zaxbys in 1994 when expanding outside Georgia to Bowling Green, Kentucky. The chain expanded steadily across the American South and into western states like Utah. In November 2020, Goldman Sachs acquired a majority stake in Zaxbys. Following the acquisition, Bernard Acoca was appointed CEO in 2022, while McLeroy transitioned to chairman of the board. What Now also reached out to Acoca to find out more about the brand's expansion plans. But Whatnow Media Group did not hear back by the time of this publication. "After more than 30 years, the same entrepreneurial spirit still guides our leaders and permeates the walls of every Zaxbys restaurant. A spirit of authenticity, honesty, hard work and attention to detail," the Zaxby's website reads. There are now more than a thousand Zaxbys locations across the United States, with Georgia holding the highest concentration. The Zaxbys location coming to the Decatur Meadows Shopping Center will be the third in the region. Check it out for yourself when Zaxbys opens in the Rancho Oakey neighborhood area within the Decatur Meadows Center at 398 S Decatur Blvd. (This is a developing story. As more information is made available, Whatnow Media Group will update this article. Stay tuned!) Love its content? Add WhatNow as a preferred source on Google to see more of its trusted coverage when you search. Be the first to know. From new restaurant openings to exciting retail launches and real estate insights, be the first to know what's happening in Las Vegas Regional Reporter Candese Charles first fell in love with journalism in the second grade, when she started the Charles Gazette. Since then, her career as a journalist has taken her to TV screens in New Orleans, the Bay Area, and Las Vegas. She believes that a good story has the power to change the world or at least change the way you think about food. Food is a love language for her, as both her father and brother are chefs. Originally from Los Angeles, after a trek across the country for her career as a TV news reporter, she's happy to call North Las Vegas home. When she's not writing about the hottest and newest restaurants, she's spending time with her family, catching concerts and music festivals, or brunching with her besties. She's excited to bring you a delicious bite of the next big restaurant.
Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's and Jersey Mike's Coming to Titusville. Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's and Jersey Mike's coming to Titusville? Yes, you read that correctly. Plans for a new retail development could bring all three popular restaurants to North Brevard, giving locals several highly requested dining options in one new plaza. The proposed project adds to the steady stream of growth changing Titusville and the northern Space Coast. Here is what has been reported, where the restaurants could be located and why residents, homeowners and investors are paying attention. Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's and Jersey Mike's Planned for Titusville. A master plan for a new Titusville retail plaza includes Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's and Jersey Mike's, according to reporting from the Orlando Business Journal. Commercial real estate marketing for the project also identifies the three restaurants among its notable prospective tenants. The development is planned near Hickory Hill Boulevard and Cheney Highway, an area positioned close to major roads, established neighborhoods and the continued commercial activity taking place throughout Titusville. Additional restaurant concepts associated with the project include Culver's and Dutch Bros. If the plans move forward as presented, this corner could become one of the most talked-about new dining stops in North Brevard. It is important to note that these businesses are currently included in development and leasing plans. Opening dates have not been publicly confirmed, and project details can change as permitting, construction and tenant agreements progress. Where would the new Titusville restaurants be located? The proposed retail development is located near the intersection of Hickory Hill Boulevard and Cheney Highway, also known as State Road 50. That location matters. Cheney Highway is one of Titusville's main east-west corridors, connecting residential communities with Interstate 95, U.S. 1 and other important parts of North Brevard. The site could also serve residents traveling from Mims, Port Saint John and surrounding areas. For locals, the announcement is about more than grabbing chicken sandwiches or subs. It is another sign that national brands see demand and opportunity in the Titusville market. Why is Titusville attracting more restaurants and development? Titusville is no longer being overlooked. Its proximity to Kennedy Space Center, major aerospace employers, the Indian River Lagoon, Interstate 95 and the Space Coast's expanding job market continues to support residential and commercial growth. As more people live, work and invest in North Brevard, demand follows for restaurants, shopping and everyday services. Titusville also offers a different pace from some of Brevard County's more developed southern communities. Buyers can remain connected to the broader Space Coast while living close to outdoor recreation, waterfront areas, historic downtown Titusville and major employment centers. That combination helps explain why developers and national businesses continue evaluating the area. What this growth could mean for Titusville Real Estate. New restaurants do not determine home values on their own. However, continued commercial investment can reflect growing confidence in a local market. When recognizable businesses enter an area, residents gain more nearby conveniences and the city may attract additional attention from buyers and investors. Over time, a stronger mix of dining, retail, employment and residential development can influence how people view an area as a place to live. For anyone researching Titusville homes for sale, these projects help tell a bigger story. Titusville is growing while maintaining the natural spaces, waterfront access and connection to the space industry that make it distinctive. Blue Marlin Real Estate watches these changes closely because local development affects more than traffic patterns. It can shape buyer interest, neighborhood demand and future investment decisions throughout the Titusville real estate market. Growth is spreading across North and central Brevard. The impact may extend beyond Titusville. Residents of Mims and Port Saint John frequently travel into Titusville for work, shopping, dining and entertainment. Rockledge and Merritt Island residents also keep a close eye on development along the northern and central Space Coast, especially as commercial activity follows residential growth. Across Brevard County, communities are evolving at different speeds. Titusville's current momentum stands out because it combines aerospace expansion, new housing and increased interest from national retailers. For prospective buyers, sellers and investors, that makes local knowledge increasingly valuable. Understanding what is proposed, what is approved and what is actually under construction can prevent rumors from being mistaken for confirmed development. Is Titusville a good place to buy a home? For many buyers, Titusville offers an appealing combination of location, lifestyle and relative value within the Space Coast real estate market. The city provides access to the Indian River Lagoon, nearby beaches, Canaveral National Seashore and the region's growing aerospace corridor. Housing options range from established residential neighborhoods and newer communities to condos, acreage and waterfront homes. The right decision still depends on the buyer's goals. Commute time, insurance costs, flood zones, neighborhood conditions and future development should all be reviewed before purchasing. A knowledgeable Titusville real estate agent can help buyers compare areas and understand how local growth may affect their plans. What locals should watch next. There is plenty of excitement around Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's and Jersey Mike's coming to Titusville, but the next meaningful updates will involve permitting, construction activity and official announcements from the restaurant brands or developers. Until then, the project should be described as planned or proposed, rather than fully confirmed and ready to open. Frequently asked questions. Are Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's and Jersey Mike's officially coming to Titusville? The three restaurants appear in plans for a new Titusville retail development. However, individual opening dates have not been publicly confirmed, and plans may change during the development process. Where is the new Titusville retail plaza planned? The project is planned near Hickory Hill Boulevard and Cheney Highway, also known as State Road 50, in Titusville, Florida. When will the new Titusville restaurants open? No confirmed opening dates have been announced. Construction, permitting and tenant preparations will determine the eventual timeline. What other restaurants are planned for the Titusville plaza? Commercial materials for the development also identify Culver's and Dutch Bros among the notable prospective tenants. How can I find homes for sale in Titusville? Blue Marlin Real Estate can help buyers explore Titusville homes for sale, compare neighborhoods and understand current conditions across North Brevard and the Space Coast. Thinking about a move to Titusville? Titusville is growing, and knowing what is happening locally can make a real difference when buying, selling or investing. 321.877.2902 Blue Marlin Real Estate | Local. Trusted. Proven.