11-08-2025
Zaxby's continues western expansion with new location opening this week
The opening of Zaxby's first-ever Arizona location is set for this week as the chain expands its new western footprint.
It is part of Zaxby's plan to open dozens of locations across the nation this year, and it's the second recent Zaxby's opening in the Western United States, following the chain's first Las Vegas location that started serving in April.
The location is set to open in the Phoenix area on Wednesday, Aug. 13. At a later Aug. 19 celebration, the store is promising free menu items for six months to the first 100 guests, Zaxby's said in a news release.
Known for its chicken tenders and signature sauce, Zaxby's has a heavy presence across the Southeast in states like Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi, among others. But the chain has eyes on expansion, aiming to open its 1,000th new location in 2025, including its first restaurants in Nevada and Arizona.
Read more: Fried chicken chain Zaxby's is finally opening its first AZ location. Here's when
Other openings in 2025
The Phoenix-area opening is the latest addition to the list of new Zaxby's locations in 2025. States with a new Zaxby's location opened this year include Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Kansas, Virginia and Mississippi.
Zaxby's: Fast food chain plans to open more than 50 new locations in 2025: Here's where
Where is Zaxby's opening in Arizona?
Opening on Aug. 13, the new location will be at 37756 N. Gantzel Road in San Tan Valley, a suburb of Phoenix.
The new location spans 3,000 square feet and has 56 seats for dine-in guests, in addition to a dual drive-thru and curbside pickup door for faster service, the company said.
Sharlene Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Zaxby's, thanked the owners of the latest location in the press release.
"Thanks to the dedication of our franchise partners, Brian and Jessica Nelson, we're accelerating our growth out West and continuing to introduce the Zaxby's famous Fingerz and signature sauces to new fans across the country,' Smith said.
On Aug. 19, nearly a week after the restaurant's opening, Smith will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the location.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
