Zaxbys Expands Into New York City Markets

The chicken restaurant chain has opened new locations on the Upper East Side and in the Bronx as part of a national growth push.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Dining Out

Zaxbys Expands Into New York City Markets

Live Poll

Do you welcome new national restaurant chains opening in your local community?

Atlanta-based Zaxbys has officially expanded its footprint into New York City, opening new restaurants on the Upper East Side and in the Bronx. The expansion marks a significant step for the 36-year-old brand as it seeks to scale its presence beyond its traditional home in the Southeast.

Why it matters

The company is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy titled Grow to Win to reassert its leadership position in an increasingly competitive national chicken market. By moving into the New York City region, Zaxbys aims to capture new customer bases outside its core southern stronghold.

Founded 36 years ago, Zaxbys finished 2025 with 1,005 locations and generated $2.76 billion in total sales. The brand is currently executing its Grow to Win strategy to increase its unit count outside the Southeast.

The players

Zaxbys

Zaxbys is an Atlanta-based fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in chicken fingers, wings, and sandwiches.

The details

Zaxbys is leveraging its Grow to Win strategy to establish a foothold in the competitive New York City dining landscape. This move away from its historic Southeast base represents the brand's commitment to scaling its operations nationally.

Zaxbys operated 1,005 locations and earned $2.76 billion during the 2025 fiscal year.
The restaurant chain opened its new New York City locations in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The entry of Zaxbys into New York City reflects a broader push by regional fast-casual chains to achieve national scale through the Grow to Win strategy. This trend highlights a shift away from Southeast-centric growth models as brands compete for a larger share of the national chicken market.

Residents on the Upper East Side and in the Bronx now have access to Zaxbys menu items as the chain establishes its first physical presence in these neighborhoods. This arrival offers local diners an additional quick-service option for chicken-based meals in their communities.

The takeaway

Zaxbys entry into the New York City market underscores the brand's shift toward rapid national expansion following over three decades of growth in the Southeast. Consumers in the city can now expect a new entrant in the local fast-casual chicken sector as the company scales its operations.