Who Owns Zaxby’s?
Zaxby’s is still privately held. Co-founder Zach McLeroy remains closely involved, and funds managed by Goldman Sachs bought a significant stake in late 2020.
How Zaxby’s began
Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley opened the first Zaxby’s near Georgia Southern University in Statesboro in 1990, with a menu built around chicken fingers, wings and a signature dipping sauce. The name is a play on Zach’s name. Franchising began a few years later, and the chain spread steadily across the Southeast, where most of its restaurants still are.
Ownership timeline
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley open the first Zaxby’s in Statesboro |
| 1990s | Franchising begins and the chain grows across Georgia and the Southeast |
| 2020 | Funds managed by Goldman Sachs buy a significant stake |
| Today | Private, with the founder still involved and most restaurants franchised |
What the Goldman Sachs deal changed
The 2020 investment gave Zaxby’s outside capital to grow, update technology such as its app and loyalty program, and expand into new markets. Unlike a full buyout, the founder kept a role in the company, which has helped Zaxby’s keep its identity: Chicken Fingerz, Zalads and Zax Sauce remain at the center of the menu.
What this means for customers
Because most Zaxby’s are franchised, prices and some local promotions vary by restaurant, but the menu and sauces are consistent. See typical meal, Zalad and Zax Pack prices on the Zaxby’s menu, and learn about its signature dip in What Is Zax Sauce Made Of?
Related Questions
Who owns Zaxby’s?
Zaxby’s is privately held. Co-founder Zach McLeroy remains involved, and funds managed by Goldman Sachs bought a significant stake in 2020.
Who founded Zaxby’s?
Childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley, in 1990.
Where was the first Zaxby’s?
In Statesboro, Georgia, near Georgia Southern University.
Is Zaxby’s publicly traded?
No. Zaxby’s is a private company.
Where is Zaxby’s headquartered?
Athens, Georgia.
Is Zaxby’s a franchise?
Yes. Most Zaxby’s restaurants are owned and run by franchisees.
More on Zaxby’s
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Company details come from public reporting. See current prices on the Zaxby’s menu.
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