Zaxby’s Opening First Northeast Location in New Jersey on December 15

If you've traveled south and had the chicken goodness that is Zaxby's, you're about to be in luck in the Garden State, as the fast-food chain is coming to New Jersey.

Zaxby's plans to open its first New Jersey restaurant on December 15 in Magnolia in Camden County. The new location is taking over a former Arby's that closed down in fall 2024 at 804 North White Horse Pike. This is a significant move for Zaxby's as it ventures into the Northeast for the first time, expanding beyond its usual Southeast market.

The Magnolia restaurant spans 3,000 square feet, with seating for 40 patrons. It features a drive-thru service and supports orders through Zaxby's app and services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. This aligns with the shift toward off-premise dining seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This expansion into New Jersey aims for six locations across South, Central, and North Jersey. The GSP Group, led by New Jersey resident Premanand Gupta, is spearheading this growth. Gupta brings extensive franchise experience, including with Dunkin’ and Subway. "We've always been interested in the growing chicken market. Zaxby's stood out with its great product and strong business model. We're sure it'll become a local favorite," Gupta shared in a news release.

The opening is expected to create around 50 jobs in Magnolia. Zaxby's aims to boost the local job market while offering growth opportunities for team members. The move into New Jersey is part of a phased strategy, establishing a presence in South Jersey first before moving north.

Mike Mettler, Chief Development Officer at Zaxby's, expressed enthusiasm about their growth plans. "We're eager to see Zaxby's expand into New Jersey with such capable and committed owners. The GSP Group's strong operational background makes them perfect partners," Mettler said.

The menu will feature Zaxby's classic items like Chicken Fingerz, wings, sandwiches, and zalads, along with 12 signature sauces, including Zax Sauce. These have helped Zaxby's grow from a single Georgia location to a well-liked brand in many states. They hope to bring that same success to New Jersey's dynamic food scene.

Zaxby's strategy involves partnering with operators who understand local markets. By collaborating with franchisees who are familiar with local demands and competitors, Zaxby's ensures a smooth entry into new areas. Taral Patel, operations partner with GSP Group, stated, "This is just the beginning. We're excited to expand across the state and bring Zaxby's to more fans throughout the Northeast," indicating growth plans beyond South Jersey.

Zaxby's arrival in New Jersey reflects its ambition to evolve from a regional chain into a national brand. They strategically open key locations before expanding into nearby areas, ensuring brand recognition and seamless operations.