News Summary
Zaxby’s is opening its first location in Arizona on August 13, 2025, at Gantzel and Combs roads in San Tan Valley. The restaurant will offer dine-in and drive-thru services, and to celebrate its opening, Zaxby’s will provide free meals for six months to the first 100 guests on August 19, 2025. This expansion represents Zaxby’s commitment to growing its brand beyond the Southeast, creating about 70 jobs in the process and planning additional locations in the Phoenix area.
Arizona is set to welcome the first Zaxby’s location in the state on August 13, 2025. Located at the intersection of Gantzel and Combs roads in San Tan Valley, this new restaurant will provide both dine-in and drive-thru services for patrons. In celebration of the opening, Zaxby’s will host an event on August 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where the first 100 guests will receive free meals for six months.
Zaxby’s has gained popularity in the Southeast, primarily known for its Chicken Fingerz, chicken wings, and signature Zax Sauce. With plans for further expansion, Zaxby’s is making its mark beyond its traditional region, following the opening of a location in Las Vegas, Nevada, in spring 2025. This Arizona location represents the chain’s strategic intent to broaden its footprint across the country.
The franchise partners responsible for introducing Zaxby’s to the Phoenix area are Brian and Jessica Nelson. Their venture in San Tan Valley is expected to create approximately 70 new job opportunities for the local community. Brian Nelson, the Owner and Operator, expressed excitement over the prospect of bringing Zaxby’s unique dining experience to Arizona residents.
The Nelsons have ambitious plans for the Valley, aiming to open additional Zaxby’s locations in the coming years. Their growth strategy involves signing a six-store deal, with two leases secured in Queen Creek. Another group working on Zaxby’s expansion includes siblings Travis and Thomas DeGoey, who will focus on the western sections of the Valley.
Menu offerings at the new Zaxby’s location will feature a variety of options designed to appeal to a broad customer base. Popular items include the Big Zak Snak Meal, Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries, Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich, and the classic 5 Chicken Fingerz, along with sandwich meals, fingerz and wings mealz, and big zalads to cater to distinct tastes.
The opening of Zaxby’s marks a significant milestone for San Tan Valley, as it adds to the culinary landscape of the area. The restaurant’s arrival is highly anticipated, and the launch celebration promises to draw a crowd eager to sample the famous chicken dishes.
As Zaxby’s embarks on this new chapter in Arizona, the opening of its San Tan Valley location highlights the brand’s growth ambitions and commitment to local communities through job creation and new dining experiences. The enthusiasm surrounding the franchise’s entry into the state indicates potential for a successful operation that meets the appetites of residents.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
