Zaxby's looks at entering B.R. restaurant market

Georgia-based Zaxby's, a Southeast favorite for chicken fingers and buffalo wings—and one of the nation's fastest-growing restaurant chains—is spreading its wings in Louisiana and eyeing Baton Rouge for further expansion. QRS, a magazine for the fast casual restaurant industry, reports that the chicken chain opened its first Louisiana location in West Monroe last week. Louisiana is the 13th state for Zaxby's, which has opened approximately 550 locations since 1990, when it was founded. QRS reports Zaxby's plans to have approximately 575 locations operational by the start of 2013. The company has opened up additional markets for development across Louisiana, including the Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport areas. "Louisiana residents are known for their passion for good food, unique flavor and enjoying it with family and friends," says CEO and co-founder Zach McLeroy. "That tradition aligns with Zaxby's passion to serve the best food in a fun atmosphere; we are excited to bring our exceptional flavors to these food fanatics." Co-founders and childhood friends McLeroy and Tony Townley opened the first Zaxby's restaurant in Statesboro, Ga., in 1990. Since then, the chain has steadily grown throughout the Southeast and beyond. The company opened its first Texas location in March 2008 and its first Indiana location in February 2010.