February 28, 2008
Zaxby's moving into Salem
New plans are cooking for fast food chicken in Salem. Zaxby’s, a restaurant chain specializing in chicken entrees, will open at 903 W. Main St. at the former space of a Wendy’s.
Tom Noelke, a Zaxby’s franchisee who lives in Charlottesville, brought the first Zaxby’s to the Roanoke Valley in late 2006, landing it off Hershberger Road.
He’s also the owner of this new Salem spot, which will measure about 3,000 square feet and have a drive-through. It’s slated to open in May.
Noelke told me that he wants to build Zaxby’s brand in the Roanoke Valley. The Roanoke location was the chain’s first Virginia restaurant.
Headquartered in Athens, Ga., Zaxby’s has more than 410 locations in 10 states. It’s popular for its chicken fingers and buffalo wings. It’s also characterized by the restaurant industry as a quick-casual concept, which is a cross between fast food and sit-down dining.
The success of the Roanoke Zaxby’s “kind of caught us off guard,” Noelke said. “Even considering being in a recession right now, the price point is right.”
Many entrees average between $6 and $7, he said.
Noelke is considering expanding Zaxby's to three Roanoke County locations in the future.
Comments
[April 1, 2008 10:48 PM]
Mike DOver a month and no posts on this one. Hey how is their chicken? Better than Hardees or Bojangels?
[April 7, 2008 1:29 PM]
KathyWe tried them a couple of weeks ago, I got the wings, which were good size and very tasty. Hubby got the house salad with grilled chicken, said it was good and fresh. Bo's chicken is good in it's own right as is Hardees. No comparison.