Zaxby's opened its first Arizona location on Aug. 13 in Queen Creek. The store officially opened its doors at 10 a.m., but by 9:30, there were already dozens of people lining up in the 100-degree heat for a taste of the chain's famous fried chicken.
The store is operated by franchisees Jessica and Brian Nelson. The couple is originally from the Southeast, where they grew up loving Zaxby's.
"I am a super picky eater, and it used to be that every road trip we'd go on, the only place I would stop was Zaxby's," Jessica said. "I don't eat chicken fingers from anywhere else."
The Nelsons' previous experience in the food and beverage industry has consisted mainly of high-end steakhouses and fine dining. Zaxby's is their first foray into fast food.
Jessica said she was "pumped" to see how many people were lined up early on opening day.
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"We're just a family that have been working so hard to make this happen. My husband was already tearing up and had to go stand in the cooler this morning," Jessica said. "It's a lot, but in the best way possible. "
The Nelsons plan to open a total of six Zaxby's locations in Arizona over the next couple of years.
Drive-through lines began at 8 a.m.
"I'm from the South, and if you're from the South, you know about Zaxby's," said K. Sinkfield, who said she had been waiting in her car in the parking lot since 8 a.m. "I know about Cane's out here, and I'm not putting Cane's down, but they're going to give Cane's a run for their money."
At 9 a.m. Jamila Badou was standing near Sinkfield's car. They bonded over being the first two in the parking lot that morning. But unlike Sinkfield, Badou had never heard of Zaxby's before yesterday.
"I found out about it when I was scrolling TikTok, and it said the grand opening was tomorrow," Badou said. "I love Cane's, and I love chicken, so I'm curious to see how it stacks up. My mouth is literally watering already."
Both Sinkfield and Badou said they planned to order at the drive-through.
'This is where all the East Coasters are'
The first people in line to eat inside were Ernest, Cece and Will Francisco from Gilbert.
"We used to live in Georgia, so we were pretty excited when we saw on the news that they were opening here," Ernest said.
The first five groups in line, which included the Franciscos, were gifted a Zaxby's merch box with branded hats, stickers and other swag.
"This is where all the East Coasters are," said Ayanna Hawkins, who was also among the first five in line. She said she was most excited to eat a Zalad.
What's on Zaxby's menu?
Zaxby's offers chicken fingers, wings and Texas toast. But the chain is most famous for its signature Zax sauce.
"The seasoning is different, on the fries and chicken," Sinkfield said. "It's the best. There's nothing like it."
After receiving her order, Cece Francisco also said the chicken and fries were perfectly seasoned. She and her family said it was "worth the wait."
How to visit Zaxby's in Arizona
Zaxby's is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. If offers in-store dining, curbside pickup, delivery and a drive-through.
A larger grand opening celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19. On that day, the first 100 people in line will get free chicken for six months.
Details: 37756 N. Gantzel Road, Queen Creek. 866-892-9297, zaxbys.com.
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