In a world of endless restaurant choices, it might surprise you to learn that Zaxby’s, an Athens, Georgia-based fast-food chain that serves fried chicken and other things like wings and salads, is the fastest-growing restaurant chain in America.
Growth of Zaxby’s
The article notes that the chicken chain continues to expand rapidly even though its chicken could be healthier. This is notable because Chick-fil-A, another chicken chain, has been trying to promote itself as a healthier option. The Times article says that “many Americans have grown frustrated with those fast-food chains’ offerings of sugary drinks and deep-fried foods,” and Zaxby’s has positioned itself as an alternative. Over the past decade, it has grown from 12 locations to more than 700, and it expects to have 1,000 locations open by 2021. Zaxby’s CEO says Zaxby’s is the anti-Chick-fill.
In today’s competitive restaurant industry, it’s important for brands to find ways to stand out and keep customers coming back. One of the ways it is doing this is by doubling down on its rewards program. The program, called Zaxby’s Insiderz, allows customers to earn points for every dollar spent at its locations. Points can then be redeemed for rewards like free food, discounts, and exclusive merchandise.
Consumer loyalty
The Times article says that Zaxby’s has focused on developing a cult like customer loyalty, which means offering customers reasons to keep coming back. For example, the chain has made an effort to get customers’ orders right. It has also put a big emphasis on customer service. That might include an employee who will search out customers who have been sitting alone for too long and make sure they are taken care of.
Coping with the chicken shortage
Another reason Zaxby’s is growing so quickly is that the company has figured out how to deal with a chicken shortage. In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands of chickens have been killed in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Such shortages happened in September after hurricanes Harvey and Irma hit Texas and Florida, respectively. Zaxby’s has figured out how to become more efficient, even when there is a shortage.
For example, the Times says, the chain is offering to buy chickens from farmers in places like Texas and Arkansas during times of short supply. The chain then cuts down on how many of its chickens it needs to cook at any given time.” Follow this page on Twitter, for more information.
Visit their page on https://www.zaxbys.com/