Zaxby’s is bringing its Southern roots to New York City

Zaxbys opens its first New York City restaurant

Zaxby’s opened its first New York City restaurant at 3260 Boston Road in the Bronx on June 29, 2026. A second location is scheduled to open later this summer at 1267 First Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The move marks an important milestone.

Expanding into one of the country’s most competitive dining markets reflects growing confidence in the brand. Bronx diners can already visit the chain, while the Manhattan restaurant is expected to open later this summer.

Why New York matters

The Bronx opening gives Zaxbys its first foothold in New York City. The company describes the Bronx and Manhattan restaurants as an important part of its wider expansion across the Northeast.

The expansion also reflects the brand’s broader strategy of reaching new regions beyond its traditional footprint. The New York launch follows the chain’s recent expansion into markets including Phoenix, Las Vegas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Built on Southern traditions

Founded in Statesboro, Georgia, in 1990, Zaxbys built its original concept around making Chicken Fingerz the main attraction rather than a side item.

Those Southern influences remain central to the company’s identity as it continues expanding into new markets across the United States.

The current menu centers on hand-breaded Chicken Fingerz, wings, sandwiches, Zalads and 12 signature sauces.

Chicken Fingerz lead the menu

Zaxbys identifies Chicken Fingerz as one of its core menu items, offering them in plates, sandwiches and shareable orders. The hand-breaded chicken delivers a crisp coating while staying tender inside, creating the texture many customers associate with the brand.

Guests can pair Chicken Fingerz and wings with selections from the chain’s lineup of 12 signature sauces.

Great choices for newcomers

The Chicken Finger Plate includes four, five or six hand-breaded Chicken Fingerz with Zax Sauce, Cole Slaw, Texas Toast, Crinkle Fries and a small drink.

The chain’s 12-sauce lineup gives customers more ways to easily customize Chicken Fingerz and wings, offering flavors that suit different tastes, spice levels, and preferences.

Signature sauce keeps fans returning

Zaxby’s offers several signature sauces that give its chicken meals a distinctive personality beyond the crispy coating alone. Choices range from creamy and mild to bold and spicy, allowing guests to match different meals with different flavors.

Zax Sauce is the chain’s signature option, while the broader lineup includes 12 sauces designed for dipping, drizzling or tossing with menu items.

Little-known fact: From one Georgia restaurant in 1990, Zaxby’s has grown to more than 700 locations across 16 states, serving loyal fans today.

More than chicken fingers

While Chicken Fingerz remain the signature choice, Zaxby’s also serves wings, sandwiches, salads, and hearty shareable meals.

That variety helps the restaurant appeal to families, groups, and customers looking for different portion sizes. The menu extends well beyond one popular item.

Beyond Chicken Fingerz, the menu includes wings, sandwiches, Zalads, sides and shareable Zax Packz.

Southern hospitality arrives

Zaxbys describes Southern hospitality as a central part of its brand identity and New York launch.

That welcoming approach has become an important part of its identity throughout decades of expansion. The experience aims to feel familiar alongside the food.

Many customers appreciate restaurants where service feels just as memorable as the meal itself. That combination may help Zaxby’s stand out in a crowded market.

Value matters to diners

Many guests compare restaurant meals by considering portion size, menu variety, and overall value alongside taste. Zaxby’s offers combination meals that bring together chicken, sides, toast, and a drink in one convenient order.

The Bronx restaurant offers dine-in and drive-thru service, while customers can also order ahead through the Zaxbys website or mobile app.

Fun fact: Founders Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley invested just $16,000 to open the first Zaxby’s restaurant, launching a growing Southern favorite.

Entering a crowded market

New York City already features many well-known chicken restaurants, creating strong competition for every newcomer.

Zaxby’s enters the market with a menu shaped by Southern flavors, signature sauces, and recognizable Chicken Fingerz. Those differences may help attract curious diners.

Zaxbys plans citywide launch events, community activities and New York-inspired menu innovations to introduce the brand to local customers.

A new option for diners

The approximately 2,000-square-foot Bronx restaurant seats 15 guests and includes dine-in and drive-thru service. The planned Manhattan restaurant will be larger, with self-ordering kiosks and seating for 16.

The New York openings follow Zaxbys surpassing 1,000 restaurants nationwide in 2025.

Zaxby’s is playing with a fan-favorite flavor combo in its newest menu surprise, giving loyal customers another tasty reason to visit.

Southern flavors find a new home

With the Bronx restaurant now open and the Upper East Side location planned for later this summer, Zaxbys has officially entered New York and expanded its presence to 24 states.

Whether customers arrive for Chicken Fingerz, sandwiches, or fresh salads, they will find familiar comfort food served with the brand’s distinctive flavor combinations.

Zaxby’s just dropped a new item, and Chick-fil-A fans are doing a double-take as the latest menu addition sparks fresh curiosity.

Would you visit the new Bronx Zaxbys, or are you waiting for the Upper East Side location to open? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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