Zaxby’s to open 25th restaurant in Jax area

A nationwide chicken chain will open its 25th Jacksonville-area restaurant on Monday in northern St Johns County coinciding with the introduction of its new seafood dinner.

The new Zaxby’s, 85 Tylers Way in Saint Johns, is at The Fountains at St. Johns restaurant and retail center, which includes Jax Fish Fry, Grumpy’s Restaurant and Dolly Llama Waffle Master.

The opening comes as the chain markets its limited-time-only Southern Fried Shrimp meal. The meal includes eight crispy shrimp with Zaxtail sauce and served with Texas toast, crinkle fries, and a small drink, according to Zaxby’s menu.

The Saint Johns restaurant is a franchise owned and operated by Contentment Fountains LLC based in St. Augustine, state records show.

“We aim to contribute to this great community by bringing new employment opportunities and hope to partner with schools in the area for weekly spirit nights,” David Matthew Strickland, owner of Contentment Fountains LLC, said in a news release announcing the opening.

The 3,400-square-foot restaurant can seat up to 56 people in the dining room. The restaurant boasts a double drive-thru, including a large drive-thru canopy intended “to streamline the outside ordering process and provide fast, top-tier to-go service,” according to the news release.

Zaxby’s lists 25 Northeast Florida restaurants including 14 in Duval, three in Clay, five in St. Johns and three in Nassau counties.

Founded in 1990, Zaxby’s is known for chicken fingers, wings, salads and signature sauces. The chain headquartered in Atlanta has more than 950 locations in 17 states.