Rockmart residents have been waiting patiently, and now it’s time for Zaxby’s to open.
Zaxby’s restaurant is scheduled to open Monday, Feb. 22 following months of construction at 1945 Nathan Dean Parkway in Rockmart.
Initially the 115-day, $560,000 project was to be completed by late 2015. However, Bobby Downs, general superintendent, Attaway Construction, said the work was delayed due to inclement weather. He noted there was more than 32 days of rain since the work began.
The new restaurant will provide about 60 jobs, according to John Paris, area development manager.
Those hired were to receive training at Zaxby locations in Cedartown and Dallas, Paris said.
“We were originally scheduled to open on Dec. 14, 2015,” he said. “However, the rain delay changed that date.”
Mayor Steve Miller said he is anticipating the opening of the popular new restaurant.
“I will probably be first in a long line of customers,” he said.
Miller said location of Zaxby’s is one of the many “good things” expected in Rockmart during 2016.
“The announcement of the new restaurant has kindled interest of other businesses,” he said. “We are seeing renewed interest in the area along U.S. 278, which has seen tremendous growth in the last decade.”
Jeff Ellis, Rockmart City Manager, believes population growth was a draw for Zaxby’s. He said marketing consultants are aware that “we draw people from several adjoining counties, including Floyd, Bartow, Paulding and Haralson plus motorists who are headed to Alabama or other destination.”
A Southeast favorite for chicken fingers and wings, the new fast casual restaurant will celebrate its grand opening by giving away a Fanatic Pack of 52 Free Dealz - meaning a free item at Zaxby’s each week for a year - to the first 100 guests.
“As a thriving, family-oriented community, Rockmart is exactly the type of market that fits Zaxby’s model,” said J.J. DeRoy, director of market development for the new Zax LLC location. “Our main focus is always in providing residents with a great quality product and establishing long-term partnerships with local organizations, including schools and non-profit groups.”
The new location is owned by Zax LLC and is the newest location to open in Georgia. Zax LLC, the brand’s largest licensee, with more than 120 locations, is owned by Zaxby’s co-founders Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley. Zaxby’s currently operates in 16 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.
With seating for 90, the new 3,800-squarefoot location features Zaxby’s new farmhouse design offering guests a high-end, fast-casual experience with redesigned exteriors, dining areas and kitchen. Point-of-sale and other improvements will further enhance food quality and increase speed of service. Zaxby’s also offers drive-thru services to meet the needs of customers on the go.
An alternative to fast food, Zaxby’s offers prepared-at-order chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches and salads. Most popular items are the hand-breaded Chicken Fingerz and Traditional or Boneless Wings, smothered in a choice of nine sauces with names like Wimpy, Tongue Torch, Nuclear and Insane. The menu also offers innovative Zappetizers like Tater Chips, Spicy Fried Mushrooms and Fried White Cheddar Bites, as well as a variety of Party Platterz perfect for any family gathering or special occasion
Rockmart Zaxby’s guests will enjoy the Coca-Cola Company’s proprietary drink fountain, Coca- Cola Freestyle. The sleek, stylish fountain is touch screen operated, enabling guests to select from more than 100 regular and lowcalorie brands - including many varieties of waters, sports drinks, lemonades and sparkling beverages that were not available in the U.S. prior to the arrival of Coca-Cola Freestyle.
Zaxby’s also offers four salads, or Zalads: The House, The Blue, The Caesar and its newest addition, The Cobb. All of Zaxby’s Zalads are prepared with chicken, three kinds of lettuce, interesting ingredients - such as French-fried onions
- fresh veggies and juicy tomatoes, and are larger than most salads served elsewhere. Zalads are assembled at the time the order is placed, versus being pre-made and stored in a cooler.
Additionally, Zaxby’s offers a line of premium milkshakes, including the popular Birthday Cake and Banana Pudding Milkshakes and the new Chocolate Cookie Milkshake. They are rich and creamy, hand-blended, and are topped with whipped cream.