Zaxby’s, known for its “indescribably good” chicken, can now call itself “the most craveable” fast-casual restaurant in America, according to a recent study published by Technomic, a market research firm specializing in the restaurant industry. The Consumer Brand Metrics program tracks the performance of 115 restaurants nationally, with Zaxby’s ranking as the fast casual segment leader.

 

“From day one, our goal has been to provide exceptional menu items that our guests couldn’t find anywhere else. This is a standard we have held ourselves to with every menu item we have introduced since,” says Zach McLeroy, CEO and cofounder of Zaxby’s. “We are humbled by the feedback we receive from our guests every day, and this study shows us that we continue to do things right.”

 

The Technomic survey examines craveable items that can only be purchased at a particular restaurant and their role in guest satisfaction and loyalty. According to the survey, Zaxby’s guests attribute its signature chicken and variety of dipping sauces, including Zax Sauce, to its craveability.

 

In addition to its craveability ranking, Zaxby’s also leads the chicken segment in the recently released Technomic Top 150 Fast-Casual Chain Restaurant Report, with sales of $979 million. The chain is among other concepts like Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill that are making the fast casual segment a leader in the restaurant industry.

 

Zaxby’s most popular items are its 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. Zaxby’s menu also offers innovative Zappetizers, prepared-at-order Zalads and a new line of premium Milkshakes which come in Banana Pudding, Birthday Cake, and Chocolate Cookie flavors.

Zaxby’s currently operates more than 580 locations in 13 states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.