Zaxby’s has captured the essence of a Southern favorite in its new Caramel Pecan Pie Milkshake, which debuts in its restaurants this week. Available for a limited time, the creamy, anytime snack and dessert features the tastes of caramel, pecan, and buttery pie crust, topped with whipped cream.
The fast-casual chain found inspiration for its newest menu item in its own backyard. Zaxby’s is based, and has almost 200 of its more than 500 locations, in Georgia, historically known as the leading pecan-producing state.
“I grew up in Georgia, and pecan pie was a staple at most family gatherings and holiday meals,” says Zach McLeroy, CEO and cofounder of Zaxby’s. “This milkshake invokes all those feelings of the fall season and growing up in the South.”
The Caramel Pecan Pie Milkshake is the second limited-time-only milkshake offered since the successful launch of the chain’s milkshake line last spring. The Milkshakes, which come in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors, are rich and creamy, hand-blended, and are topped with whipped cream. Zaxby’s most recently celebrated its 20th year with the Birthday Cake Milkshake.
To tout the new milkshake, along with the popular Boneless Wings Meal that comes with the choice of 10 sauces, Zaxby’s has tapped actor Richard Karn and Southern comedian Jon Reep to appear in the company’s TV commercials. Karn is probably best known for his role as Al, the sidekick of Tim Allen’s character on the sitcom “Home Improvement.” Reep is the self-declared “Metro Jethro,” and is the season-five winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.”
The spots will begin airing in most Zaxby’s markets on October 4, but the company’s Facebook fans will get a sneak peek at 10 a.m. on October 1.
Additionally, just in time for tailgate season and the holidays, Zaxby’s has boosted its Party Platterz offerings. In addition to Chicken Fingerz, Wings, Buffalo Fingerz, Nibblerz, and Zampler Platterz, guests will be able to choose Chicken Salad Nibblerz, Zalad, Chicken Salad Sandwich, and Cookie Platterz. Each platter serves anywhere from eight to 18 people and comes ready to serve with garnish and sauces.