Construction on Port Wentworth’s first Zaxby’s is now well under way.

Licensees Brad Whitfield and Craig Jones will introduce the restaurant, located at 100 Old Richmond Rd., behind the new CVS at the intersection of Highways 21 and  30, in the early fall. The new location will create an additional 40 to 50 jobs for the area.  

“We’re proud to offer Zaxby’s to the residents of Port Wentworth,” said Whitfield, who has been involved with Zaxby’s for more than three years. “We look forward to becoming involved within the community as a good neighbor and business partner.”

Whitfield graduated from the University of Georgia in 2003 with a degree in finance. While he was attending school, he saw firsthand the chain’s growth and success and began considering the possibility of becoming involved with the Zaxby’s business.

In 2004, Whitfield learned of an opportunity to join the Zaxby’s family through a partnership with family friend and existing licensee Craig Jones, who owns the Zaxby’s at 5971 Ogeechee Rd. in Savannah.

The two decided to go to work together on this location in Port Wentworth because Jones was seeking to expand his business to new areas of Chatham County.

“I was always impressed with the Zaxby’s concept and couldn’t wait to become involved in the business,” said Whitfield, who has worked in Jones’ Savannah location for the last two years as general manager learning day-to-day operations. “We feel Port Wentworth is the perfect place to expand the Zaxby’s brand, and are excited to be a part of such a wonderful community.”

Zaxby’s provides the freshest chicken fingers, Buffalo wings, sandwiches, salads and more in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Zaxby’s is a pioneer of the quick-casual format, providing services and amenities that fall somewhere between fast food and a sit-down restaurant. At the new restaurant, customers will place their orders at the counter and will be called to pick up their prepared-at-order meals when they are ready.

The new 2,375-square-foot location will seat 56 in Zaxby’s unique design — a bright, open interior décor complemented by vintage memorabilia and signage. Zaxby’s will offer drive-thru services.

The new location will be the fifth for Chatham County and the 164th for the Peach State. Zaxby’s currently operates more than 385 locations in 10 states throughout the Southeast — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Zaxby’s success is rooted in a simple operating philosophy developed by its founders that has matured into the company’s mission statement — “consistently create encore experiences that enrich lives one person at a time.”

That statement is not only the driving force behind the company’s pursuit to provide fresh, delicious food and excellent customer service, it’s also what helps the company create a fun work atmosphere for employees.

Whitfield and Jones plan to hire 40 to 50 team members, consisting primarily of cooks and cashiers.  

“The key to success at Zaxby’s is a great smile and a willingness to learn and grow,” said Whitfield. “We’re a different kind of restaurant with a different kind of attitude — from the food and service we provide to our customers, to the respect we provide to each other.”

Candidates can apply in person at the new restaurant.

Zaxby’s is a “quick-casual” restaurant chain headquartered in Athens. Zaxby’s opened its first restaurant in Statesboro, in March 1990, and by July 2001 opened its 100th location in Jacksonville, Fla.  

Zaxby’s celebrated its 200th restaurant opening in its hometown of Athens, in May 2004, and in December 2005 observed its 300th opening in Dallas, Ga. 

For more information, visit www.zaxbys.com.