With more than 1,000 locations nationwide and a strong development pipeline of 60-plus new stores annually, Zaxbys continues to strengthen its position as a growing leader in the QSR industry. Since 2021, APD Engineering & Architecture has partnered with Zaxbys and its franchisees to support the brand’s continued growth, helping successfully deliver projects across multiple markets, in various states, through a fully integrated approach to architecture, engineering, and permitting.
As Zaxbys continues evolving its brand experience, strategic growth initiatives and flexible development solutions have positioned the company for sustained expansion in both established and emerging markets. Central to that strategy is the Modern Farmhouse prototype, which offers franchisees greater flexibility through adaptable building footprints, dual-lane drive-thrus, and modernized interior and exterior environments designed to enhance both guest experience and operational efficiency. The prototype supports multiple development formats, including traditional dine-in restaurants, drive-thru-only locations, and non-traditional venues, allowing franchisees to pursue opportunities across a broader range of markets and site conditions. This flexibility creates a scalable development model that helps franchisees move projects forward with confidence while supporting consistency across the Zaxbys brand experience.
A recent example of this approach is the Zaxbys restaurant in Vincennes, Indiana, where an existing Steak ‘n Shake was transformed into a 56-seat Zaxbys location. APD provided architecture, structural engineering, MEP engineering, and permitting services for the retrofit project, helping bring the Zaxbys brand to market efficiently while maximizing the value of an existing building. Projects like Vincennes demonstrate how adaptive reuse and flexible prototype strategies can create new opportunities for growth while maintaining a consistent guest experience.
Vincennes, Indiana
Over the past five years, APD has supported more than 90 Zaxbys projects across 14 states, providing fully integrated architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, MEP engineering, and permitting services for more than 35 franchisees. The partnership has included ground-up developments, remodels, and retrofit projects, all focused on helping franchisees navigate development challenges efficiently while supporting streamlined project delivery.
By offering a fully coordinated in-house approach, APD helps streamline communication, reduce project friction, and create a more efficient path from initial site evaluation through permitting and construction. We understand the challenges franchisees face throughout the development process, including evolving site conditions, municipal coordination, permitting timelines, scheduling demands, and speed-to-market expectations. Working closely with franchisees, consultants, municipalities, and contractors, our team takes a proactive and collaborative approach to identifying challenges early, maintaining project momentum, and keeping developments moving forward smoothly through every phase. With a strong commitment to responsive communication and timely decision-making, APD provides clients with a trusted partnership that helps navigate complex development processes with confidence while supporting long-term growth objectives.
We’re proud to continue partnering with a brand that is raising the bar through innovation, operational growth, and an evolving guest experience. As Zaxbys expands across markets nationwide, APD remains committed to delivering integrated solutions and trusted partnership support that help franchisees and development teams bring projects to life efficiently, strategically, and successfully.
