You know how it goes. You're driving through Georgia or the Carolinas, you see that neon chicken silhouette, and you just have to stop. For years, people in the Garden State have had to live vicariously through Southern food TikToks or wait for a road trip to get their hands on a Kickin' Chicken Sandwich. Well, that long-standing frustration is basically over. Zaxby's in New Jersey is no longer a "coming soon" rumor whispered on Reddit threads; it is a physical reality that’s changing the local fast-casual landscape.
It’s about time.
Honestly, the arrival of Zaxby's feels like a major cultural shift for New Jersey’s fried chicken scene. We’ve always been a stronghold for Popeyes and KFC, and recently we've seen the massive surge of Raising Cane's. But Zaxby's brings something a little different to the table—literally. It’s that specific brand of Southern hospitality mixed with a menu that doesn't just stop at tenders.
The Magnolia Milestone: Where It All Started
The first-ever Zaxby's in New Jersey officially planted its flag in Magnolia, specifically at 804 N White Horse Pike. If that address sounds familiar, it's because it used to be an Arby's. The GSP Group, led by Premanand Gupta, took over the site and gave it a complete overhaul.
They opened the doors on December 15, 2025.
It wasn't just a quiet ribbon cutting. People were lining up for Chicken Fingerz and that legendary Zax Sauce like they were handing out gold bars. This location is about 3,000 square feet, which is pretty standard, but it represents a massive pivot point for the brand as it moves into the Northeast.
Why Magnolia?
Location is everything. Magnolia sits in a sweet spot of Camden County, accessible enough for people in the Philadelphia suburbs but deep enough into Jersey to establish its own identity. By picking a former Arby’s, the franchise owners were able to fast-track the opening compared to building from the ground up.
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What's Next for the Garden State?
If you don't live near Magnolia, don't worry. This isn't a one-and-done situation. The GSP Group has already signed on for at least six locations across the state. They aren't just sticking to South Jersey either.
Plans are currently moving forward for:
- Deptford: A brand-new construction project is slated for the Deptford Mall parking lot area.
- Middlesex County: There’s a push into Central/North Jersey with a site being scouted for a new development project.
- The "Big Six" Plan: The goal is to establish a firm footprint in the South before moving aggressively into the northern counties.
The Deptford project is particularly interesting. It’s supposed to go up on Almonesson Road, right near the mall. If you've ever tried to park at Deptford Mall on a Saturday, you know it’s a high-traffic nightmare—which is exactly what a fast-food giant wants. However, since it's new construction, the Deptford Planning Board has to give the final nod, which is expected to be a major focus of 2026.
The Menu: What the Hype is Actually About
If you’ve never been to a Zaxby's, you might think, "It’s just chicken, right?"
Wrong.
The heart of the menu is the Chicken Fingerz. They’re hand-breaded, which makes a difference you can actually taste. But the real "if you know, you know" items are the Zalads. Most fast-food salads are sad, wilted piles of iceberg lettuce. Zaxby's actually puts effort into them. The Blue Zalad (with blackened chicken and blue cheese crumbles) is a legit meal that doesn't feel like a compromise.
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Then there’s the Zax Sauce.
It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly peppery. It’s the kind of sauce people try to recreate at home with varying levels of failure. In Jersey, where we take our sauces seriously—from Taylor Ham (yeah, I said it) pairings to boardwalk fry dips—Zax Sauce is a new contender for the throne.
Zaxby's vs. The Competition
New Jersey is currently in the middle of a "Chicken War."
Raising Cane’s has been expanding like crazy, especially in places like Burlington and Cherry Hill. Popeyes is everywhere. Chick-fil-A owns the drive-thru game. So, where does Zaxby's in New Jersey fit in?
It sits right in the middle. It has more variety than Cane’s (who basically only does tenders and one sandwich). It feels more "restaurant-style" than Popeyes. And unlike Chick-fil-A, they’re open on Sundays. That Sunday availability is a huge deal for the post-church or pre-Eagles game crowd in South Jersey.
The Local Impact
Bringing a Southern chain to the Northeast isn't just about the food. Each of these new locations creates about 40 to 50 jobs. For a town like Magnolia, that’s a significant boost to the local economy.
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There's also the MrBeast factor. Zaxby's has a long-standing partnership with the mega-influencer, including the "MrBeast Box." Given how much kids in Jersey follow YouTube culture, these collaborations drive insane foot traffic that other traditional chains just can’t replicate.
Real Talk: Is It Worth the Drive?
If you’re in North Jersey and thinking about trekking down to Magnolia, here’s the reality. The food is great, but it’s still fast-casual. If you're a fanatic who has been missing that Southern flavor since your last trip to Orlando, then yes, get in the car.
But if you’re just looking for "good chicken," maybe wait until the Middlesex or Deptford locations open up. The Magnolia spot is currently dealing with the "new shiny object" syndrome, meaning wait times can be a bit longer than your average lunch break allows.
Moving Forward in 2026
As we move through 2026, keep your eyes on the local planning board meetings in your town. The success of the Magnolia opening has proven that the Northeast market is hungry—literally—for this brand.
Franchisees are looking for sites with high visibility and existing drive-thru infrastructure. If you see a closed-down bank or an old fast-food joint getting a fresh coat of white and red paint, there’s a good chance the chicken is coming to your neighborhood next.
Actionable Steps for Zaxby's Fans in NJ
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and actually get your meal without a two-hour wait, here’s how to handle it:
- Use the App: Don't just roll up to the drive-thru. Download the Zaxby's app and order ahead. You’ll earn "Zax Rewardz" points, which actually add up to free food fairly quickly.
- Target Off-Peak Hours: Avoid the 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM rush. The Magnolia location is still a destination spot for people from all over Camden and Gloucester counties.
- Check the Deptford Progress: If you're near the Deptford Mall, keep an eye on the construction site near Fulton Bank on Almonesson Road. That will be the next major hub.
- Try the "Secret" Menu Items: Ask for your Chicken Fingerz to be "tossed" in sauce. It’s not always the default, but it changes the entire experience.
The arrival of Zaxby's in New Jersey marks the end of an era where we had to travel south of the Mason-Dixon line for a decent Zax Snack. It’s a win for the local economy, a win for the food scene, and a massive win for anyone who thinks a meal isn't complete without a slice of buttered Texas Toast on the side.