by PLAINFIELD, Ill. — Illinois residents will soon get a taste of Southern-style fried chicken as Zaxby’s, the popular Georgia-based restaurant chain, prepares to open its first-ever Illinois location in the Chicago suburb of Plainfield.
According to the Village of Plainfield, the new Zaxby’s restaurant will open this winter at the intersection of Route 59 and 135th Street, marking a major milestone in the chain’s Midwest expansion. The announcement was shared Monday on social media, along with the news that 7 Brew Coffee, another fast-growing brand, will also be opening nearby.
Mayor Welcomes Zaxby’s to Plainfield
Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis expressed excitement over the new additions, highlighting how they reflect the community’s growing appeal to national restaurant chains.
“We could not be more excited about welcoming the very first Zaxby’s to Illinois and 7 Brew — an innovative coffee venue. Plainfield continues to attract new, popular fast-casual options for our residents,” Mayor Argoudelis said in a statement.
Zaxby’s will occupy the former Slim Chickens location, and remodeling work is already underway, officials confirmed.
Zaxby’s Expansion into the Midwest
Earlier this year, Zaxby’s announced plans to open multiple new locations throughout Illinois, including in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The company’s Midwest expansion will also include stores in Indiana and Ohio in 2025.
The new Plainfield restaurant will be part of a multi-unit development agreement with a Chicago-based operator who has been working to bring Zaxby’s to the area for more than a decade.
The operator, described by Zaxby’s as “a seasoned local professional,” aims to introduce the brand’s signature Southern flavors to a new audience of Midwest diners.
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What Makes Zaxby’s Stand Out
Founded in 1990 in Athens, Georgia, Zaxby’s has become a household name in the South for its “Chicken Fingerz,” bold sauces, buttery Texas toast, fresh salads, and signature lemonades and iced teas.
With over 970 locations across 17 states, the company’s entry into Illinois marks a significant step in its mission to become a nationwide fast-casual powerhouse.
Zaxby’s leaders say the Midwest represents a “key growth market” for the brand moving forward, with Illinois expected to serve as an important hub for future development.
A Boost for Local Dining
For Plainfield residents, the addition of Zaxby’s brings another high-quality dining option to the Route 59 Corridor, which has rapidly developed into one of the village’s most popular commercial areas.
The restaurant’s arrival also highlights a continuing trend of Southern-based food chains expanding northward, giving Midwest diners a wider range of comfort food choices.
Are you excited to try Zaxby’s when it opens in Plainfield? Share your thoughts in the comments on mikeandjonpodcast.com.
