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Adding to an already crowded market, more chicken fingers and french fries have migrated from the south to the north to invade the hungry, or already stuffed, bellies of Ohio State students.
Zaxby’s, a predominantly Southern chain, opened its first location on High Street Monday, joining the plethora of restaurants already offering wings and chicken fingers on campus.
“We are venturing out now – gonna bring that Southern taste up to the North and Midwest,” said Denice DeVito, a district manager for Zaxby’s.
Zaxby’s, located near the corner of Lane and High Street, offers wings, chicken fingers, salads, french fries, Texas toast and a variety of appetizers – much like Raising Cane’s.
“We try to stick with what we know best, and by that we don’t try to go with the hot trends,” DeVito said. “This week a hot item would be a fish sandwich – we’re not going to go add a fish sandwich.”
As for the most popular item on the menu, DeVito said “Wings & Things” has been well-received, which includes a sample of both wings and chicken fingers, french fries, Texas toast, celery, ranch and their signature “Zax Sauce.”
For Steven Jones, a sophomore in aeronautical engineering, the sauce seems familiar.
“I’d say the sauce is actually extremely close (to sauce served at Cane’s) – pretty much the same, just a little off,” Jones said.
For its grand opening, DeVito said business was steady and hoped to see an increase once word spread about Zaxby’s.
“We’ve had a pretty good start from what we’re expecting,” DeVito said. “Our thing is we need to get used to the actual class schedules and stuff – when people get in it and out.”
Claire Ashton, a junior in hospitality management, works as a shift manager for Zaxby’s.
“It’s good – I really enjoy it. I work with a lot of great people – I’m really excited about our staff and our menu right now,” she said. “Hopefully this week goes real well.”
Ashton was recruited by Zaxby’s through the hospitality management program and said working and getting hands-on experience in the food industry has been important for her major.
“Experience is everything – they can teach you book-wise and test-wise a lot and it all comes back together to just have an experience, in most cases,” she said.
Zaxby’s is still hiring and has a staff currently comprised of about 85 percent OSU students.
As for the future of Zaxby’s, the chain plans to continue expansion in the North and Midwest states, as well as opening up three to five more locations in Columbus – even possibly one in the South Campus Gateway area, DeVito said.
On Friday and Saturday, Zaxby’s stays open until 11 p.m., and DeVito said they may extend hours based on customer reaction – as students frequently make restaurants like Raising Cane’s a must-have-stop after the bars close.
“We have a lot of growth opportunity. We have a very high-quality concept, brand – just our interaction with communities as we try to get involved with the communities that we have locations in,” DeVito said.
But for now, Zaxby’s is focused on its first and only location in Columbus and its customers by acclimating them to their Southern menu.
“It’s a great spot to meet with your friends and just have a quick, casual meal,” DeVito said. “Not your typical fast food, not your fine dining – but a place to gather with your friends and share a meal.”
As for who has the better Texas toast?
Ashton say’s Zaxby’s, but…
“The toast is better over at Cane’s,” Jones said. “It’s definitely better.”
Eric House can be reached at [email protected].
