# Zaxbys expands into Florida service plazas

> Zaxbys opens five Florida Turnpike service plaza restaurants with Areas USA.
- Title: Zaxbys expands into Florida service plazas | Shortify
- Summary: Zaxbys opens five Florida Turnpike service plaza restaurants with Areas USA. Zaxbys signed a five-unit agreement with Areas USA to open restaurants in…
- Keywords: zaxbys, areas usa, florida turnpike, service plaza, fast casual, chicken chain, non-traditional locations, food, business, expands, Florida, service
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/fast-casual/zaxbys-presses-the-gas-on-non-traditional-locations
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zaxbys, areas usa, florida turnpike, service plaza, fast casual, chicken chain, non-traditional locations, food, business
## Zaxbys signs Florida expansion deal
Zaxbys has signed a five-unit agreement with Areas USA to open restaurants in Florida Turnpike service plazas.
## First location opens in Orlando
The first of those five locations has already opened in Orlando’s Turkey Lake Service Plaza.
## Zaxbys explores non-traditional venues
Zaxbys is also actively exploring opportunities across airports, colleges, and universities, military installations and other non-traditional venues.
## Areas USA supports strategy
As part of their new agreement, Areas will support Zaxbys’ broader strategy to pursue flexible formats and strategic real estate opportunities.
## Zaxbys CEO on partnership
Zaxbys’ Chief Development Officer Russ Holland said the partnership allows the company to meet today’s guests where they are.
## Areas USA partnership
Areas has long had a partnership with Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise to enhance service plazas and establish a scalable model for growth.
## Zaxbys surpasses 1,000 units
Zaxbys recently surpassed the 1,000th-unit milestone following a strong 2025 that exceeded growth expectations.
## Zaxbys in 24 states
The Atlanta-based chain now operates in 24 states and recently debuted in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and New York City.
## New building types for franchisees
Zaxbys now has six building types for franchisees to choose from (seven, if you count conversions), including non-traditional and drive-thru-only prototypes.
## Key takeaway

Zaxbys signed a five-unit agreement with Areas USA to open restaurants in Florida Turnpike service plazas.