A Deeper Dive Why Zaxbys believes it is ready to grow again
Aug 6, 2025
In this discussion, Bernard Acoca, CEO of Zaxby's, the fast-casual chicken chain, shares his journey as the first non-founder to lead the brand. He reveals strategies for revitalizing Zaxby’s amid recent sales challenges, focusing on AI-driven drive-thru enhancements and operational improvements. Acoca discusses the balance between growth and preserving core values during leadership transitions, the importance of stable supply chains, and the ambitious plans for expansion and franchisee training, all aimed at establishing Zaxby’s as a major player in the chicken market.
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AI Enhances Drive-Thru Efficiency
- Use AI and camera technology in drive-thrus to identify and fix bottlenecks.
- Implement AI-powered digital menu boards for voice ordering and localized menus to increase throughput.
Optimize Labor for Peak Times
- Deploy additional labor during peak digital and drive-thru hours to maintain speed.
- The ROI on extra labor investment is positive due to improved throughput.
Boosting Unit Economics
- Improve unit economics by lowering COGS, reducing building costs, and growing top-line sales.
- Increasing average unit volumes to $3 million boosts franchisee cash flow significantly.