What Mount Laurel (and I‑295 Drivers) Need to Know
If you drive I‑295 through South Jersey or use Marlton Pike in Mount Laurel to get to the mall, work, or the turnpike, you’re about to get another fast‑casual chicken option.
Plans are moving forward for a Zaxby’s to take over an existing spot at Eastgate Square on Marlton Pike—the shopping strip many of us pass on our way to Route 38 and the park‑and‑ride.
📍 Where, exactly, is this happening?
The location is Eastgate Square on Marlton Pike/Route 38 in Mount Laurel.
The Swap: Zaxby’s is proposed for the building currently occupied by Chick‑fil‑A.
The Move: Once Chick‑fil‑A relocates to its new, larger site nearby, Zaxby’s will take over the parcel.
The Result: This shift ensures the site won’t remain vacant, keeping the commercial node active.
🍗 Quick Primer on the Brand
Zaxby’s is a Georgia‑born chain known for a “step-up” experience between fast food and sit-down dining.
The Menu: Best known for chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, and their famous signature sauces.
The Reputation: Fans on Yelp and social media praise the flavor and variety, though service speed can be a factor during peak hours.
Expansion: Having built a cult following in the Southeast, Zaxby’s is now aggressively moving into the Philadelphia/South Jersey market.
🛣️ Why Mount Laurel and Marlton Pike?
Marlton Pike (Route 38) is one of Mount Laurel’s commercial backbones. For a brand like Zaxby’s, the location is a “triple threat”:
Commuter Flow: Heavy traffic feeding from I-295 and Route 73.
Office/Retail Density: A built-in lunch crowd from nearby corporate parks and shoppers.
Local Residents: Easy access for the sprawling residential neighborhoods in Mount Laurel and Moorestown.
📈 Impact on the Community
Competition & Choice: Zaxby’s inherits a high-traffic site. While it competes with other chicken brands, these hubs often thrive on “clustering” similar dining options.
Jobs & Economy: Expect new hiring for both entry-level and managerial positions, contributing to the local tax base.
Traffic & Parking: This is the big one. Neighbors and planners will be watching to ensure drive-thru queues don’t spill over onto Route 38 during peak evening commutes.
Real Estate Trends: This swap highlights a major trend: suburban corridors being retooled for maximum convenience and quick-service dining.
👀 Next Steps: What to Watch
Chick‑fil‑A’s Timeline: Zaxby’s can’t move in until the current tenant vacates. Watch for construction at the new Chick-fil-A site first.
Township Approvals: Keep an eye on Mount Laurel Planning Board agendas for specifics on signage, landscaping, and traffic studies.
Grand Opening: Official dates will likely be announced once renovations begin.
💡 Why This Matters to 295Times Readers
Whether you’re excited for a new dinner option or worried about the “Marlton Pike Merge” getting more crowded, this is the kind of neighborhood development that affects your daily routine. It’s a reminder that our local corridors are constantly evolving to meet commuter demands.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Are you excited for Zaxby’s to arrive, or do you think we have enough chicken options in Mount Laurel?
Drop a comment below—we’ll be sharing reader feedback with local planners.
📢 JOIN THE TEAM: > Do you live along the I-295 corridor? 295times is looking for local writers and journalists to cover stories just like this. If you have your finger on the pulse of your community, DM us to learn more.
