If you’ve ever road-tripped through Georgia or the Carolinas, you know the drill: you see the white-and-blue sign, you pull over, and you dip a crinkle-cut fry into a sauce that defies easy description. For years, Zaxby’s was a vacation treat—a flavor locked away in the Deep South. But for Deptford residents and Route 42 commuters, that drive is about to get a whole lot shorter.
The cult-favorite chicken chain has officially signed a lease to plant its flag in Gloucester County, proving once again that the “Chicken Wars” in South Jersey are far from over.
The Sauce That Built an Empire
Zaxby’s isn’t just another fast-food stop; for its fans, it’s an institution. Founded in Statesboro, Georgia, the brand built its reputation on a simple but deadly effective combination: Texas Toast, hand-breaded Chicken Fingerz™, and the proprietary Zax Sauce®—a creamy, tangy, slightly peppery concoction that people have tried to reverse-engineer in home kitchens for decades.
Unlike the grab-and-go speed of some competitors, Zaxby’s leans into the “fast-casual” vibe. It’s the kind of place where you sit down with a ‘Big Zax Snak Meal’ and stay a while. Bringing that energy to Deptford offers a different rhythm for the lunch crowd—a place that bridges the gap between a drive-thru window and a sit-down diner.
Parking Lots Are the New Main Street
The location strategy tells a story about how our local landmarks are evolving. The new restaurant is slated to be a standalone build right in the Deptford Mall parking lot.
This is part of a massive shift we’re seeing across the 295 corridor. The days of the “sea of asphalt” are ending. Malls are reimagining their perimeters, turning underused parking spaces into vibrant dining pads. By dropping a high-traffic draw like Zaxby’s onto the lot, Deptford Mall isn’t just adding a tenant; it’s creating an ecosystem where you can shop for shoes and grab a Nibbler sandwich without ever leaving the complex.
Fueling the Corridor
For the daily commuter grinding through the I-295/Route 42 interchange, this is a strategic win. Deptford has always been the retail heart of the corridor, but navigating the interior of the mall for food isn’t an option when you have 45 minutes for lunch.
A freestanding spot with dedicated parking and easy access off the highway ramps changes the equation. It positions Zaxby’s not just as a mall perk, but as a pit stop for the thousands of drivers moving between Philadelphia and the shore.
The Waiting Game
While the lease is signed and the excitement is building, the fryers aren’t on just yet. Site plans and permits are moving through the township channels, which means we have a bit of a wait before the first “Zalad” is served.
But make no mistake: big brands don’t pick spots by accident. Zaxby’s arrival signals that Deptford is viewed as a prime battleground for national dining chains. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of their wings or just curious to see if the sauce lives up to the hype, one thing is certain—lunchtime in Deptford is about to get a little more Southern.
I’ll be tracking the construction timeline as soon as shovels hit the ground. Got a tip about other chains looking at the mall? Drop me a line.
— Ari Williams, 295Times.com
