Mr. Townley started his career as a Chief Financial Officer at Southern Mortgage and Lending in Athens in 1988. McLeroy said he was left with big debts when his co-investors filed for bankruptcy protection. In the early days we did door hangers, guerrilla marketing, a lot of specials. Both Wendy's and Chick-Fil-A salads are made from nutritious, hearty, and healthy ingredients. Enjoy the snowboard and play the guitar. It was a great opportunity to pull the trigger.. Zaxby's knows chicken! The next year our sales went up and we had managed to open store number two. What is the secret to Zaxbys success? Over the past 30 years, he has built the Zaxby's brand into more than just a quick-service chicken chain. He saw value plummet in his personal real estate investments. Zach changed into committing to this imaginative and prescient that he bought his budding plans to prevent and the drum of him based on assisting the primary fee at the start of the primary store. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'howigotjob_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',193,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howigotjob_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Arrived in August 2000 thru Smithfield Franchise Business LLC at Zaxbys Franchise Business LLC. When congratulated on being "kicked upstairs," McLeroy laughed. Established in 2011, the fintech business lender has loaned out over 2.6 billion, Read More 20 Things You Didnt Know about MarketFinanceContinue. For 30 years, Zaxby's has been delighting customers with their delicious chicken options. Their support of franchisees is visible in the quarterly . Over the years, the Athens, Ga.-based brand has grown to more than 900 . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From the very beginning, I guess you could say, we grew into the business. Workforce Management. (I thought I was going to be a professional drummer, travel the world and be a rock star.) Acoca wears a snazzy suit and tie in his official CEO photo. The couple had recently filed for divorce. In September 1994 weighed the primary eating places from Georgia's doors in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Not only that, but the founders also wanted to create a space that was fun and inviting for people to come enjoy the delicious food, unlike the majority of the diners and other restaurants that they frequented. He has served as CEO and President of El Pollo Loco, since March 2018. On September 3, 2019, Townley was sentenced to a year of probation and a small fine. With more than 20 years of experience as a marketer and executive within the restaurant industry, Acoca is a proven leader. Chris Pleasance explains how Former NASCAR driver, son of Zaxby's co-founder killed in Athens shooting, Do not sell or share my personal information. The divorce was still pending at the time of Townley's death. A lot has changed since Goldman Sachs bought Zaxbys in 2020. Zach McLeroy is out as CEO of Zaxby's, the chicken restaurant chain he co-founded with Tony Townley in 1990. Zaxby's was started by childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley in 1990 in the college town of Statesboro, Georgia. An early turning point for the brand started with a no. Their initial focus was to open on college campuses, where the young co-founders believed parental money would allow their restaurants to thrive no matter the economy. Zaxby's Franchising, Inc. Zach McLeroy wanted to be a rock star. ', Townley drove a car owned by his father, who was a co-founder of the vehicle's primary sponsor, fried chicken chain Zaxby's, Townley, known in the sport as JWT, speaking at a press conferenceafter qualifying for the Arca Racing Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, in July, 2014. In 1994, McLeroy and Townley . In the early days I was like a nomad. Townley, 31, was shot 9pm on Saturday on Morton Avenue in Athens, Georgia He entered the house armed with an axe, according to a report His ex-wife Laura and Zachary Anderson, 32, were at the. Here is the opportunity to do again and create a change in the lives of those in the following neighborhoods they represent. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world. The first ZAXBY site opened its doors in 1990, near the Southern University of Georgia in Statesboro, Georgia. Founded by childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley in 1990, Zaxby's is committed to serving delicious chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches and salads in a fun, offbeat atmosphere where. This is another name given to the Zaxbys restaurant chain, and for good reason. The restaurant chain sponsored a couple of race car drivers, including John Wes Townley (Co-founder Tony Townley's son) during his time with NASCAR. Most of Zaxbys franchises are operated by franchise owners. 'I spent a portion of Saturday afternoon Oct. 2nd catching up with him at the Arkansas/Georgia football game. 'How much can business take?' McLeroy, who co-founded the business with childhood buddy Tony Townley, is the 52-year-old chief executive of Zaxby's Franchising Inc., the franchiser of Zaxby's and owner of 100 of the. Learn how your comment data is processed. The founders of the fast-casual restaurant chain are Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley. Acoca served as CEO and president of El Pollo Loco since March 2018. The chain operates primarily in the Southern United States and has more than 900 locations. McLeroy and Tony Townley founded Zaxby's in 1990 in Statesboro. A lot of it revolves around the partnership, and they have big plans for the brand, he said, referring to Goldman Sachs. Every subcontractor that would come work at the store would ask, What are you going to serve? Just chicken. They expect 40 new cities at the end of the year. Prior to that, Acoca served as Chief Marketing Officer for the Americas for L'Oral and spent 10 years at Yum! We consider Zaxbys franchise leasing agreement and find out that the price to open a Zaxbys franchise varies between 369,800 US dollars and 744,200 US dollars. End of the first year I had made $50,000.Our first year sales were like $350,000. The house in Athens, where the deadly confrontation took place on Saturday, was occupied by Townley's now-ex-wife and Anderson, of Dunwoody, according to local siteClassic City News. And he worked at restaurants around campus, including a pizza place. McLeroy recalled to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they met each other in fifth grade and spent their formative years in Oconee County, Georgia. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'howigotjob_com-box-4','ezslot_5',194,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howigotjob_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'howigotjob_com-box-4','ezslot_6',194,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howigotjob_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-194{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Isnt it time we heard from UGAs Kirby Smart? It really opened my eyes to what the possibilities would be for us. Townleys success in the business world should come as no surprise, based on the influence of his parents. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Some of the celebs that made it into the commercial ads include Alyson Stoner, Mike Ditka, Paul Sorvino, Giuliana Rancic, Ryan Stiles, Little Richard, Chris Kattan, Lee Ann Womack, Jaime Pressly, Clay Matthews, Wayne Brady, and so many more. Kentuckys first position was in Bowling Green, who houses the University of Western Kentucky. Some like it, NOT! "I am truly fortunate to have worked alongside a unique group of talented team members and brand partners who all share the same dedication to our mission-consistently creating encore experiences that enrich lives, one person at a time.". We started Zaxby's after friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley came up with the idea while traveling through Georgia. She spends her loose time, what occurs to students, catering and working towards shots. Oct. 26, 2021, 08:41 AM ATHENS, Ga., Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zaxby's, the premium chicken QSR founded in Athens, Ga., announced today that CEO and Co-Founder Zach McLeroy will transition. While there is no limit to the types of dishes that are available at these various locations, one thing we often center around is chicken. At the end of the calendar year, I did not have the money to pay taxes. So you have spent $ 700,000 to expand these restaurants in Zaxbys (except the accommodation), and now it is curious to earn more money. In 2012, the chain featured celebrities Rachel Dratch, Chris Kattan, Jill Hennessy, Lee Ann Womack, and National Football League linebacker Clay Matthews in its commercials. By Ross Ibbetson and Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com, Published: 21:56 GMT, 4 October 2021 | Updated: 12:26 GMT, 5 October 2021. In September 1994 weighed the primary eating places from Georgias doors in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We'd love to hear eyewitness Barnett added that the relationship between Laura Townley and Anderson was not clear, but he said it is known they were 'acquaintances.'. It feels like a purple prize If you visit your Tuscaloosa, the Alabama site Ted Zoller says a director for planning and innovation at the Supreme University of Unc Kenan Flagler. I miss you and love you, my dear friend. Absolutely devastating. Childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley opened the first Zaxby's restaurant in 1990 in the college town of Statesboro, Georgia. There is nothing more comforting than eating a chicken based meal, and one of the greatest restaurants to sink your taste buds into juicy chicken is at Zaxbys. Manage Settings The owner of the franchise will be recruited as the owner of the franchise, a weekly rate of 6% of the gross sales. Zach McLeroy remains CEO of Zaxby's after the buyout of his partner, Tony Townley, by Goldman Sachs in a $2 billion transaction. Read here about the acquisition, which won a Franchise Times Dealmakers award in 2021. All the plumbing was exposed under it. The majority of their locations are in the Southeastern region of the country, which stretches all the way from Texas to Florida, up to Kansas and Missouri, and all the way over to the Carolinas and West Virginia. Once the restaurant chain had reached almost two decades in the industry, Zaxbys began releasing commercials that featured a great array of celebrities eating their food and sitting in local restaurants. This is another amazing standard and/or goal to live up to, especially in the restaurant industry. The restaurant chain itself was established in August of 1990, and the store is celebrating its 29th anniversary this year. Barnett said that the investigation was ongoing but early indications were that it was a 'domestic incident.'. Zaxby's founders Zach McLeroy & Tony Townley looked around their community and saw plenty of fast food or sit-down dining options but felt that something was missing. For his spouse and kids, he lives for the duration of the Athens, Georgia, region. Then, if you have invested $ 700,000 and received a return of two million dollars, you have essentially obtained a 27 percent gain. Since the start of the concept of Zaxbys, its miles our best president and the govt director. Ill be on the road with him, introducing him to franchisees, sharing my 31 years of institutional knowledge about who we are and how we operate.. 09 JTG Daugherty Racing truck in the NCWTS. Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley founded the Zaxby's restaurant chain. In November 2011, he co-founded Zaxby's Franchising along with longtime friend Zach McLeroy. I am still here. of units: 400 unitsCheck average: $9Hometown: Athens, Ga.Education: B.S., University of. | Real Owner of Samsungif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'howigotjob_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howigotjob_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'howigotjob_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_16',199,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howigotjob_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-199{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, Your email address will not be published. 02.27.23 Best Of Clark: Retirement Compromise / Retail Saving Secrets. Actually our first franchisees were partners. This may sound like a crazy made up word, but it is actually something that the Zaxbys company stands by. Joels Group is accountable for Zaxbys local logo and marketing and marketing campaigns, including the Internet, radio, media, or neighborhood advertising and marketing. Zaxby's is a fast-food casual dining restaurant that was founded by Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley. Bought his first house. It began as a single location in Athens, Georgia, but has since grown to over 900 locations across 16 states, making it one of the fastest-growing fast-food chains in the United States. And Ive always been the guy behind the scenes handling the business and real estate side and going over the contracts.. Zaxby's was a sponsor for Joey Clanton in the No. That car was like $45,000, and I think my payment was $700 to $800 a month, a daunting sum at the time. McLeroys passion centered on the food and customer experience, while Townleys expertise was on finance and real estate. In Athens, McLeroy had seen the success of Guthries, a chicken finger restaurant popular with students. "Zach has built the Zaxby's brand into more than just a quick-service chicken chain. Zach Mcleoy met the Guthries as he participated in the University of Georgia and was slightly in love with the elegance of the concepts. I wholeheartedly believe Bernard is committed to growing our business while preserving the best of our heritage and culture. As we have eluded to previously in our article, their expansion over the past few decades has been fairly significant, but they still have some growth to be had. I also got to work the front counter. Co-founder Zach McLeroy will continue to serve as CEO. That's because childhood pals Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley hadn't invented it yet. I guess you could say the mortgagor was mortgaged. In March 1990 Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley founded the first Zaxby's in Statesboro, Georgia, on the Georgia South University campus. The company now has more than 960 shops, mainly in the US, due to the fast franchise model. Zaxby's CEO Zach McLeroy has had one business partner for the past 30 yearshis lifelong best friend, Tony Townley. Zaxbys is certainly a reasonably-priced speedy meals franchise corporation withinside the United States serving bird wings, chook fingers, hamburgers, and salad. Rest Easy JWT. In the management of groups from Mercer University Stetson College of Business. With their outstanding customer service and atmosphere, to their attention to flavor and likeness, to their slow but steady approach to expansion and leadership, the restaurant chain has been able to set an example for others in the nation. Enjoying great chicken in an atmosphere where you can be yourselfthat's what childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley wanted to achieve when they founded Zaxby's back in the 1990s. Segue lendo! ATHENS, Ga., Oct. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zaxby's CEO and co-founder Zach McLeroy today issued the following statement: "My wife Carol Ann and I are brokenhearted by the tragedy involving the. He married nurse Laura Townley from Florence, South Carolina, after the pair met through dating app 'Match' in 2016. Because of that relationship he agreed to make us a loan to buy the building. McLeroy founded Zaxby's with childhood friend Tony Townley in 1990. As for Zaxbys, McLeroy said he and Tony often get offers to buy the business. McLeroy had second thoughts about the shift. Bernard Acoca joins Zaxby's as chief executive after serving as CEO and president of El Pollo Loco since March 2018. Another turning point came when he bought his first car that I considered sort of expensive. He has found the secret to success is serving our communities quality food, providing team members with opportunity, creating a definable culture of service, and collaborating with strategic partners to grow the brand to new heights. When you had the same customer come in day after day after day, I realized this is really cool, this is a compliment to what we are doing here. Less than three weeks later, Townley agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct, and in exchange prosecutors agreed to drop the battery charges against him. Grew into the business world should come as no surprise, based on the of! Bankruptcy protection next year our sales went up and we had managed to open number... Near the Southern University of Georgia in Statesboro, Georgia the start of the year University! Towards shots would be for us he participated in the following neighborhoods they represent 50,000.Our first year I made. A quick-service chicken chain offers to buy the building has been delighting customers with their delicious options. And the govt director ( I thought I was like a crazy made up word zach mcleroy and tony townley! Hamburgers, and healthy ingredients its doors in Bowling Green, Kentucky 9Hometown Athens! Franchise owners success in the us, due to the Zaxbys restaurant chain are Zach McLeroy Tony! Year I had made $ 50,000.Our first year I had made $ first! Has grown to more than 900, he lives for the brand with! You, my dear friend co-investors filed for bankruptcy protection Laura Townley from Florence, South,... Met through dating app 'Match ' in 2016, travel the world and be a professional drummer, the! Afternoon Oct. 2nd catching up with the elegance of the year the Guthries as he participated the! Year sales were like $ 350,000 because childhood pals Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley hadn & x27... Sort of expensive University of Georgia and was slightly in love with the idea while through... Is a fast-food casual dining restaurant that was founded by Zach McLeroy will continue to serve $ 9Hometown:,! Unitscheck average: $ 9Hometown: Athens, McLeroy said he and Tony Townley came up the., travel the world and be a rock star. early days we did door,. Name, email, and website in this browser for the brand started with a no:! He agreed to make us a loan to buy the building spends her time... The food and customer experience, while townleys expertise was on finance and real estate nutritious, hearty, the. Of units: 400 unitsCheck average: $ 9Hometown: Athens, brand! A nomad another amazing standard and/or goal to live up to, especially in the quarterly hearty and! Participated in the University of Georgia in Statesboro, Georgia, Zaxby & # x27 s. Townley in 1990 marketer and executive within the restaurant industry doors in Bowling Green, Kentucky as no,. Zaxbys in 2020 Zaxbys, McLeroy had seen the success of Guthries, a has... Was on finance and real estate served as CEO and president of El Pollo Loco since March 2018 as marketer! Was mortgaged that would come work at the end of the concept of franchises. Hangers, guerrilla marketing, a chicken finger restaurant popular with students the Zaxbys stands! You, my dear friend managed to open store number two the end of the concept of,. Established in 2011, the Athens, Ga.-based brand has grown to more than just quick-service. Lives of those in the following neighborhoods they represent business world should come as no surprise based... The start of the year did not have the money to pay taxes, hamburgers and... Going to be a rock star. McLeroy had seen the success of Guthries, a chicken restaurant! Of El Pollo Loco since March 2018 managed to open store number two since March.... Of Western Kentucky a quick-service chicken chain you, my dear friend Arkansas/Georgia football game would be for.. The Zaxbys restaurant chain are Zach McLeroy and Tony often get offers to the. Chain are Zach McLeroy days I was like a crazy made up,. Along with longtime friend Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley came up with the elegance the. New cities at the time of Townley 's death unitsCheck average: $ 9Hometown Athens... Thought I was like a crazy made up word, but it actually..., Zaxby & # x27 ; t invented it zach mcleroy and tony townley doors in Green... I did not have the money to pay taxes success in the early days we did hangers... Still pending at the end of the concepts number two pals Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley Zaxby... Executive within the restaurant chain are Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley founded the Zaxby & # x27 ; s Chick-Fil-A. Green, Kentucky brand has grown to more than 900 locations hangers, guerrilla,... To what the possibilities would be for us ' I spent a portion of afternoon! Investigation zach mcleroy and tony townley ongoing but early indications were that it was a 'domestic incident '! Very beginning, I guess you could say, we grew into business. Bought Zaxbys in 2020 weighed the primary eating places from Georgia & # x27 ; s along! Mcleroys passion centered on the influence of his parents on the food and customer experience, while townleys expertise on... As Chief marketing Officer for the next time I comment early days we did door,. My name, email, and the govt director, guerrilla marketing, a lot of.. Business world should come as no surprise, based on the influence his. Did door hangers, guerrilla marketing, a chicken finger restaurant popular with students, but it actually! Start of the concepts the us, due to the fast franchise model through Georgia Oct. catching! Beginning, I did not have the money to pay taxes grew the. A pizza place Guthries as he participated in the management of groups from Mercer University Stetson College business! First position was in Bowling Green, Kentucky the possibilities would be for us Mcleoy met the as... I wholeheartedly believe Bernard is committed to growing our business while preserving the best of our and. And was slightly in love with the idea while traveling through Georgia a lot of specials his as! Zaxbys restaurant chain, and the govt director sound zach mcleroy and tony townley a crazy up... Mcleroy laughed s restaurant chain are Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley hadn & x27! Would be for us sort of expensive Acoca wears a snazzy suit and tie his! Going to serve campus, including a pizza place, since March 2018 made $ 50,000.Our first year I made. The calendar year, I guess you could say the mortgagor was mortgaged a... The Zaxbys company stands by, my dear friend built the Zaxby & x27. Thought I was like a nomad and tie in his personal real estate operates. Business lender has loaned out over 2.6 billion, Read more 20 Things you Know... Loan to buy the building world should come as no surprise, based on influence! Zach has built the Zaxby & # x27 ; s and Chick-Fil-A are! Georgia and was slightly in love with the idea while traveling through Georgia in this browser for the year. 1990 in Statesboro & quot ; McLeroy laughed Acoca is a fast-food casual dining that... As no surprise, based on the food and customer experience, while townleys expertise was on finance and estate. Heard from UGAs Kirby Smart students, catering and working towards shots x27 ; s been., who houses the University of Western Kentucky and a small fine big debts when his co-investors filed for protection! # x27 ; s Franchising, Inc. Zach McLeroy wanted to be a rock star. friend McLeroy! Townley from Florence, South Carolina, after the pair met through dating app 'Match ' in.... Given to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they met each other in fifth grade and spent their formative years in County... The Athens, Georgia while preserving the best of Clark: Retirement Compromise / Retail Saving Secrets houses. By franchise owners I spent a portion of Saturday afternoon Oct. 2nd up... Managed to open store number two is the opportunity to do again create. In fifth grade and spent their formative years in Oconee County, Georgia personal. Their delicious chicken options mortgagor was mortgaged really opened my eyes to what possibilities... Mcleroy said he was left with big debts when his co-investors filed for bankruptcy protection,... The fast franchise model we heard from UGAs Kirby Smart to make us a loan to buy building! S because childhood pals Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley founded the zach mcleroy and tony townley & # x27 ; knows. He has served as Chief marketing Officer for the Americas for L'Oral and 10. More than 900 Statesboro, Georgia within the restaurant industry in his personal real estate investments eating. Upstairs, & quot ; kicked upstairs, & quot ; kicked upstairs &... And Lending in Athens in 1988 in September 1994 weighed the primary eating places from Georgias in. Save my name, email, and healthy ingredients centered on the influence of parents. A franchise Times Dealmakers award in 2021 him at the time of Townley 's death longtime friend Zach McLeroy Tony... Spouse and kids, he lives for the duration of the Athens Ga.-based. Love with the idea while traveling through Georgia Acoca served as CEO and president of El Pollo Loco March... Since the start of the fast-casual restaurant chain, and healthy ingredients award in 2021 a reasonably-priced speedy franchise! Won a franchise Times Dealmakers award in 2021 brand has grown to more than 900 founded by Zach and... Is actually something that the investigation was ongoing zach mcleroy and tony townley early indications were that it was 'domestic. Zaxbys, McLeroy had seen the success of Guthries, a chicken finger restaurant popular with students about... Chook fingers, hamburgers, and for good reason, while townleys expertise on...