Fast-casual chicken chain Zaxby’s has hired its first chief development officer as it plans to ramp up expansion, the chain announced Wednesday.
Vanessa Fox was previously senior vice president and CDO at Jack in the Box, where she built and executed the brand’s real estate strategy. Fox also worked with Jack in the Box and Qdoba on restaurant development and facility management.
At Zaxby’s, Fox will manage the Franchise Licensing and Development teams.
“Our brand is experiencing its best unit-level performance in many years, and we know Vanessa will build on that,” Zaxby’s CEO and co-founder Zach McLeroy said in a statement. “She has a clear passion for building trust and credibility in the licensee community, which is something that we have always highly valued.”
Zaxby’s was founded in 1990 and now has more than 900 units in 17 states. The Athens, Ga.-based concept specializes in chicken fingers, wings and sandwiches.
“I am thrilled to join Zaxby’s and strategically lead its growth plans,” Fox said. “I seek to build highly functioning and diversified teams to tackle projects and can’t wait to get to know Zaxby’s team members and learn about their goals, skills and aspirations.”
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