Updated: July 14, 2026
In this guide
Zaxby’s is finally coming back to central Ohio. The Southern chicken chain known for its Chicken Fingerz, wings, and 12 signature sauces has confirmed its first location in 17 years: a former KFC at 1785 Hilliard Rome Road in Hilliard, on the northwest side of Columbus, with a target opening in early 2027. It is the first of 10 restaurants planned across the Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati areas, and no Ohio stores are open yet.
| Zaxby’s in Ohio: At a Glance | |
| First confirmed location | 1785 Hilliard Rome Road, Hilliard |
| The site | A former KFC (closed spring 2026) |
| Target opening | Early 2027 |
| Total planned | 10 restaurants |
| Ohio markets | Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati |
| Open in Ohio now | None yet |
Where the first Ohio Zaxby’s is opening
The first location is set for 1785 Hilliard Rome Road in Hilliard, on the northwest side of Columbus. Zaxby’s filed a permit with the City of Columbus in June 2026 to take over a former KFC building there, and NBC4, citing Columbus Business First, reports the restaurant is slated to open in early 2027. The site plan is in, though the city had not signed off on the full permit as of this writing. For now it is the only Ohio address the company has publicly confirmed.
The bigger plan: 10 restaurants across Ohio
The Hilliard store is just the opening move. In November 2025, Zaxby’s announced a 10-store development deal covering the Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati markets, part of the brand’s larger push into the Midwest following recent deals in Chicago and Indiana.
The deal is led by Charles Terry, a former NBA strength and conditioning coach turned franchise operator. Terry and his business partner already operate 14 Crumbl Cookies locations across the U.S. and Canada, including one that became that brand’s top-performing store worldwide. He says the move is about more than great chicken.
“What truly drew our team in was more than systems and strategy. It was heart,” Terry said in a press release. “Zaxby’s commitment to community and its ability to bring people together over great food mirrors our own values.”
A Columbus comeback 17 years in the making
If Zaxby’s in Columbus rings a bell, there is a reason. The chain briefly tried central Ohio once before, opening near Ohio State at 2108 N. High Street in April 2008. That store lasted only about six months before closing, and Zaxby’s left the state entirely. This time, with a 10-store commitment and a national operator behind it, the company is betting the second try sticks.
About Zaxby’s
Founded in 1990, Zaxby’s has grown to nearly 1,000 locations nationwide and built a reputation for big flavors and Southern hospitality. The menu is built around its hand-breaded chicken, those 12 signature sauces, and sides like crinkle fries and Texas toast.
Zaxby’s in Ohio: your questions answered
Is there a Zaxby’s in Ohio?
Not yet. As of July 2026, Zaxby’s has no open locations in Ohio. Its first confirmed restaurant, in Hilliard near Columbus, is targeting an early-2027 opening.
When is Zaxby’s opening in Columbus?
The first Columbus-area Zaxby’s, at 1785 Hilliard Rome Road in Hilliard, is slated to open in early 2027, according to Columbus Business First.
Where will the Columbus Zaxby’s be located?
In a former KFC at 1785 Hilliard Rome Road in Hilliard, on the northwest side of Columbus.
What other Ohio cities are getting Zaxby’s?
The 10-store deal covers the Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati markets. Specific Dayton and Cincinnati addresses have not been announced yet.
For more about the chain and its menu, visit zaxbys.com. We will keep this story updated as more Ohio locations and opening dates are confirmed. (Central Ohio comeback details via 614NOW.)
