Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings — Restaurant in Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

I've regretted Zaxby's for the last time. Back in the 90s I used to get in arguments in Athens because I liked Zaxby's and other people preferred Guthry's. Zach stole Guthry's business model almost exactly and did it better. So I wasn't sad when Zaxby's came out on top. A decade later I ended up managing a Zaxby's because my wife's father owned it. I enjoyed the food. It's basic, nothing special, but good comfort food and even though I worked there for years I didn't get tired of it too much. But then my father in law sold his franchise location and I moved on. Since then I have had regrets almost every time I get food there. First, I can taste the freezer burn on the chicken. When I worked there the chicken was fresh. I'm guessing that has changed. Second, the fries have 2 flavors: bland and destroyed with msg seasoning. The taste isn't bad, per se(who doesn't love tgat yummy umami) but the seasoning is never even on the fries. One bite is tasteless, the next is like the dust from a cheeto bag. Then the toast: I think they might just dip the bread all the way in the fake butter at this point. Even their ranch dressing has gone downhill. It's somehow watery and thin. They don't have original sauce anymore, but I can forgive that, it wasn't all that popular but it was my favorite. But why do their hot sauces have to be mostly sugar? It's like my wings are dipped in orange colored syrup at this point. And I don't think the Zax Sauce is as good as it used to be. I think I'm done. I'll just remember Zaxby's the way it used to be. I can't stand to watch it slowly die, so I won't be going back. 1 star for the good...

During the middle of the Friday night rush tonight, I was paying for my food when the gentleman at the drive-thru sat patient with me while both of my cards were declined. I asked him to take off a part of my meal as I was sure I had money in my account, just maybe not enough. As he handed it back to me, he alluded to the fact that the computer still did not take my card, but that he took care of it. I wasn't sure what that meant, until I got home, realized he gave me my full order (including the part I had to take off), and I'm pretty sure he may have paid for my meal. I came home to check my balance on my debit card, and saw where I was overcharged at amazon, but the Zaxby's transaction was no where in sight. Anyway, I don't know what he did, but I am truly grateful for that gentleman tonight. I hope the manager reads this and gives him some sort of reward, because the manager should know what a great, patient, and caring employee they have trained. Thank you, kind sir at the drive through Friday night March 20th . It may not seem like a big deal to you or whoever is reading this, but it meant the world to me this night. Thank you so much. And, also, to Makayla (I think that is who took my order at over the system), you and your awesome southern accent were also so incredibly sweet and hospitable!...

I'll rate this place based on comparison to similar restaurants as well as the actual experience here.

In general, Zaxby's has pretty good food, but slower preparation and none of the dining room hospitality that some of the other places offer.

The chicken tenders are good but often very small. I will say that their grilled Cobb salad is one of the best salads from a fast food restaurant. Recently, however, they seem to have changed the blue cheese recipe and the size of the dressing portion is smaller (or at least it seemed that way).

The speed of the drive-thru has improved but it is still a little slower than the leader in this category!

This particular location was clean and the service behind the counter was excellent. However, there were no items available in the dining room except for lids and straws. I understand keeping sauces behind the counter perhaps, but there were no napkins available. I think the legacy covid behavior is still in place but perhaps to an extreme.

There was also no ice in the left hand drink dispenser. But at least they had two!

There was plenty of seating available and lots of different options in terms of booths, tables, and even long tables. That was nice.

It's probably the best fast food option...