Zaxbys Sets Sights on Winona with Family-Backed Franchise Development Agreement

September 14, 2026   |  Public Announcement

Zaxbys Sets Sights on Winona with Family-Backed Franchise Development Agreement

Experienced Multi-Unit Operators Join Mississippi Native Stefan Gant to Grow Zaxbys in Winona

WINONA, Miss. – Zaxbys® has signed two franchise agreements with brothers Alan and Eddie Gant to bring the rapidly growing Georgia-based saucy chicken chain to Winona and Kosciusko, Mississippi. The family-backed team, which also includes Alan’s son and Winona local Stefan Gant, plans to open the new restaurant within the next year.

Alan and Eddie, both Mississippi natives and Mississippi State University alumni, have decades of combined experience across restaurant operations, banking, real estate and business development. Alan brings more than two decades of experience spanning commercial, consumer, and real estate lending, and bank management, while Eddie has extensive experience in real estate investment and commercial real estate lending. Together, the brothers currently operate two full-service restaurants in North Mississippi. Their experience across restaurant operations and finance, paired with their strong understanding of the Mississippi market, positions the group to successfully bring Zaxbys to new communities in Mississippi.

Joining Alan and Eddie in the Winona restaurant is Alan’s son, Stefan, who brings both strong ties to the Winona community and a background in finance and business strategy. Having grown up with firsthand exposure to the restaurant business through his family, Stefan will bring that experience and his local perspective to the family-backed venture.

“Stefan, Alan and Eddie are exactly the type of experienced, locally rooted operators we look for as we continue growing Zaxbys in markets across the country,” said Russ Holland, Chief Development Officer at Zaxbys. “They bring deep roots in North Mississippi, decades of business experience and a strong understanding of what it takes to successfully operate and grow restaurants. We’re excited to partner with the Gant family as they bring Zaxbys to Winona and build on our momentum across Mississippi.”

“Winona is a community that means a lot to me, so having the opportunity to be part of bringing Zaxbys here is incredibly exciting,” said Stefan Gant. “I grew up around the restaurant business and saw firsthand how a restaurant can become part of the fabric of a local community. We want to create that same kind of place here in Winona where people can come together, enjoy great food and feel at home.”

The new Winona development builds on Zaxbys’ established presence of 40 locations across Mississippi. As Zaxbys continues to grow, the brand remains focused on partnering with experienced operators who understand their local markets and are committed to building restaurants that will become part of the communities they serve.

Zaxbys has been serving up its signature sauces and bold flavors since its inception in 1990. Beloved for its 12 signature sauces and legendary Chicken Fingerz™, Zaxbys has become a standout chicken concept in the QSR industry, growing to more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous industry accolades, including recognition in Franchise Times’ 2024 Franchise Times Top 400 List, QSR Magazine’s 2024 Top 50 Fast-Food Chains, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and Newsweek. With a strong leadership team and a focus on long-term, sustainable growth, Zaxbys continues to stay true to its mission of delivering mouthwatering food and memorable experiences to its loyal fanbase.


For more information about Zaxbys and the franchise opportunity, visit zaxbys.com or
zaxbys.com/franchise.

About Zaxbys

Founded in 1990, Zaxbys® is committed to serving delicious Chicken Fingerz™, Zalads®, wings, and signature sauces with Southern hospitality and a modern twist. In 2025, Zaxbys was recognized as Transformational Brand of the Year by QSR Magazine. Zaxbys has over 1,000 locations in 23 states and is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. For more information, visit zaxbys.com or zaxbysfranchising.com.
[Zaxbys Sets Sights on Winona with Family-Backed Franchise Development Agreement]

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