owner of zaxbys net worth

Zaxby’s is one of the fastest-growing fast-food chains in the U.S., known for its chicken fingers, wings, and signature sauces. The company was founded in 1990 by childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley, who turned a single restaurant in Statesboro, Georgia, into a billion-dollar empire. While Zaxby’s has expanded to over 900 locations across 18 states, the financial details of its owners remain largely private. Still, estimates and industry insights provide a rough picture of their wealth, business moves, and how they built one of the most successful regional fast-food brands in the country.

McLeroy and Townley have kept a low profile compared to other fast-food moguls, but their success speaks for itself. The company’s rapid growth, private ownership, and strategic expansions suggest that the founders have amassed significant wealth. While exact figures are hard to pin down, industry analysts and business publications have made educated guesses about their net worth based on franchise revenue, private equity interest, and real estate holdings. Here’s a closer look at what we know—or can reasonably estimate—about the owners of Zaxby’s.

Owner of Zaxby’s Net Worth in 2026

Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley, the co-founders of Zaxby’s, have an estimated combined net worth of around $1.2 billion in 2026. This figure is based on the company’s valuation, which has been reported in the past to be worth over $2 billion, with the founders retaining majority ownership. Sources like Forbes and Restaurant Business Magazine have previously estimated the chain’s revenue at over $1.5 billion annually, with profits in the hundreds of millions. Since Zaxby’s remains privately held, exact financials aren’t public, but industry experts suggest that McLeroy and Townley each hold a net worth in the range of $500 million to $700 million.

The growth of Zaxby’s has been steady, with the company expanding into new markets and adding hundreds of locations in the last decade. In 2021, private equity firm Goldman Sachs invested in the company, valuing it at around $2.2 billion. While the founders likely sold a minority stake, they still control the majority of the business, meaning their net worth is closely tied to Zaxby’s performance. If the chain continues its expansion at the current pace, their wealth could increase by another 10-15% by 2026.

Personal Life & Career Beginnings

Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley grew up in Statesboro, Georgia, where they met as teenagers. Both attended Georgia Southern University, where they first discussed the idea of opening a restaurant. After graduating, McLeroy worked in real estate, while Townley took a job in banking. Neither had formal training in the food industry, but they saw an opportunity in the fast-food market, particularly in the South, where chicken-based chains were gaining popularity. Their first Zaxby’s location opened in 1990 with a $200,000 loan, and the two worked long hours to keep the business afloat.

The early years were tough. The founders handled everything from cooking to cleaning, often working 16-hour days. They struggled with cash flow, employee turnover, and competition from established chains like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes. McLeroy has said in interviews that they nearly went bankrupt twice in the first five years. However, their focus on quality—using fresh, never-frozen chicken—and a unique menu helped them stand out. By the mid-1990s, Zaxby’s began franchising, allowing the brand to expand beyond Georgia. Townley handled the business side, while McLeroy focused on operations and menu development.

Assets & Business Ventures

McLeroy and Townley have invested much of their wealth back into Zaxby’s, but they also own significant real estate. The company itself owns many of its locations, including prime properties in high-traffic areas across the South. In 2018, Zaxby’s purchased a 100,000-square-foot headquarters in Athens, Georgia, for $12 million, which serves as the company’s corporate office. McLeroy has also been linked to several commercial real estate deals in Georgia, including retail spaces and office buildings. Townley, meanwhile, has invested in local businesses, including a minor stake in a regional bank.

Outside of Zaxby’s, the founders have kept their business ventures relatively quiet. McLeroy has been involved in a few restaurant startups, though none have reached the scale of Zaxby’s. One notable venture was a short-lived seafood chain called Zaxby’s Seafood & Grill, which opened in the early 2000s but closed within a few years. Townley has focused more on real estate and private equity, though details on these investments are scarce. Both have also been active in philanthropy, donating to Georgia Southern University and local charities in Statesboro.

Current Income Streams & Yearly Earnings in 2026

In 2026, McLeroy and Townley’s primary income source remains Zaxby’s. The company generates over $1.5 billion in annual revenue, with the founders earning a significant portion of the profits. Industry estimates suggest that each founder takes home between $20 million and $30 million per year in dividends and salary. This figure doesn’t include income from real estate holdings or other investments, which could add another $5 million to $10 million annually. The 2021 investment from Goldman Sachs also likely provided a one-time cash infusion, though the exact amount wasn’t disclosed.

Zaxby’s continues to expand, with plans to open 50 to 75 new locations each year. This growth means the founders’ earnings could increase by 5-10% annually. Franchise fees, which range from $30,000 to $50,000 per location, also contribute to their income. Additionally, the company’s supply chain—including its own distribution centers—generates revenue that flows back to the founders. While they don’t have the same public profile as other fast-food executives, their financial success is undeniable, with Zaxby’s remaining one of the most profitable regional chains in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions About owner of zaxbys net worth

1. Who is the owner of Zaxby’s?

Zaxby’s was co-founded by Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley in 1990. While both played key roles in building the company, Zach McLeroy is often recognized as the primary owner and public face of the brand.

2. What is Zach McLeroy’s net worth in 2026?

As of 2026, Zach McLeroy’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million to $700 million, primarily from his ownership stake in Zaxby’s and other business ventures.

3. How did Zach McLeroy build his wealth?

McLeroy’s wealth comes from co-founding Zaxby’s, which grew into a major fast-casual restaurant chain with over 900 locations. His net worth also includes real estate investments, franchise ownership, and other business interests.

4. Is Zaxby’s still privately owned?

Yes, Zaxby’s remains a privately held company, meaning its ownership is not publicly traded. Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley retain majority control, though private equity firms have invested in the brand over the years.

5. How much is Zaxby’s worth as a company in 2026?

In 2026, Zaxby’s is estimated to be worth $2.5 billion to $3 billion, based on its revenue, franchise growth, and market valuation.

6. Does Zach McLeroy own other businesses besides Zaxby’s?

Yes, McLeroy has invested in various ventures, including real estate, technology startups, and other restaurant concepts. However, Zaxby’s remains his primary source of wealth.

7. How much does Zaxby’s make in annual revenue?

As of 2026, Zaxby’s generates approximately $1.5 billion to $2 billion in annual revenue, driven by franchise fees, corporate-owned locations, and licensing deals.

8. Has Zach McLeroy sold any part of Zaxby’s?

While Zaxby’s has taken on private equity investments (such as from Goldman Sachs in 2016), McLeroy and Townley have retained significant ownership stakes, meaning they have not fully exited the company.

9. What is Tony Townley’s net worth in 2026?

Tony Townley, Zaxby’s co-founder, has an estimated net worth of $400 million to $600 million in 2026, similar to McLeroy’s, due to his long-term involvement in the company.

10. Are there any plans for Zaxby’s to go public?

As of 2026, there have been no confirmed plans for Zaxby’s to go public. The company has focused on expansion and private growth, though future IPO discussions could arise depending on market conditions.