Zaxbys Headed to Kosciusko as Part of North Mississippi Expansion

Zaxbys is officially expanding its footprint in North Mississippi, signing a deal to bring its popular saucy chicken concept directly to Kosciusko.

Brothers Alan and Eddie Gant, both Mississippi natives and Mississippi State University alumni, have signed two new franchise agreements with the brand. Under the development plan, the pair will first launch a location in nearby Winona within the next year, followed by the Kosciusko store approximately one year later.

While the news confirms the restaurant’s arrival, the exact site selection in town has not yet been announced.

The Gant brothers bring decades of combined experience across restaurant operations, real estate, and banking to the project. Alan has spent more than 20 years in commercial, consumer, and real estate lending alongside bank management, while Eddie brings a heavy background in real estate investment and commercial lending. The duo currently operates two full-service restaurants in North Mississippi.

“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 their family as they bring Zaxbys to Winona and Kosciusko and build on our momentum across Mississippi.”

For the Gant brothers, expanding into Kosciusko represents an investment in familiar territory.

“We’ve spent our careers building businesses and investing in communities across Mississippi, so we’re excited about the opportunity to continue that work with Zaxbys,” said Alan Gant. “Winona and Kosciusko are communities we know well, and we look forward to creating restaurants that serve great food and become places where people want to gather. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to continue growing our restaurant portfolio here in our home state.”

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the quick-service chain has grown to more than 1,000 locations across 23 states, including 40 existing spots throughout Mississippi. Known for its signature Chicken Fingerz™, Zalads®, wings, and 12 proprietary sauces, the brand was recognized as QSR Magazine’s Transformational Brand of the Year in 2025.

Further details regarding local hiring and the exact development timeline for the Kosciusko location will be released in the future.