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Levittown-area residents will soon be able to get chicken fingerz, Zalads, shrimp, dipping sauces, sandwiches, and wings when a Southern fast food chain expands it footprint.
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Zaxbys is preparing to open its second location in the Philadelphia region as part of a targeted expansion.
The Atlanta-based company is in the final stages of converting the building at 8333 Route 13, which is just past Levittown Parkway, in Tullytown Borough.
The location is expected to open in spring, according to Alyssa Feldmann, a spokesperson for Zaxbys.
The expansion is part of a larger push by Zaxbys, which operates roughly 1,000 locations across 17 states.
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In 2024, Zaxbys announced that franchisee George Abdelmessieh would open 10 locations across the Philadelphia region in the coming years.
Abdelmessieh, a retired electrical engineer, already operates more than 30 Dunkin’ franchises across Philadelphia and South Jersey. He will operate the Tullytown Borough restaurant.
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In a statement from 2024, Abdelmessieh said his interest in the Zaxbys brand was sparked by his daughter, a physician who became a fan of the chain while studying at Emory University in Atlanta.
“The chance to bring Zaxbys to Philadelphia is both exciting and meaningful,” Abdelmessieh said. “I recognize that Zaxbys is a strong brand with an excellent product. These values align with the principles I’ve relied on to build my other franchise businesses.”
“George’s decades of experience and dedication to building strong franchise operations make him the perfect fit to introduce our brand to Philadelphia,” said Mike Mettler, Zaxbys’ chief development officer. “We’re excited to see the impact his leadership will bring.”
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For Abdelmessieh, the planned locations has personal meaning.
“Bringing Zaxbys to Philly is something I’m building not only for my community, but also for my family, creating a legacy I hope will benefit my children and grandchildren,” he said.
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Founded in 1990, Zaxbys has signaled a move into the Northeast market, with the Tullytown Borough spot being its first in Pennsylvania.
The fast food chain opened its first New Jersey location in Magnolia, Camden County, last December.
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Before that expansion, the nearest Zaxbys to the Levittown area was approximately 130 miles away in southern Maryland.
The company stated on its website that it is working to reach 1,000 locations and introduce “Southern hospitality and bold flavors” to new markets. It has also announced an expansion into the Chicago area.
