Zaxbys Names Russell Holland Chief Development Officer

Holland Steps Into Permanent Role

Zaxbys has officially confirmed Russell Holland as its new Chief Development Officer, with the appointment taking effect immediately. Holland had already been handling many of the responsibilities tied to this position since February 2026, when he stepped in on an interim basis to oversee the brand's development efforts. Now formally taking on the title, he becomes part of Zaxbys' broader leadership team at a time when the company is actively pursuing growth across multiple regions of the country. His role will involve close collaboration with existing executives as the chain works to refine and execute its long-term expansion plans. The transition from an interim to a permanent position signals that company leadership has had ample opportunity to evaluate his performance and approach before making the appointment official, suggesting a level of internal confidence in his ability to guide the brand's development strategy moving forward.

CEO Praises Holland's Fit and Track Record

Zaxbys CEO Bernard Acoca spoke highly of Holland's qualifications, pointing to his demonstrated ability to improve internal workflows and support profitable growth across various quick-service restaurant brands throughout his career. Beyond his operational experience, Acoca emphasized that Holland's leadership style aligns naturally with the culture and values that define Zaxbys as a brand. This combination of operational expertise and cultural fit appears to have been a key factor in the decision to bring him on permanently. Acoca also expressed confidence that, with Holland now leading development efforts, Zaxbys is well positioned to continue its national expansion and introduce its menu offerings, often described internally with affection as the brand's "secret sauce," to a growing number of guests in new and existing markets across the United States.

Nearly 20 Years of Industry Experience

Holland arrives with close to two decades of experience working within the restaurant industry, much of it focused on strengthening relationships with franchise partners, supporting steady restaurant growth, and building strategies designed for long-term organizational success. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Head of Real Estate for Inspire Brands, a major player in the restaurant industry that oversees multiple well-known chains. Earlier in his career, he held a position at Waffle House, where he gained hands-on experience with operational improvements. Throughout these roles, Holland has developed a reputation for simplifying complex processes, driving consistent pipeline growth, and creating development strategies that are both practical and scalable, qualities that are likely to prove valuable as he takes on broader responsibilities at Zaxbys.

Leading Zaxbys' National Growth Push

In his new role, Holland will be responsible for guiding Zaxbys' aggressive growth strategy as the brand continues working to establish itself as one of the most attractive franchise opportunities within the competitive chicken restaurant category. This appointment comes on the heels of a significant milestone for the company, the opening of its 1,000th restaurant location. Zaxbys currently operates in 23 states and is actively working to expand its footprint into several new and notable markets, including New York, Maryland, Phoenix, and Chicago. These cities represent significant opportunities for the brand to introduce its menu to new customer bases, and Holland's experience in real estate and development strategy is expected to play a meaningful role in helping the company navigate the logistics of entering these markets successfully.

A Strong Pipeline for 2026 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Zaxbys' development pipeline remains robust, with plans for continued growth throughout 2026 across both traditional restaurant formats and non-traditional venues. This kind of diversified growth approach allows the brand to reach customers in a variety of settings beyond standard standalone locations, potentially including spaces like travel centers, college campuses, or other shared venues. For franchise partners, this ongoing expansion represents new opportunities to invest in and grow alongside the brand. For customers, it means greater access to Zaxbys' menu, known for its distinctive chicken offerings, flavorful sauces, and a brand identity rooted in Southern hospitality. As these plans move forward, Holland's leadership in development will be central to ensuring that growth remains both sustainable and aligned with the brand's broader goals.

A Georgia Native Joining a Georgia Brand

Adding a personal connection to the appointment, Holland and his family are originally from Georgia, the same state where Zaxbys was founded and continues to be headquartered. He completed his education at the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus on Economics. In comments following the announcement, Holland shared his enthusiasm about joining Zaxbys during what he described as an exciting period of expansion for the brand. He expressed eagerness to work closely with the company's experienced leadership team and its network of franchisees, with the shared goal of continuing to deliver the kind of guest experience that has helped define Zaxbys as a recognizable name in the restaurant industry.

Holland Steps Into Permanent Role

CEO Praises Holland's Fit and Track Record

Nearly 20 Years of Industry Experience

Leading Zaxbys' National Growth Push

A Strong Pipeline for 2026 and Beyond