RECOMMENDED READING

  • Understanding the Recent Surge in Restaurant Industry Employment Growth

    By Ava Ingram • Oct. 4, 2024

  • Maximizing Restaurant Sales Through Dual-Branded Locations

    By Adrianne Irwin • Feb. 20, 2025

  • Optimizing Operations: The Success Story of Texas Roadhouse

    By Anastasia Ivers • Oct. 25, 2024

  • Navigating the Evolution of Off-Premises in the Restaurant Industry

    By Anastasia Ivers • Jul. 19, 2024

  • 7-Eleven's Strategic Store Expansion Plan and Revenue Growth Strategy

    By Adrianne Irwin • Apr. 17, 2025

  • Optimizing Restaurant Operations: The Impact of Executive Leadership Changes at Wendy’s

    By Adrianne Irwin • Jul. 24, 2025

  • Enhancing Restaurant Operations and Menu Integration at Applebee’s: A Leadership Perspective

    By Ava Ingram • Aug. 26, 2025

Restaurant Association Logo

Restaurant Association

Empowering restaurant professionals with free resources, training, and networking opportunities to build successful businesses.

Sign Up Free

Pages

  • Articles
  • News
  • Topics
  • Shows
  • Academy
  • Events
  • Jobs

About

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap

Resources

  • Library
  • Templates

Connect

LinkedInInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
  • Editorial Ethics Policy
  • Review Guidelines
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Restaurant Association. All rights reserved.

logo
  1. News
  2. Topics
  3. Shows
  4. Academy
  5. Events
  6. Jobs
  7. Resources

    Videos

  • No results found

  • Articles

  • No results found

Log InSign Up Free
logo
LoginSign Up

    Videos

  • No results found

  • Articles

  • No results found

  1. Shows
  2. Academy
  3. Events
  4. Jobs

Become a member of the Restaurant Association!

Unlock exclusive access to webinars, events, and the latest news for FREE!

Sign up
Restaurant Association Logo

Exploring the Trend of Late-Night Dining in the Restaurant Industry

Discover how restaurants like Zaxbys are leveraging late-night dining to attract customers, along with insights into industry trends and strategies.

Updated On Jul. 19, 2025 Published Jul. 19, 2025

Adrianne Irwin

Adrianne Irwin

Zaxbys menu item 1

Zaxbys' Innovative Approach to Late-Night Dining

Zaxbys has taken a unique stance in the restaurant industry by incentivizing late-night visits through daypart-specific deals. By extending their operating hours to attract customers during the evening hours, Zaxbys has positioned itself as a go-to destination for post-dinner cravings and late-night gatherings. This strategy not only caters to existing customers but also attracts a new segment of diners who are looking for convenient dining options outside traditional hours.

https://d3n2401vhvcfv5.cloudfront.net/_images/company/zaxbys/menu-item-1.png

Industry-Wide Embrace of Late-Night Dining Opportunities

Zaxbys is not the only player recognizing the potential in late-night dining. Various other chains, such as Waffle House, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, White Castle, and Portillo's, have all made strategic moves to capitalize on the trend. From extending operating hours to introducing delivery options and enhancing menu offerings specifically for late-night diners, these restaurants are adapting to meet the evolving preferences of consumers seeking dining options beyond standard hours.

https://d3n2401vhvcfv5.cloudfront.net/_images/company/zaxbys/menu-item-1.png

Adapting to Changing Consumer Behavior

The shift towards late-night dining is a response to changing consumer behavior and lifestyle trends. With busy schedules and a desire for more flexibility, customers increasingly seek dining options that accommodate their late-night activities. By staying open later and offering tailored promotions during off-peak hours, restaurants can tap into a new revenue stream and enhance customer loyalty by providing convenient dining solutions.

https://d3n2401vhvcfv5.cloudfront.net/_images/company/zaxbys/menu-item-1.png

Innovative Strategies for Growth and Market Expansion

As Zaxbys expands into new markets, like Maryland, the brand is not just introducing menu changes but also revamping its marketing and operational approaches. By promoting limited-time offerings to permanent menu items, introducing value-driven boxed meals, and deploying technology like drive-thru cameras for better service metrics, Zaxbys is strategically positioning itself for success in both existing and new markets. Leveraging popular menu items like dipping sauces further amplifies the brand's appeal to customers in the competitive chicken chain landscape.