Viral Southern chicken chain Zaxby's just opened its first-ever location in Chicagoland

Southern-born fast food chain Zaxby’s opened its first-ever Illinois location this week. Chicago-area chicken finger fans can now head to suburban Plainfield to get their hands on the cult-favorite Chicken Fingerz, over-the-top sandwiches and TikTok-famous sauces. The new spot, located at 13429 Illinois Route 59, marks a notable Midwest expansion for the Southeast staple and signals that the chicken wars are far from cooling off.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because Zaxby’s has been all over social media for the past few years. The chain has racked up viral moments thanks to indulgent menu drops, food challenges and a loyal fanbase.

Zaxby’s calling card is its Chicken Fingerz: thick-cut, extra crispy strips that come with a dizzying lineup of signature sauces. Zax Sauce, Tongue Torch, Nuclear, Wimpy—there’s a heat level and flavor profile for just about everyone. Beyond the finger baskets, the menu includes wings, loaded sandwiches, salads (or “Zalads,” in Zaxby’s language) and milkshakes.

One of the most talked-about items is the Asian Zensation Zalad, a fan favorite that’s made multiple comebacks thanks to demand. It combines fried or grilled chicken with Asian slaw, wonton strips and a sweet-savory dressing. It's also appeared on menus in wrap form.

The Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich blew up social media for being exactly what it sounds like: fried chicken stacked between powdered-sugar-dusted funnel cakes. Other viral hits include the cookie butter shake and collabs like the MrBeast Meal. Clearly Zaxby’s knows how to keep the internet interested, and now Chicagoland gets to see what the buzz is all about.

The Plainfield location is owned and operated by a Chicago native who also runs several Zaxby’s restaurants in the Kansas City area. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February, but doors are already open for anyone ready to try the famed Fingerz. Chicken chains like Raising Cane’s and Hattie B’s are already making their mark around Chicago, and Zaxby’s adds another serious contender to the mix.