Popular chicken chain brings back beloved menu item after 7 years | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

Fried chicken can be eaten in many different ways; some like it with fries, and others between a toasted bun. But many Georgians prefer to eat their chicken paired with a thick milkshake.

This combination might sound a bit strange, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

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Founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, Zaxby’s is known for its delicious chicken fingers, wings, and famous Zax Sauce. The chain is the embodiment of southern hospitality, which has allowed it to expand to over 940 locations across 17 states.

Zaxby’s introduced milkshakes to its menu in 2013 to provide more sweet treat options for its chicken-loving fans. This move also allowed it to better compete with rivals in a similar food sector.

Although primarily known as a quick-service chicken chain, Zaxby’s milkshakes became one of its most beloved items. They are traditionally hand-spun, made-to-order, handcrafted shakes topped with sprinkles and finished with a Maraschino cherry.

However, the chicken restaurant suddenly removed milkshakes from its menu in 2017 due to operational issues, leaving many customers saddened by the surprising decision.

Zaxby’s returns milkshakes to its menu.

Image source&colon; Shutterstock

Zaxby’s teases the return of its milkshakes

After nearly seven years of discontinuing its milkshakes, Zaxby’s partnered with Visit Macon in 2024 to relaunch its iconic milkshakes for an exclusive market test.

This initiative aimed to attract more tourism to Macon, Georgia, and to encourage the chicken chain to return milkshakes to its menu by testing them with a specific audience on a smaller scale.

That year, the chicken chain began testing the milkshakes for a limited time in 20 select markets in Macon, Georgia. The customer response was so good that the chain expanded its availability to 500 restaurants at the beginning of this year.

“Zaxby’s delicious milkshakes have made their long-awaited return after years of requests from our most loyal fans,” said Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Patrick Schwing in a press release.

Zaxby’s returns its milkshakes nationwide and unveils a limited-time deal

In honor of its 35th birthday, Zaxby’s is returning its beloved milkshakes to its permanent menu after a seven-year hiatus to answer consumers’ demand.

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However, that’s not all, because starting now through June 1, all its 20-ounce shakes will be half off at all participating locations nationwide.

The shakes come in four flavors: whipped cream, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and, of course, birthday cake.