Zaxby’s, the fast-casual chicken franchise brand, has confirmed Russell Holland as its permanent Chief Development Officer, effective immediately. Holland, who stepped in as interim CDO in February 2026 following the brand’s 1,000th restaurant opening, brings nearly 20 years of real estate and development experience from Inspire Brands and Waffle House.
Zaxby’s operates across 23 states and recorded $2.8 billion in system sales in 2025, a 5.2% year-over-year increase according to Technomic. The brand grew its restaurant count by 3.7% during the same period and continues to scale its franchise modell, targeting further acceleration in 2026 with stated ambitions to enter markets where it currently has limited or no presence.
Holland Confirmed After Four Months as Interim CDO
Holland succeeds Mike Mettler, who held the CDO position from 2022 through early 2026. Before joining Zaxby’s, Holland served as vice president and head of real estate for Inspire Brands, the parent of Dunkin’, Sonic Drive-In, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby’s. Prior to that, he spent nearly 13 years at Waffle House in escalating real estate roles. “Russ not only has a proven track record of success improving workflows and supporting profitable growth across QSR brands, but he also has a leadership style that fits the Zaxbys brand,” said Bernard Acoca, CEO of Zaxby’s. “I am confident in our brand’s ability to continue expanding nationally to share Zaxbys secret sauce with more guests under Russ’ leadership.”
New Markets and Flexible Formats at the Core of the Growth Strategy
As CDO, Holland’s mandate centers on extending Zaxby’s reach into markets where the brand has not yet established a meaningful presence. Key targets identified by the brand include New York, Maryland, Phoenix, and Chicago. To support entry into these markets, Zaxby’s has indicated it will pursue a range of formats alongside traditional dine-in restaurants, including drive-thru-only units and non-traditional venues such as college campuses and military bases. “I’m thrilled to join Zaxbys at such an exciting time for the brand’s expansion story and continued national growth,” said Russell Holland, CDO. “I look forward to collaborating with Zaxbys seasoned leadership team and franchisees to continue delivering the exceptional Zaxbys experience to communities nationally.”
Chicken Sector Growth Adds Context to the Appointment
The appointment comes as chicken-focused fast-casual and quick-service brands continue to post some of the strongest development activity in the broader restaurant franchising sector. Technomic’s 2025 Top 500 data identified chicken as one of the few categories recording consistent sales growth during a year when overall chain restaurant performance slowed. Zaxby’s crossed the 1,000-unit threshold in February 2026, a milestone the brand has described as a foundation for its next phase of national growth rather than a ceiling. Holland holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
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