By Amanda Raymond
amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY – Construction work has begun on a second location for the Zaxby’s restaurant.

Gina Dickens, owner of the Zaxby’s at 301 Faith Rd., has decided to expand Zaxby’s footprint in Salisbury by adding a second location at 1030 Jake Alexander Blvd. W.

Dickens previously tried to open a second Zaxby’s location in another part of the city, but the spot she chose required a rezoning that the city did not approve.

Dickens said there was opposition from the surrounding offices when the petition to rezone the area went before the city.

This new location did not require a rezoning.

Dickens said the first Salisbury location has stayed busy. That location is celebrating 11 years of business.

“We feel like it’s a little far for people who live on the other side of town to come to our current location,” Dickens said.

The new location will be right next to Jimmy Clean’s Express Car Wash, and will be close to the J.F. Hurley YMCA, Planet Fitness and other businesses. Dickens also said the location isn’t too far from the Food Lion headquarters and the Hefner V.A. Medical Center.

Dickens said the new location is in a good spot for people to stop by for lunch or for dinner on their way home from work.

The new location benefits the workforce as well. Current Zaxby’s employees will have an opportunity to move into management and 50 new part-time and full-time positions will be opening up.

“It’s exciting for our staff there in Salisbury,” Dickens said.

Depending on the weather, the goal is to have the restaurant open some time in March.

Dickens said she loves Salisbury and the city has been great to her business.

“We feel like with the growth in the area, we definitely can add this new store,” she said.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.