Construction is coming to a close at Salisbury’s second Zaxby’s location, and the restaurant is set to open soon at 1030 Jake Alexander Blvd. W.

This new location will be the sixth Zaxby’s for licensee Gina Dickens, opening over two years after Dickens began the process of starting a second Salisbury restaurant. Her original plans involved opening between two office complexes on Jake Alexander Boulevard and met with local resistance due to required rezoning.

The Jake Alexander Boulevard West location did not require rezoning, and will offer seating for 90 in a variety of options to accommodate different-sized groups. Patrons will also have access to free Wi-Fi.

Dickens moved to Concord in 2000, opening her first Zaxby’s near Concord Mills in November of that year. This was a big step for the public accountant-turned-licensee: she had never worked in the restaurant industry before.

“I started working for Zaxby’s in Athens, Ga., as an in-house CPA, and I was very impressed with the organization, its people, and the numbers,” Dickens said. She also reports being impressed by the restaurant’s casual dining, family-oriented atmosphere.

“I have two boys, so it’s ideal for my family when we need a fairly quick bite,” she said. “It’s a step up over usual fast food. We love us some Zaxby’s.”

For the inexperienced Zaxby’s patron, Dickens recommends trying the Wings & Things platter for a chance to sample the restaurant’s famous chicken tenders and unique sauces, each with names like Wimpy, Tongue Torch, Nuclear and Insane.

Dickens’ affinity for the Zaxby’s experience extends beyond the restaurant’s atmosphere and food. She’s also fond of the people and communities she gets to interact with through her businesses.

“We work with a lot of students in staffing our stores,” she said. “We almost feel like we’ve raised them. We’ve helped them learn and train and develop into great people, and their loyalty to the brand is amazing. We’re really like a family!”

Zaxby’s also bands together with local organizations and schools: hosting and sponsoring events and holding Spirit Nights where a portion of sales benefit community partners.

Restaurant managers are currently seeking a team of 40 members local to the Salisbury area. Interested candidates can apply in person at the store or online at snagajob.com.