For much of the country, Zaxby's is a mystery.
It won't be for long, however — the chain is expanding aggressively. It opened a whopping 91 locations in 2016, and the chain has a growing cult following.
Fans of the fast-casual chicken chain say it elevates the fried-chicken experience from the greasy depths of similar quick-service chains like KFC and Church's.
On a recent journey to Richmond, Virginia, we decided to check out the chain and see if it lived up to its burgeoning cult status.
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After a day of dining at takeout-centric fried chicken joints, we found this Zaxby's to be large and spacious.
![](http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/596cef5ec50c2933008b4e0d-400-300/after-a-day-of-dining-at-takeout-centric-fried-chicken-joints-we-found-this-zaxbys-to-be-large-and-spacious.jpg)
The interior had a vague sports bar vibe, but with big windows that added a welcoming family dining atmosphere.
![](http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/596cef5e552be58e008b4df3-400-300/the-interior-had-a-vague-sports-bar-vibe-but-with-big-windows-that-added-a-welcoming-family-dining-atmosphere.jpg)
There's no table service here, despite the extensive menu; orders are placed and picked up at the counter.
![](http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/596cef5ec50c298d088b4d62-400-300/theres-no-table-service-here-despite-the-extensive-menu-orders-are-placed-and-picked-up-at-the-counter.jpg)
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