Timing your Zaxby’s run correctly means the difference between a fresh chicken tender meal and a missed opportunity when the kitchen transitions between services. Knowing the Zaxby’s Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours before you head out saves you from staring at a locked door or a menu that just switched to the late-night side. Most locations stick to a predictable daily rhythm, but holidays always throw a wrench into the schedule.
You don’t want to roll up at 10:45 AM expecting a Zalad when the fryers are still warming up. So, here is the breakdown of when Zaxby’s actually opens, when they flip the menu, and what happens on major holidays. This guide uses the standard corporate model, but your local store might adjust times by 30 minutes or so.
Zaxby’s Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
Zaxby’s is not a 24-hour operation. They close every night, usually around 10 PM or 11 PM, depending on the day of the week. The opening time is consistent across most of the country, but the lunch transition is where people get confused. Let’s break down the standard daily schedule first.
Standard Daily Opening Time
Almost every Zaxby’s location opens their doors at 10:30 AM on Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, they open a bit later, typically at 11:00 AM. This is the time when the dining room and drive-thru both start taking orders.
- Monday to Saturday: 10:30 AM open
- Sunday: 11:00 AM open
- Closing time: 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM (varies by location)
When Does Lunch Actually Start?
Here is the tricky part. Zaxby’s serves their “lunch” menu items all day. There is no specific cutoff where they stop serving chicken tenders and switch to something else. The breakfast menu, however, is a different story. Zaxby’s does not serve breakfast at all. They open right at 10:30 AM and start with the lunch menu immediately.
So, if you are looking for the breakfast hours, you will be disappointed. They simply do not exist. The kitchen opens with fried pickles, wings, and salads ready to go. The only real transition happens at closing time when they stop taking orders 15 minutes before the official close to clean the fryers.
Holiday Schedule And Closures
Holidays are where the standard schedule goes out the window. Zaxby’s is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. These are the two non-negotiable closures. On other major holidays, they often operate on a reduced schedule, usually opening at 11:00 AM instead of 10:30 AM.
- New Year’s Day: Open, but often opens at 11:00 AM
- Easter Sunday: Closed or limited hours (check local store)
- Memorial Day: Normal hours or close early at 9:00 PM
- Independence Day: Normal hours, but some stores close at 8:00 PM
- Labor Day: Normal hours
- Christmas Eve: Close early, usually by 6:00 PM
- New Year’s Eve: Normal hours, but close at 9:00 PM
How To Confirm Your Local Store Hours
Because franchise owners have some freedom, you should never assume your local store follows the exact corporate schedule. A quick check can save you a wasted trip. Here is the best way to confirm the hours for your specific Zaxby’s.
- Go to the official Zaxby’s website and use the “Locations” tool.
- Enter your zip code and select your specific store.
- Look for the “Hours” tab on the store’s individual page.
- Call the store directly. This is the most reliable method for holiday hours.
Do not rely on Google Maps for holiday hours. They are often wrong. The store’s own website or a phone call is the only way to get the real answer.
Drive-Thru Vs. Dining Room Hours
Sometimes the drive-thru stays open later than the dining room. On weekends, many locations keep the drive-thru open until 11:00 PM while the dining room closes at 10:00 PM. This is a common practice to manage staffing. If you are planning a late-night run, head to the drive-thru. If you want to sit down, go earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zaxby’s Hours
Here are the common questions people ask when planning their visit. These answers reflect the general policy, but always verify with your local store.
Does Zaxby’s serve breakfast?
No. Zaxby’s does not serve a breakfast menu. They open at 10:30 AM and start serving their regular lunch and dinner items immediately.
What time does Zaxby’s stop serving lunch?
They do not stop serving lunch. The full menu is available from opening until closing. There is no separate dinner menu that replaces lunch items.
Is Zaxby’s open on Christmas Day?
No. All Zaxby’s locations are closed on Christmas Day. They are also closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Do Zaxby’s hours change on Sunday?
Yes. Most locations open at 11:00 AM on Sunday instead of the usual 10:30 AM. Closing time is usually the same or one hour earlier.
Why did my Zaxby’s close early last night?
Unexpected early closures happen due to staffing shortages or equipment issues. If the store closes early, it is rarely reflected online. Calling ahead is the best way to avoid this.
Plan your visit around the 10:30 AM opening on weekdays and the 11:00 AM opening on Sundays. For holidays, assume you are out of luck on Thanksgiving and Christmas. For everything else, a quick phone call will give you the definitive answer. Do not let a schedule mix-up ruin your chicken tender plans.