Massive Southern Chicken Chain Expands Into Illinois

Well, it looks like all that talk from earlier this year wasn't just another round of chicken rumors; Zaxbys is officially coming to Illinois.

First Zaxby’s Illinois Location Opening in Plainfield

The Georgia-based chain, famous for its Chicken Fingerz, wings, and that ridiculously good Zax Sauce, is setting up shop in Plainfield, about two hours from Rockford. The Village of Plainfield says the doors of the very first Zaxbys in Illinois are expected to open sometime this winter.

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Zaxby’s Midwest Expansion Becomes Reality

If you missed the first part of the saga, Zaxbys announced a big Midwest expansion over the summer that included Chicago and surrounding suburbs, and now it's officially happening.

READ MORE: The BEST Fried Chicken in Illinois is at a Thai Restaurant

Plainfield’s Mayor Celebrates the Big Chicken Arrival

The mayor of Plainfield, John Argoudelis, tells NBC in Chicago, he "couldn't be more excited," and truth be told, I'm a little jealous. Zaxbys is the South's version of Portillo's. It's chicken fingers comfort food if that makes any sense.

Will Rockford Be Next for Zaxby’s?

As for us here in Screw City? Still screwed, I guess. That said, if this Zaxbys location in Plainfield takes off, and I think it will, maybe we'll get lucky and see one pop up in Rockford sometime soon.

Until then, it's only a couple of hours to Plainfield, which is about how far I'd go for some really good chicken that doesn't come from a grocery store.