Construction on Franklin's first Zaxby's, a Southeast favorite for chicken fingers and Buffalo wings, is well under way.

Licensees and father-and-son team Mike and Justin Harris plan to open the new quick-casual restaurant in the next few months.  Located at 1551 Nashville Road in the new Lowe's shopping center, the new restaurant will create an additional 40 to 50 jobs for the area and will represent a $1.5 million investment.

"We look forward to introducing Zaxby's fresh, prepared-at-order food and superior service, as well as becoming a good neighbor in the community," said Justin Harris, who will oversee daily operations in the new Zaxby's.

Life long residents of Franklin and Simpson County, the Harris family became interested in opening a business together after Mike Harris retired as president and CEO of Logan Aluminum in 2005.  Eager to run a restaurant, Justin Harris spearheaded the research mission and came across Zaxby's.  Justin Harris said that upon deeper investigation of the growing brand, he and his father both fell in love with the family-friendly concept and, being a close family, decided it was the perfect choice for them.

"We felt that Zaxby's business model and emphasis on family values fell right in line with our own beliefs and passions," Justin Harris said.

Zaxby's is a pioneer of the quick-casual format, providing services and amenities that fall somewhere between fast food and a sit-down restaurant.  At the new restaurant, customers will place their orders at the counter, and will be called to pick up their prepared-at-order meals when they are ready.  The new 3,195 square-foot location will seat 71 and will also offer drive through services.

The new location is the first for Simpson County and the eighth for the state.  Other locations are in Bowling Green, Shelbyville, Nicholasville, Hopkinsville, and Glasgow. Zaxby's currently operates more than 400 locations in 10 states throughout the Southeast in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Jeremy Morehead will serve as the new restaurant's general manager. Positions, primarily cooks and cashiers, will be needed.  Candidates who are interested can apply in person at the new restaurant.

Zaxby's is a restaurant chain headquartered in Athens, Georgia.