Robert Baxley

Biography

Originally from Camden, SC, Robert Baxley attended the University of South Carolina and earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Valdosta State University. He began his career with ZAX in 1992 as a cook at the company’s third location in Valdosta, GA. Quickly promoted into management and serving as the company’s first VP of Operations, his operational expertise from years in the restaurant industry was utilized by the company to establish many of the foundational systems still in place today. In 1994, the company began franchising and changed its name to Zaxby’s, upon which time he was named the Chief Operating Officer and serves in that capacity today. From 1995 through 2007, Robert was also a successful multiunit operator of 21 Zaxby’s locations throughout South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Robert is a living example of his own motto that he instills in each member of the brand “Growth through the development of people.” He credits his success to surrounding himself with great talent and providing them the opportunity to grow. Staying focused on faith and family are core values he lives by. When he isn’t helping people grow or doting on his wife and college sweetheart, Mandy, and their two children, Wyman and Loy Brynne, he enjoys golfing, working out and coaching youth sports. After all these years, his favorite menu item is still the Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich because he insists that it was named for his beloved South Carolina fighting Gamecocks.

Research Interest

Food & Nutrition