Mike and Terra Godfrey were commended at City Council tonight for investing in Greer and opening a Zaxby's restaurant at 920 W. Wade Hampton Blvd. Sons Price, left, and Wilson will also be joining the family's business. Reno Deaton, Economic Development Corp., introduced the Godfreys.
“I was there with my real estate agent and a police officer stopped by and asked if I was going to open a restaurant. ‘I said we’re thinking about it.’ He said, you know what we need is a Zaxby’s. A second police officer came by and when it was suggested we open a Zaxby’s he agreed and said he ate there the previous Sunday.”
Mike and Terra Godfrey are the owners of the new Zaxby’s will be only the second in Greer (the other is on Batesville Road). The restaurant will be a total re-do after sitting empty for four years.
Terra is the owner of Chelsea’s Lady Apparel on Trade Street. Mike is a former beverage salesman.
“It worked in our favor that we are from Greer and know its people,” Mike said. The location also is favorable with double turning lanes. “I have been eyeing that sight for four years.”
Greer CPW was on site to hook up power and water today. Phil Rhoads (city Director of Building and Development Standards) was seeing that construction to date is up to code.
The restaurant is scheduled to open in August and employ 50 people. The four store managers have been hired from upstate restaurants and hiring for employees will begin later in the summer. There will be one drive-thru window. Zaxby’s foods are cooked fresh to order.
Mike began learning the “Zaxby's” way by working at a corporate store and three others around the upstate to learn each store’s demographics. “I was learning how to manage and operate a restaurant,” Mike said. “I’ve never done that before.”
The Godfrey’s two sons, Price, and Wilson, will be working this summer at the stores this summer. “Price has shown an interest in learning the store and he has been helpful in restaurants where he worked in kitchens,” Terra said.
“We can’t thank Reno (Deaton) of Greer Economic enough for his support. We got this big packet to fill out and Reno helped us with information. The city (Ed Driggers and Mayor Danner) have been very supportive,” Terra said.
A company owned store was forecast for years and the franchise is among 450, according to Zaxby’s website. The casual dining franchise’s signature food is hand-breaded chicken fingers, spicy Buffalo wings, eight unique sauces, sandwiches and salads. The average check is $7.50 and $8.50 per person.
Zaxby’s is located in 12 states: South Carolina and North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.