BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Two highly anticipated additions to Starke’s restaurant offerings have both planned openings for Sept. 30.
Zaxby’s is the latest drive-thru and dine-in offering on U.S. 301, while G’s Slow Smoked BBQ invites customers to sit down in the newly renovated dining room next to the courthouse.
After months of construction and preparation, both are set to open next week, barring any postponement because of the storm.
Zaxby’s chose a location across from Walmart south of the city at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Southeast 48th Avenue. The lots at the entrance of the Deerwood subdivision were commercialized, with former homes demolished to make way for the restaurant and the urgent care office across the street.
Zaxby’s will be owned and operated by Matt Karlton of Mattszax 301 Inc. It’s his third location in the area, according to a press release, and one of the first in Florida to feature the refreshed brand identity.
“We are very excited to open this brand new Zaxby’s location in Starke,” said Karlton. “We look forward to continuing to expand our footprint in Florida and foster growth opportunities for our community.”
Zaxby’s is a relatively young franchise. The first location opened by childhood friends in Statesboro, Georgia, in 1990. According to the company, it was one of the first premium quick service restaurants.
The restaurant serves chicken fingers and wings and a variety of sauces, with favorite menu items including Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries as well as the brand’s fried pickles.
Zaxby’s 3,400 square feet includes 50 seats for dine-in guests and a drive-thru window for to-go orders, which can be placed in person, online or through the company’s mobile app.
Meanwhile, the folks and G’s BBQ have taken to social media to promote “the smokiest, sauciest, most legendary BBQ joint in Starke!”
“We’ve been slow-cooking, smoking, and perfecting every single brisket, rib, and pulled pork sandwich like they’re our last, so trust us when we say — it’s going to be worth the wait. Our team has been training around the clock to get ready to deliver hometown hospitality with style,” the restaurant posted on Facebook, complete with a photo of owner and pit master Gary Park at work in the new location.
The Starke restaurant replaces G’s Orange Park location, which was severely damaged by fire in January. When the county commission placed the former Pizza Hut location up for sale, Park saw it as an a great opportunity to fire up the smokers once again.
The restaurant has a loyal following and hopes to make fans here when it opens Monday, serving up all the barbecue and traditional sides, with banana pudding to finish it off.
