Zaxby's Welcomes Michael Dixon as New Chief Financial Officer to Transform Financial Strategy

Zaxby's Welcomes Michael Dixon as New Chief Financial Officer

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its financial leadership, Zaxby's has announced the appointment of Michael Dixon as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective March 30, 2026. This decision comes at a pivotal time for the fast-casual restaurant chain, which is charting its path toward aggressive nationwide expansion. Dixon's extensive experience in the restaurant and retail sectors makes him a valuable addition to the executive team, under the guidance of CEO Bernard Acoca.

A Proven Track Record in the Restaurant Industry

Michael Dixon brings over thirty years of robust leadership experience, having held key financial roles in various reputable organizations. His most recent position was as CFO of GoTo Foods, where he successfully nearly doubled the brand's portfolio business size. Prior to that, Dixon's experience spans multiple esteemed establishments in the restaurant and quick-service restaurant (QSR) sectors, including Ignite Restaurant Group and The Cheesecake Factory.

Dixon's past roles have involved significant achievements such as engineering a multi-brand infrastructure at Ignite Restaurant Group and building a leadership team at Pinkberry from the ground up during its startup phase. These accomplishments showcase his ability to optimize financial performance within a complex and competitive landscape.

Guiding Zaxby’s Future Growth

As the new CFO, Dixon will play a critical role in shaping Zaxby’s financial strategy, planning, accounting, and treasury functions while supporting the brand's ambitious growth goals. With Zaxby’s surpassing the milestone of 1,000 locations in 2025, Dixon's experience is expected to be instrumental in navigating the financial complexities that accompany rapid expansion.

Zaxby’s CEO, Bernard Acoca, expressed confidence in Dixon's ability to lead the financial strategies necessary for the brand’s growth, stating, “Mike's demonstrated success with QSR organizations, combined with his expertise in maximizing unit economics, makes him the perfect fit for Zaxby’s next chapter.” Acoca’s remarks underscore the focus on growth and the importance of sound financial management in achieving the brand’s objectives.

Looking Ahead

Michael Dixon, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA in Accounting from the University of Michigan, has expressed enthusiasm about his new role. “I’m honored to join Zaxby’s as the brand continues to build on its strong growth trajectory,” said Dixon. By leveraging his skills and experience, he aims to partner with the executive team to accelerate expansion efforts and strengthen the brand's performance, ensuring Zaxby’s position within the competitive restaurant industry.

About Zaxby’s

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Zaxby’s is best known for its mouth-watering Chicken Fingerz™, Zalads®, and signature sauces served with a Southern flair. The restaurant has received accolades such as the Transformational Brand of the Year by QSR Magazine in 2025. As a family-friendly dining option, Zaxby’s aims to pair flavorful food with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite across 22 states.

As Dixon steps into this pivotal role, all eyes will be on how his leadership influences Zaxby’s trajectory in the bustling fast-casual market. With a strong foundation already in place, Zaxby’s is set to embark on an exciting new phase of growth and innovation.