The owner of Blackshear’s planned new Zaxby’s restaurant is planning on staying close to his newest store.
Taylor Hawkins opened his first Zaxby’s in Callahan in 2022. Three years later and his operation has grown to include locations in Yulee, Fernandina Beach, Middleburg, all in Florida, and now, Blackshear.
“I love it,” says Taylor. “I’ve worked for Zaxby’s since I was 17. Worked there in high school and college.”
Until he committed to building a location in Blackshear, the Zaxby’s in Middleburg was the franchise location furthest from Taylor’s home in Callahan.
“This is the first store not right in my backyard,” Hawkins says. Which is why he is planning on staying close to his newest location, to give it the best possible start.
That means temporarily relocating his family of wife Carley and 1 year old son Camp to Blackshear, but Taylor is not worried. He has heard good things about Blackshear and says he was favorably impressed when he first drove through town, especially by Bearville. The size and quality of the field’s construction was better than some colleges, Hawkins said.
“I know I’m not local to Blackshear, but I have a wife and a kid. I’m a family man,” says Hawkins. “So I’ve been in touch with (Athletic Director) Brandon Jernigan at the high school, seeing about setting up sponsorships for a team and things like that.”
Hawkins’s contractor hasn’t even broken ground yet, but he is already trying to find ways to give back to the community.“ With Blackshear, I’m really trying to put a face to the name,” Hawkins says. “I know these other guys that like to put their stores in big markets like Jacksonville or wherever, but I enjoy working in smaller towns. I come from a small town.”
Hawkins estimates the new eatery will create about 70 jobs with 10 of them being management level or above. Most of all, he says he enjoys cultivating new talent, which is how he got his own start.
Beginning in high school, Hawkins was still at Zaxby’s as he worked his way through nursing school. He hit a crossroads when the owner of the location, now his current business partner, presented him with an offer. Hawkins was persuaded to change his major to business and dive deeper into the popular restaurant chain.
“My parents hated the idea, but it turned out pretty well,” Hawkins says. “I try to tell people, it isn’t for everyone. The restaurant business is tough, unless you really love what you do.”
For Hawkins that love comes from the day-today interactions with the public and nurturing the talent in his crew. “The people are what I like best,” Hawkins says. “Providing people opportunities, developing talent and a strong team.”
As for online rumors that the Zaxby’s will not be built in Blackshear at all, Hawkins says they are untrue, laughing at the idea.
“It’s a done deal. We are coming to Blackshear. I’ve invested too much money to not build one!”
Some of that money was invested in the unique decor often seen in Zaxby’s franchises, especially the jersey of a certain football player.
“I was at a Georgia-Tennessee game,” Hawkins recalls. “And I bought an autographed Stetson Bennett IV jersey to hang in the lobby.”
Other funds, Hawkins has earmarked for ways to give back to the community. The owner of Blackshear’s newest eatery is eager to help with sponsorships and donations.
“I want to thank everyone in Blackshear for how welcoming they have been.”
Hawkins can be reached by those with sponsorship inquiries by email at t.hawkins@jaszportal.co m or by phone at 904304-3168.
