Zaxby's

Zaxby's is a restaurant with an identity crisis.

First, it doesn't really know where it is.  It looks like it is right off the highway, but you'll find yourself merging back onto 265 if you try and head right for it. Instead, head for the stoplight close to the overpass and turn in toward the Purdue campus, hit the roundabout and it will be the second right.

From the outside, it looks like another chain restaurant and it is aspiring to expand.  That much is evident from the franchise solicitations on the cups.  But, it doesn't really know what kind of restaurant it wants to be. You do go up to a counter and order, they give you a cup and will call out your order number in a few minutes, but from there, it is a mystery.

Is it a family place? The cartoon chicken mascot would say yes, but the sign that says Misbehaving Children will be sold to the Circus would lead one to think otherwise.

Is it a zany, kooky place?  Well, it does have framed pictures that are crooked and a hodgepodge of decorations like an Applebee's, but the Southern-style build and rustic look might throw that off.

Is it a roadhouse? Maybe, but the 80's pop music quashes that idea too.

The only things I can say for sure is that it is mediocre food that I wouldn't go out of my way for and that they have probably seen the last $16 I will spend there.

Haven't been to Zaxby's?  Neither had I, because I assumed that it was just another fast food chicken joint like KFC, Lee's, etc.  However, when I finally wandered in today after hearing from friends and coworkers that their salads were "amazing" I was pleasantly surprised to find that the interior is much more like a McAllisters than a Mcdonalds.  I ordered a grilled ceasar salad which was served in a real bowl (aka not disposable).  While the salad was fresh and the croutons were delicious, they tried to sub bacon for tomatoes in the ceasar.  I'm usually a fan of creativity, but the ceasar is a classic salad.  If you are going to put in on the menu, use the classic ingredients or call it something else.  Overall, though I was impressed and I'll definitely return.