Zaxby’s Expands to Spotsylvania County

RICHMOND, VA (February 2026) – S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. is pleased to announce GK Thornburg, LLC, doing business as Zaxby’s, has executed a long-term ground lease for 1.2 acres located at the high-traffic intersection of Mudd Tavern Road and Thornburg Commerce Parkway in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

The site is positioned within a rapidly developing commercial area and will serve as a future location for the popular quick-service restaurant brand, further expanding dining options for the growing community.

The tenant was represented in the transaction by Adam Shor and Nathan Shor of S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. and Jonathan Gardner of Vakos Real Estate represented the landlord.

“This multi-year lease highlights the continued demand from national and regional retailers seeking well-located sites in Spotsylvania County,” said Adam Shor. “The Mudd Tavern and Thornburg Commerce Parkway corridor remains an attractive destination for restaurant and commercial growth.”

As construction advances toward its planned 2026 opening, the resort is already stimulating surrounding development—from new commercial projects and national retail tenants to significant roadway and infrastructure upgrades designed to support rising demand (Learn more HERE). Kalahari’s scale, visitor draw, and long‑term economic impact firmly establish it as the anchor driving a new era of investment and momentum for the Thornburg area.

Thornburg, Virginia is slated to become the site of G&K Foods’ third Zaxby’s restaurant in the Virginia market, with an anticipated opening in early 2027. G&K Foods, LLC is a multi‑unit Zaxby’s franchisee owned by Travis Kelley and Josh Gattis, both of whom maintain strong ties to Raleigh, North Carolina.

In addition to the Thornburg project, G&K Foods currently has two restaurants under construction in Prince George and Ashland, Virginia. The company recently signed a multi‑unit development agreement with Zaxby’s to open five additional locations over the next three years, continuing its planned expansion throughout the Commonwealth.

While the Thornburg location will be the third Zaxby’s operated under the G&K Foods banner, it marks the ninth Zaxby’s restaurant developed and managed by Travis Kelley and his firm, Athlon Management, Inc. The project underscores the team’s proven record of disciplined growth, strong operational performance, and ongoing market expansion.

For additional information, please contact: Adam Shor, ashor@slnusbaum.com or Nathan Shor, nshor@slnusbaum.com, 804.320.7600.