Zunzi’s, an 18-year-old fast casual sandwich concept, has hired Joanne Anderson as director of franchising, where she will oversee the development and daily operations of franchise locations for Zunzi’s and its sister beach-bar concept, Zunzibar, as they expand in select markets across the Southeast.
“Joanne brings a unique background in both franchising and marketing that couldn’t be better suited to Zunzi’s as we begin rolling out in new markets,” Zunzi’s owner Chris Smith said in a company press release. “On top of all that, she’s a perfect fit with our mission statement and our drive to deliver a fast casual experience that makes our fans, team members and franchise partners say ‘SHIT YEAH!'”
A graduate of Valdosta State University, Anderson most recently ran Prolifik Marketing, a full-service marketing agency. Before that, she spent over five years with Zaxby’s franchising.
“I want to grow with a brand that has a purpose and actively helps the communities it serves,” she said in the release. “And Zunzi’s walks the walk with our charity and enrichment programs like ZUNZIFEST! and 86/26.”
The company is focused on opening company locations in coastal Georgia and Florida and franchising the hybrid concept in the Southeast. The franchise plan calls for 25 hybrid Zunzi’s + Zunzibar locations by the beginning of 2028 with another 75 in development, focusing on a 10-state area encompassing Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
“One of our mantras is $3 million is the new $1 million,” Smith said. “Ever since getting into the franchise business, $1 million has always been the target, but we’re changing that narrative with our bar-leading fast casual model. Joanne will be instrumental in driving that growth.”
