Zaxbys in Palm Coast: Owner Shannon Brown Business Insider

Palm Coast Local Eighteenth Business Insider Features Shannon Brown, Franchise Owner of Zaxbys Palm Coast Location and Her Mission of creating a thriving workplace culture, supporting local families, and building a stronger Palm Coast through leadership and heart.

From Challenge to Community: The Heart Behind Zaxbys Palm Coast

There’s a quiet strength that comes from hardship — the kind that shapes character, sharpens empathy and reminds us what truly matters. For Shannon, co-owner of Zaxbys Palm Coast, that strength was forged early in life and continues to guide every chapter.

Early Lessons and Lasting Values

Growing up in Chesapeake, Virginia, Shannon learned a lot about hard work and generosity from her father, a man whose heart matched his presence. The two of them often spent afternoons helping others. They would ride around pulling their mower on their trailer, not because they had yards lined up to cut, but because someone else might need the support. Those simple moments taught her early on that kindness costs nothing and giving back means everything.

Before losing her father to cancer at just 14, he taught her what it meant to stand on her own. From those early mornings spent fishing, learning to shoot, throwing axes, and even backing up a trailer long before most kids learned to ride a bike, every moment was a reminder that she could handle whatever came her way. Their bond never wavered, and the foundation he laid still guides how she leads and serves her community today.

Building a Future with Purpose

After graduating from Western Branch High School, Shannon began carving her own path, one built on perseverance and integrity. She has always been motivated to build something meaningful, to learn and to keep moving forward.

In 2014, a friend recommended her for a position at Zaxbys, and that one opportunity shifted everything.

What started as a line-cook position quickly became something more. Shannon’s leadership and consistency stood out. She soon began managing one of Virginia’s smaller stores before being promoted to a high-volume Hampton location right outside of the coliseum. Building a steady team beside her, she made great improvements. That success opened the door to the opportunity she had dreamed of — the chance to become a business owner.

A Leap of Faith and a New Beginning

Shannon was offered the opportunity on a day she’ll never forget — her 29th birthday. Her family had stopped by her work simply to celebrate, completely unaware of what was about to unfold. With zero heads-up, she was asked if she’d be willing to enter a partnership to become a franchisee and co-own the Zaxbys right here in Palm Coast. A simple birthday visit instantly became a double celebration.

However, the timing was heavy. Her mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the news was still settling in. Even in the middle of her own fight, her mom was the first to tell her, “Go chase that dream.”

Just a few months earlier, Shannon had met someone who believed in her goals just as fiercely as she did. When the opportunity came, she decided to take the leap. She sold nearly everything she owned, packed what she could into two cars, and made the move to Florida with her animals, a few belongings, and a deep determination to build something of her own, completely from scratch.

Florida welcomed her warmly. Palm Coast gave her peace, sunshine, and the sense of home she didn’t realize she was missing. It offered Shannon space to breathe, grow, and step into the next chapter of her life with clarity and confidence.

Zaxbys and the Meaning of Community

For Shannon, being a franchisee isn’t just about running a restaurant — it’s about building people, strengthening a brand that changed her life, and serving the community around it. Zaxbys opened the door, and a strong business partner pushed it wide open — making sure she had everything she needed to step boldly into this opportunity.

Today, she leads a team of 48 incredible individuals — most of them Palm Coast local residence beginning their very first jobs while Shannon teaches them to take pride in their work, support one another, and grow with confidence. She’s intentional about creating not just a workplace, but a safe, encouraging environment where young people learn lessons that last long after their first uniform is hung up.

The Culture Behind the Counter

Shannon leads one store, one team, and one community. Every handshake, every familiar voice in the drive-thru, every student her team has watched grow up — that’s who they show up for every day.

Together, Shannon and her team have built what they proudly call their “Zamily” — a Zaxbys family created through encouragement, laughter, and shared goals. When one person succeeds, everyone celebrates. That’s the kind of culture she believes a true local business should create, and it’s exactly what she works to deliver every single day.

Beyond the Drive-Thru

Shannon shows up for Palm Coast wherever she goes — especially at her two favorite local events: First Fridays and Food Truck Tuesdays. She loves supporting local vendors, meeting new people, and staying connected to the community she’s proud to be part of.

Topping the list of her other favorite downtime spots is Wadsworth Park — a place she loves “because there’s so much room to walk the dog, and we enjoy catching up with the gators there.” She also enjoys exploring the seasonal festivities around town. From the local strawberry festivals to those spontaneous little adventures that pop up around Palm Coast, she embraces the simple joys that make this community feel like home.

Inside the restaurant, she carries that same spirit forward — helping guests with the Zaxbys app, redeeming rewards, answering questions, and making sure every visit feels personal. To Shannon and her team, it’s the small gestures that often make the biggest difference.

And you can see that genuineness reflected through her employees. Guests are greeted with professionalism, warmth, and sincerity — the unmistakable signs of grateful, confident team members who feel supported. It’s a direct reflection of Shannon’s leadership strength, her steady presence, and the culture she works hard to cultivate every day.

A Commitment to Growth — Inside and Out

Through dedication and faith, Shannon has built the life she worked hard for. Her leadership is hands-on, heart-first, and grounded in empathy. She knows firsthand that life’s challenges don’t define us — they refine us.

She continues to lead by example, both for her team and for the city she now calls home. Her journey from a young cook in Virginia to a proud franchisee in Palm Coast is proof that when you lead with love, faith, and hard work, everything else falls into place.

To Shannon, Zaxbys isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a reflection of her life — a story of growth, purpose, and community — and a reminder that with heart and persistence, something truly beautiful can grow from even the hardest beginnings.

Find Zaxbys on Palm Coast Local

You can find Zaxbys Palm Coast on Palm Coast Local, complete with their monthly deals, offers, and — from time to time — community outreach initiatives. One thing Palm Coast Local has learned for certain: Shannon and her Zaxbys team are helping shape a new community atmosphere, especially for young minds and students looking for a local place to get started, learn, and excel.

And Shannon and her team? They’re ready to greet you with a smile with juicy Chicken Options, Healthy Salad Choices and Crispy Crinkle Fries You'll Love.