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Billionaire Profile
T
Global Rank
#3043

Image: Townley, Morris MacDonald | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Tony Townley

CEO, Fast food
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.225B
Estimated based on Fast food stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Fast food
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Tony Townley is an American businessman best known as the co-founder of Zaxby's, a successful fast-food chain specializing in chicken fingers and wings. His wealth source stems from the fast-food industry. Townley, along with his childhood friend Zach McLeroy, started Zaxby's in 1990 with a modest investment, growing it into a regional powerhouse with over 900 locations. In 2020, he sold his stake to Goldman Sachs for nearly $1 billion. He is 63 years old. His achievements include building a thriving restaurant chain. He is also involved in buying timberland and farmland.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Tony Townley was born on June 13, 1960, in Statesboro, Georgia. He met Zach McLeroy in middle school in Athens, Georgia.

Rise to Success

In 1990, Townley and Zach McLeroy, childhood friends, each invested $8,000 to open the first Zaxby's restaurant in Statesboro, Georgia. Townley was also the CEO and president of Southern Mortgage & Lending Corporation in Athens, Georgia, before founding Zaxby's. In 2020, Townley sold his stake in Zaxby's to Goldman Sachs for nearly $1 billion. Townley then became one of the chain's largest franchisees, with over 140 restaurants.

Key Business Strategies

Townley focused on long-term brand building and expansion, which was key to Zaxby's growth. The pair expanded by targeting college campuses and later franchised the business. The success of Zaxby's was so significant that it led to Townley becoming a billionaire.

Philanthropy

Townley and his wife Elizabeth have invested in approximately 35,000 acres of timberland and farmland around Georgia.

Career Milestones

1990

Co-founded Zaxby's

Co-founded Zaxby's with Zach McLeroy, which has grown into a fast-food chain.

2020

Sold Zaxby's Stake

Sold his stake in Zaxby's to Goldman Sachs for nearly $1 billion.

2025

Acquired Maepole

Purchased Maepole, an Athens, Georgia-based eatery.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental Conservation

Land Conservation

$XB

Invested in over 35,000 acres of timberland and farmland.

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