[ALERT] Zaxby's Co-Founder Now Growing Healthy Fast Food Brand

Maepole, the quick-serve healthy eatery from Peter Dale of Athens' The National and Five & Ten, is looking to significantly expand its presence in metro Atlanta.  Currently with two locations in Athens and one in Atlanta, the chain has at least one location in development with several more planned.  

If you have not been or are unfamiliar, Maepole is in many ways a cross between Flower Child and Souper Jenny.  The restaurant is counter service and leans heavily on healthier options.  

The Athens-based brand was acquired in May 2025 by Tony Townley, co-founder of Zaxby's. Maepole, known for its plant-forward bowls, is basically the opposite end of the food spectrum from Zaxby's, but Townley plans to use his franchising experience to expand through franchising and introduce a drive-thru model.  Several other Zaxby's alumni are also reportedly now involved with Maepole, including Blake Clayton Bailey, who spent nearly 23 years at Zaxby's as their Chief Financial Officer and today lists "Business Owner at Maepole" as his current job on his LinkedIn page.  

ToNeTo Atlanta has confirmed that one of the upcoming locations is planned for "Southard Exchange" a new development at the corner of Castleberry & Bethelview Roads in Cumming.  Maepole will be one of several new businesses in the development with 7 Brew Coffee, Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A and Fifth Third Bank also opening in the project.  

A site plan for the Cumming project suggests that Maepole will introduce a drive-thru model, a first for the brand, and one clearly meant to speed up service and allow the brand to grow more easily.  

The Maepole website suggests that other locations are planned for Decatur, Gainesville, and Lawrenceville, with sources suggesting a previously identified site in Gainesville fell through with others now being explored.  The website does not specify locations or opening timelines, but the upcoming Lulah Hills project on the site of the former North DeKalb Mall seems like a probable "Decatur" location for the restaurant.  

The first Maepole opened on North Chase Street in Athens in July 2018 followed by the debut Atlanta outpost on Georgia Avenue in Summerhill in April 2021.  A second Athens location opened at The Markets at Epps Bridge on Epps Bridge Parkway in late 2023.  

Have you been to Maepole?  Where else in metro Atlanta would you like to see Maepole open?  What is your favorite healthy fast-casual restaurant?  

Please share your thoughts below.