The History of GZK
On October 9, 1959, the first Burger Chef® unit opened in Fairborn, Ohio. It was the beginning of what was to become the largest fast food chain in the greater Dayton area.
GZK, Inc., taking its name from its founding partners, was one of the pioneers in the then rapidly expanding fast food industry.
Following the opening of the initial unit, expansion was steady and continuous. More and more units were added in and around Dayton. By 1976, there were 25 Burger Chefs in operation.
In 1964, GZK opened their first Arby's restaurant. Arby's, at that time, was literally, the only entrant in the roast beef field. The first unit was opened on Salem Avenue with additional units opening in rapid succession.
Four years after starting the Arby's division, GZK acquired the master franchise rights for a five-county area for Famous Recipe Fried Chicken (now Lee's Famous Recipe), and at the same time purchased three units already existing in Dayton and Fairborn. A year later there were five, and constant expansion followed.
In 1983, the national Burger Chef chain was acquired by Hardee's® and the decision was made to convert some of the locations into a new hamburger concept called Chuck's Burgers 'n Stuff and the remainder into Arby's restaurants.
In 1997, GZK purchased the franchise rights to T.J. Cinnamons®. The brand represented an opportunity for the company to dual brand a second concept with its current Arby's restaurants. The first T.J. Cinnamons location was opened in May of 1997 in the Greenville Arby's.
Another outstanding brand was added to the GZK family in 2006, with the opening of Skyline Chili® in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
From a single unit in 1959, the company has grown to over 50 restaurants and 1,200 employees, becoming one of Dayton's largest private employers, and the dominant force in the fast food industry in the greater Dayton area. GZK now owns and operates 32 Arby's, 15 Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, 12 T.J. Cinnamons and 1 Skyline Chili.
Includes 3 pieces mixed chicken, 2 individual side items and a buttermilk biscuit or corn muffin for only $3.99 (prices may vary by location).
