An argument about fried chicken and a girl led to a shootout at Zaxby’s involving the Zaxby’s employee killing a customer
Otis Johnson, 18, is the Zaxby’s employee that shot and killed Quanterius Elliott, 19, inside a Zaxby’s restaurant in Fuquay Varina, NC on September 16, 2026.
Otis worked at the Zaxby’s with the girlfriend of Quanterius. One night Otis gave Quanterius’s girlfriend a ride home. Someone told Quanterius about the ride and Quanterius went to Otis’s house to fight him.
The two teens got in a fight. The next day on September 16th Quanterius came to Zaxby’s while Otis was working to fight him even more and order fried chicken.
The two teens argued over fried chicken and the woman in question that Quanterius was dating. A fight started and Otis pulled out a gun, Otis shot Quanterius dead in the Zaxby’s.
In doing so, Otis accidentally shot himself. Frightened customers heard the shots and ran for cover, some kids were in the restaurant too.
An ambulance and police arrived. Otis was taken to the hospital for medical care. After Otis was released from the hospital he was arrested charged with murder.
Some customers have already filed lawsuits against Zaxby’s for emotional distress and other damages in relation to the murder in the restaurant.
Zaxby’s corporate office released the following statement:
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of life at the Zaxby’s restaurant in Fuquay-Varina. Our heartfelt sympathies are with the victim’s loved ones, the restaurant team, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are supporting the local franchisee, who independently owns and operates the restaurant”
