Published On: 06.06.25 | By: Chad Allen

Zack Whaley worked in the restaurant business before opening his first eatery in 1995, Zack’s Steak and Seafood in Cottonwood, Alabama.

That was followed by an expansion into Slocomb before Whaley made a bigger move and opened a restaurant in the larger city of Dothan.

Zack’s Family Restaurant opened in Dothan in 2006 and was an immediate success with its country cooking and inviting atmosphere.

The good times continued for a decade and a half before a fire destroyed the restaurant in January 2022. Whaley was left with a decision to rebuild or retire. He chose to rebuild.

You can’t go wrong choosing anything on the menu at Zack’s, but the clear fan favorite is the country-fried steak. Served with your choice of two sides and cheese biscuits or cornbread, it’s a satisfying meal. Learn more in this video.