Locals Say THIS Restaurant Is the One LC Needs Most
If Lawrence County could land just one new restaurant — and no others ever again — which one should it be? That’s the question LCtoday posed this week, and the answers came flooding in.
From hotdog joints to hometown buffets, fast food to family favorites, the list shows just how hungry folks are for more dining options.
The Fun & Quirky Picks
Some answers went beyond the usual restaurant wish list.
Kim Bumpus quipped, “We need a dry cleaner.”
Kris Aldridge wanted a good old-fashioned hotdog joint.
And Lamar Smith got a laugh with his enthusiastic shout: “WAFFLE HOUSE. I can’t wait.”
International Flavors 🍝🍣
A few folks want Lawrence County to expand its menu beyond the Southern standards.
Monica MacPhee Martin simply said “Italian!!”
Xander Early: “Real sushi.”
Lacey Gillespie suggested Kamado Ramen, while Isaac Gonzalez asked for Louisiana or Thai food.
Vanessa Morgan Stricklin voted Olive Garden, while Anne Marie Ballensinger dreamed bigger with Cheesecake Factory.
Fast Food Favorites 🍔
Quick-service cravings also made the list.
Jessica Childers wanted Wendy’s, backed up by Miranda Cooper and Mitzi Trussell.
Chick-fil-A was among the most common requests, with votes from Melissa Millwood, Cynthia Early, Dana Long Kidd, and Autumn Bates.
Others chimed in for Zaxby’s, Chicken Salad Chick, Culver’s, Arby’s, Jersey Mike’s, Firehouse Subs, Freddy’s Burgers, Newk’s, Jason’s Deli, and Checkers.
And some just wanted to bring back old favorites: “I just want Dairy Queen back 😭,” said Leah Hill, with Amanda Lewis agreeing.
Seafood Dreams 🌊
Seafood options sparked lots of passion.
Lisa Parker longed for “a GOOD catfish/seafood place. Like S&R used to be.”
Teresa Pointer envisioned “a really good seafood restaurant with plenty of options — or even a seafood buffet.”
Captain D’s got several mentions from Bonnie Burnett, Mitchell Jackson, and others.
Regina Terry had one thing on her mind: “Seafood… fresh oysters 🦪.”
Red Lobster, Big Mike’s Steakhouse, and Dewey Destin’s also made the cut.
Hometown Memories ❤️
Several readers reminisced about the restaurants that once defined Lawrence County.
Loretta Y. Gillespie said, “Makes me miss The Point…”
Lee Statham mentioned Lash’s, and DannyLesa Kerby said Mildred’s.
Beth Briley summed it up: “We have breakfast covered well. There’s plenty of fast food for lunch. What we really need is another dinner option like Oh Bryan’s.”
Jacob Spencer kept it simple: “Literally anything that’s not a chain.”
⏸️ Quick pause before we get to the big winners:
Did you know the LCtoday shop has new shirts in stock? 👕 Whether you’re cheering at a ballgame or grabbing lunch in town, they’re a fun way to show off a little hometown pride. Check them out while sizes last!
The Heavy Favorites 🥩🍗
And now, for the most-mentioned restaurants in our poll — the ones folks kept coming back to again and again.
Oh! Bryan’s Family Steakhouse led the pack, with shoutouts from Marilyn Brannon, Bud Masterson, Jerri Wilbanks Ray, Macy Gunn, Molly Fleming King, Malissa Bradford Martin, and more.
Texas Roadhouse was another top contender, named by Bobby Peoples, Shennell Hughes, Alyssa Lynn Merrell, Joel Sandy Walker, and Lynn Louallen.
And of course, Cracker Barrel drew plenty of love, from Barbara Minor and Debra Salyer to Cathy Kloser and Donald Jones.
When it comes down to it, Lawrence County is craving sit-down dining — especially hearty steaks, comfort food, and family-style meals.
So What’s Next?
Will any of these dreams become reality? Time will tell. But one thing’s clear: whether it’s steak, seafood, or a simple Frosty from Wendy’s, the county is hungry for something new.
👉 If you had the final say, what restaurant would YOU bring to LC?
