(WTVY) -While Dothan has enough fast-food joints to feed a small army on every single corner, our appetite skyline is still missing a few crown jewels. Here are 10 legendary fast-food restaurants Dothan residents can only dream of—with absolutely no promises from the culinary gods.
Raising Cane’s will open its Saginaw restaurant at 5015 Bay Road on Tuesday, Sept. 8.(Rhea Ashlynn Photography | Raising Cane’s)
1. Raising Cane’s
Yes, it’s another chicken joint, but Cane’s and its legendary sauce have achieved near-cult status. With over 900 locations, they’ve managed to set up shop in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, yet somehow Dothan got completely bypassed. Apparently, crossing the Wiregrass is harder than crossing the Arabian Desert.
Whataburger(Elizabeth James | Courtesy: Elizabeth James via Whataburger)
2. Whataburger
The orange-and-white striped A-frame of Whataburger is a beacon of hope for late-night hunger. While the Florida Panhandle is practically drowning in spicy ketchup and there’s one just up the road in Montgomery, Southeast Alabama remains a Whataburger dead zone. We are left staring up the highway, dreaming of Texas-sized patties.
Culver’s(GRAY MEDIA)
3. Culver’s
Famous for buttery buns and fresh frozen custard, this Wisconsin-born chain has expanded to nearly 1,000 locations across 26 states—including Alabama. Unfortunately, Dothan was left off the custard train. Until they head south, we’ll just have to butter our own bread.
(KSFY)
4. Cowboy Chicken
Known for wood-fired rotisserie chicken packed with southwestern spices, black beans, and corn, Cowboy Chicken is thriving in Georgia and Florida. Given Dothan’s cozy proximity to both state lines, you’d think we’d be the perfect spot for their first Alabama rodeo. Instead, we’re still waiting to saddle up.
Milo’s Hamburgers restaurant in Alabama(Milo’s Restaurants)
5. Milo’s Hamburgers
The company that made sweet tea a lifestyle also flips a mean burger. Their iconic “OG Meal” comes complete with crinkle-cut fries, mystery sauce, and a fried pie. Milo’s is scattered all over Alabama, but Southeast Alabama remains completely tea-less and pie-less.
The chain seafood restaurant is located at 3224 South Texas Avenue in Bryan.(Long John Silver’s)
6. Long John Silver’s
For decades, this crispy, batter-dipped rival to Captain D’s had a home in Dothan before sailing away several years ago. Absence makes the heart grow fonder—and the stomach growlier. Perhaps a grand return is in order, hopefully with a modern building and a drive-thru that doesn’t require navigating a pirate ship.
Golden Chicken restauarnt(AP Images)
7. Golden Chick
Dothan might have more chicken places than people, but we don’t have Golden Chick. They’re thriving in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and even the deserts of Nevada. If they can make it in Las Vegas, surely they can survive the competitive clucking of Dothan.
Jack in the Box (Source: CNN)
8. Jack in the Box
Famous for late-night curly fries and tacos that defy all laws of culinary logic, Jack in the Box is a staple of fast-food convenience. Unfortunately, Dothan’s late-night cravings remain firmly in the hands of Waffle House.
Del Taco restaurant(WMBF NEWS)
9. Del Taco
Because sometimes you want a taco, and sometimes you want crinkle-cut fries, and you shouldn’t have to choose. This West Coast legend has slowly marched eastward and once had a Dothan location that didn’t last long. Life, though, is full of second chances.
White Castle has recalled cartons of frozen sliders for undeclared ingredients.(FDA)
10. White Castle
The holy grail of late-night sliders. While we’ve all eaten them out of the grocery store freezer section, it’s just not the same as hearing the sizzle of a fresh steam-grilled onion slider.
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Dining and Cooking