Shanks Steak & Catfish Opens on Highway 43 in Northport

After months of waiting, a steak and seafood restaurant announced in January is officially open in Northport.

Shanks Steaks and Catfish on Highway 43 across from Miss Biddy Thrift Shop and Oswalt Motor Company held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Thursday and formally opened their doors to the Tuscaloosa area.

Formally a Texaco Gas Station, Shanks gives the ultimate 1950's diner feel, with a cozy interior and creative seating under the old service station rain guard.

Wayne Burch, the restaurant's owner and operator, said the entire team at Shanks is happy to welcome patrons at long last.

"With COVID playing a huge role with opening, we're thrilled to finally serve good food to the good people of Northport," Burch said.

Burch said the restaurant isn't named after a cut of steak, but for Phillip Shanks, one of the most renowned collectors of Alabama Crimson Tide memorabilia in the country.

Along with representatives from the Chamber, Thursday's ribbon-cutting was attended by a group of Northport Police officers, EMTs and other first responders, city councilman Jay Logan and Bobby Herndon, a candidate running for mayor in next week's runoff election.

The food served was classic Southern home-cooking and came out hot and delicious, making the drive up Highway 43 in Northport is well worth it. Go check out Tuscaloosa County's newest restaurant at Shanks Steaks and Catfish.