The Alabama State Parks Division on Monday released a positive review of the dining experience at the Joe Wheeler State Park waterfront restaurant, now operated by Lash’s Seafood.
The division said owner and chef Brenda Dison remembered a customer who asked for a special dish while dining at the park: smothered chicken, which is not on the menu.
“Absolutely,” Dison said, and the dish arrived at the table minutes later.
That kind of personalized, hometown hospitality has quickly made Lash’s Seafood a favorite among park visitors since it became the park’s official restaurant operator in late 2025.
From Thursday through Sunday, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking the Tennessee River. The menu features fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, burgers, sandwiches and more. The restaurant prepares each dish with the same care and attention that made the original Lash’s restaurant a regional favorite.
Since Brenda and her husband, Tim Dison, took over the restaurant last year, visitors have responded positively.
“We want to offer a first-class experience at all of our state parks, and the addition of Lash’s Seafood at Joe Wheeler State Park has definitely enhanced our guests’ experience,” State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. “Whether it’s the expanded menu options or the incredible service, Lash’s provides a ‘wow’ factor. That’s why it’s a win-win for everyone.”
The Disons opened the original Lash’s Seafood in Rogersville in 2020, and Brenda Dison said opening a second location at the park felt like a natural fit.
“We want people to come to the park,” she said. “We want to be a place where people can enjoy a wonderful meal, relax and experience everything the park has to offer.”
Visitors can spend the day hiking scenic trails, playing golf, boating on the lake or relaxing at the lodge—then finish the day with a meal by the water.
“We have a resort right here in our backyard that everyone should come see,” Dison said.
Business at the park restaurant has been strong, and the Disons are already looking ahead. Workers replaced all the windows in the lodge and restaurant last year, creating a broader waterfront view. Officials are also considering additional dining room renovations to add more seating as demand grows.
With boating season approaching, the Disons are exploring the possibility of adding a tiki-style hut near the water so boaters can grab a quick bite without leaving the shoreline. They may also add live local music in the future.
“We want to be a place where people come to relax, eat great food and have a good time,” Dison said.
Lash’s also offers catering for group bookings at the park’s convention center, which can accommodate 300 guests for a reception or banquet, 200 for classroom seating and 500 for theater seating. The park encourages groups to host events at the lodge and include Lash’s food as part of the occasion.
