Guthrie’s Chicken of Cullman was opened April 29, 2009, by Keith and Donna Lann. Originally from Haleyville, the Lanns have been residents of Cullman since 2021.
We sat down with Keith Lann to get some fast facts about this local favorite that’s famous for its delicious chicken fingers (and that amazing Signature Sauce!).
Cullman City Lifestyle: How many chicken fingers does Guthrie’s of Cullman sell every month?
Keith Lann: We are blessed and our business keeps growing, as we sell over 2 tons of chicken fingers each month! It makes us proud when our customers tell us we have the best chicken fingers in town. I tell our cooks since the only thing we sell is chicken fingers that we better be the best!
CCL: What makes your employees special?
KL: We average 20 employees and most are high school or college students, and this is their first job. The ones who can work 15-20 hours per week bring home a good check. Our managers bring maturity and experience to help run the business. They are constantly working with the staff to train them and make sure they do their job the Guthrie's way. We try to teach them about business as well as other attributes like being on time, respect for others and being responsible for your actions.
CCL: How does football season impact your business?
KL: Football season brings a new group of chicken finger fans who like to tailgate with a family meal or bucket. For large groups, we also offer trays of 100 chicken fingers with Signature Sauce.
CCL: Speaking of that Signature Sauce….what’s in it?
KL: Many people ask about our Signature Sauce and the recipe. Hal Guthrie realized he had to have a delicious, totally irresistible dipping sauce to accompany his perfectly golden fried chicken fingers. He had a contest among his younger children Hud, Joe, Kelly and Anna Margaret, to see who could create the best sauce. Hud's sauce won. He was 10 years old! The ingredients are simple so the sauce is consistent.
CCL: Where can you find Guthrie's now?
KL: There are over 70 locations, from Boise, Las Vegas; West Virginia, Tampa, South Carolina; Cincinnati and all Southern states in between.
Did you know Guthrie's opened in Haleyville, Alabama 60 years ago?
It was opened in 1965 by Hal Guthrie, an Auburn University graduate, as a drive-in restaurant.
You can find Guthrie's of Cullman at 704 Second Ave. NW (U.S. Highway 31).
Facebook/Guthrie's Chicken (Cullman, AL)