Reivew: Zacadoo's

Last Updated on Friday, 07 October 2011 14:35

Written by T.J. Lewis

Chicken Finger Box from Zacadoo's in Tallahassee, FL REVIEW -- A few month's back Tallahassee witnessed the opening of a new-to-market restaurant on Apalachee Parkway called Zacadoo's. Owners of the property made extensive renovations to what was once a modest bagel shop with large glass windows on the front. Zacadoo's emerges as this Mediterranean-style stucco facade with a bright electronic sign greeting motorist passing by on busy US Highway 27 a/k/a Apalachee Parkway. But there's one thing about Zacadoo's, other than that funky name, that really sets it apart from most other commercial establishments, yet alone restaurants in Tallahassee -- there are no windows!

The Venue

Last night I took the long drive over to Apalachee Parkway (I live on the West side of Tallahassee) specifically to give Zacadoo's a try. It was about 8:30pm, not a peek hour so I didn't expect a long wait. As I pulled into the restaurant from the highway I noticed the lettering on the building was back lit. What looked like large metal letters that spelled out "Zacadoo's" on the side of the building were glowing blue in the night. This paired with the bright electronic sign at the road, to me, was very inviting and neat!

I proceeded into the drive through lane which appeared to be the sole method of doing business at this establishment. Here I noticed Zacadoo's has incorporated the same two-lane drive through that the modern McDonald's restaurants are going to. Fortunately for me on the evening, I was the only customer.

The Service

I pulled up to the menu where I was promptly greeted by a friendly voice welcoming me to Zacadoo's. It was a recording, but I wouldn't have known it if not for the change of tone when the actual assistant came over the microphone. The live person, a young lady, was also very friendly again welcoming me to Zacadoo's and asking what I would like to order. I told her it was my first time and that I needed just a moment to look over their menu which contained Chicken, Steak Burger, Hotdog, and Salad items. I quickly asked, "What is Zacadoo's famous for?". The assistant replied, "Our chicken". I told her, "I'll take the chicken". She asked me if I wanted a large or regular, I opted for the regular, with a double helping of fries because I never eat the Cole Slaw, and I added a sweet tea to my order as is customary for a true Tallahasseean.

My total came out to $6. I rolled around the building to pay at the cashier's window. Again I was warmly greeted. The fine young lady I spoke to was wearing a hat that said "Macadoo's" the interior was all white, all members of the staff were dressed in blue tops black bottoms, and it appears they were in the process of cleaning up for the night. While I waited on my meal to be prepared I took time to ask the cashier a few questions. I asked how business has been for them so far. She told me there has been a steady increase in traffic since they opened. I asked where the name Zacadoo's came from. She told me the company is based in Valdosta, GA (which we knew) and that is the name of the restaurant there but it was changed to Zacadoo's in an effort to start a new reputation in a new first-in-Florida location.

Finally my drink was poured, my food was packaged and she handed over a nice red box to me. Kinda neat I thought. It's not often you recieve a box when ordering fast food these days. "The box still said "Macadoo's" but I understood this may be residual from their legacy days and perhaps the Zacadoo's boxes are on the way.

The Food

So the meal I ordered was a chicken finger plate which comes with french fries and an order of Cole slaw. I asked for them to hold the cole slaw and give me double fries instead. They also included a piece of Texas toast and for sauce I was offered "Zac" sauce (sound familiar?).

I pulled over down the road to eat the meal in the car. I was a tad nervous this being the my first time and all knowing I had ordered a meal I could have gotten right across the street at Zaxby's. As I pulled back the cover on the box a warm country fried comfortable aroma filled the car. This food was hot. The chicken was nicely breaded, it looked like something that would come from Zaxby's. The french fries were crinkled but thinner. The bread had char marks on it from the grille and a small dab of butter, the drink was served in a large foam cup.

I can't believe I have this much to say about a fast food dining experience! Dipping the chicken into the "Zac" sauce, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the combination of the two items worked together. The chicken wasn't too salty, the "mock Gutherie's, Zaxby's sauce" called "Zac Sauce" had a nice dill flavor to it that when paired with the chicken felt like biting into the Original Chicken Sandwich from Chick-Fil-A. The fries were seasoned similar to those from Lindy's. They too were tasty. I did not eat the bread. The sweet tea was just "ok".

Overall, I was pleased with the experience. It looks like Zacadoo's can fill a void left by Gutherie's when they abandoned their east side location on Timerberlane amid more competition from the likes of Zaxby's. Zacadoo's and Zaxby's may give each other a good fight, but Zacadoo's will also have Hot Dogs, and Steak Burgers as side kicks to help it out on days when people want more than chicken and salads. For the most part, I'd say Zacadoo's is a keeper! Welcome to Tallahassee! -- UT

Member Comments:

Re: Reivew: Zacadoo's -- krystal b

Tuesday, 29 November 2011 12:13

The fries leave something to be desired. They get cold quick!

Re: Reivew: Zacadoo's -- etkeeton

Tuesday, 18 October 2011 09:22

Great food and wonderful service! They were prompt with the order and provided exceptional service! Great job

Re: Reivew: Zacadoo's -- amoret

Thursday, 13 October 2011 18:37

Ward's of Hattiesburg I do remember.

Re: Reivew: Zacadoo's -- florida

Thursday, 13 October 2011 17:29

I did a follow-up visit and found out Zacadoo's has a mean hotdog! I was fairly priced at less than $2, topped with Chili and Cheese. I believe they call it the Yellow Dog but don't quote me on this. Delicious bun, normal length, beed wiener, finely ground chili meat, I think I tasted the tang of mustard, and a fine grade of cheese. I'll be going back for another soon. If anyone is from Mississippi, this Hotdog (or the chili used for it) would remind of Ward's. Sorry no pix this time.

Re: Zacadoo's Grille -- amoret

Wednesday, 21 September 2011 17:30

It's drive thru only. I work next door and they brought my staff some biscuit sandwiches last week. My staff raved about them. I didn't eat any because I'm a vegetarian and they all had meat on them.

The guys that run it really are pushing customer service with their employees similar to the way Chick Filet operates. It's nice that they spruced up the building so well too. I wish they would have done a little more with their sign today advertising that they serve breakfast, etc. The owners and operators are all really nice people so I hope they do great.