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Kingsport Resident Finds Online Success Showcasing Local Restaurants
Zach Carland's TikTok profile "Zachbites" has amassed nearly 15,000 followers and over 141,000 likes for his food-focused content.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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Zach Carland, a 33-year-old pharmacist from Kingsport, Tennessee, has found online success through his TikTok profile "Zachbites" where he showcases local eateries in the Kingsport, Johnson City, and Scott County areas. Carland started out reviewing fast food items on YouTube but shifted his focus to highlighting hidden gems in his local community, leading to a rapid growth in his TikTok following.
Why it matters
Carland's story demonstrates how a passion for food and community can translate into an online platform that not only entertains but also helps drive business to local restaurants. His ability to connect with his audience and showcase the unique offerings of the Kingsport area has resonated with both locals and those outside the region.
The details
Carland began his content creation journey on YouTube, reviewing fast food items, but saw a steep drop in engagement around Easter 2025. His wife then suggested he focus on more localized content, starting with a video about the popular Pal's Sudden Service restaurant chain. This first Pal's video, posted in July 2025, helped skyrocket Carland's TikTok following from 300 to 2,500 followers. Since then, he has showcased over 40 local restaurants, with businesses reaching out to him to feature their establishments.
- Carland started his YouTube channel in high school, creating vlog-like videos.
- Around mid-2025, Carland shifted his focus to more localized content on TikTok.
- Carland posted his first Pal's Sudden Service video on TikTok on July 28, 2025.
- Carland's TikTok following grew from 300 to 2,500 followers after posting three Pal's videos.
- As of February 2026, Carland's TikTok profile "Zachbites" has nearly 15,000 followers and over 141,000 likes.
The players
Zach Carland
A 33-year-old pharmacist from Kingsport, Tennessee, who has found online success showcasing local restaurants through his TikTok profile "Zachbites".
Pal's Sudden Service
A popular restaurant chain in the Kingsport area that was featured in some of Carland's early successful TikTok videos.
What they’re saying
“When people were telling me that people were coming [to restaurants] because they saw my videos — it sounds kind of corny, but I want to use my platform, so that's what I've been doing. And it's been fun.”
— Zach Carland, TikTok Creator (timesnews.net)
What’s next
Carland plans to continue growing his social media presence to further support his family, with the goal of being able to cut back on a few shifts at his pharmacist job to spend more time creating content.
The takeaway
Carland's story showcases how a passion for food and community can be leveraged into an online platform that not only entertains but also helps drive business to local restaurants. His ability to connect with his audience and showcase the unique offerings of the Kingsport area has resonated with both locals and those outside the region.
