Bold Flavor, Refined Taste

At 404 Market Street in Parkersburg, a new chapter of dining is taking shape. Huffman’s Prime Steakhouse, the newest restaurant created by Zak Huffman, is bringing an elevated culinary experience downtown.

From an early age, Huffman has been known to wear many hats. He has been self-employed since he was 18 years old when he started his own photography business, following in his late mother’s footsteps. He says it is because he loves the hustle and values the challenges and excitement that come along with creating something on your own.

Since the start of his photography business, Huffman has launched businesses in several different industries. Even when working in sectors like real estate development, oil and gas services and title work, he believes there is one key to success.

“No matter the industry, I believe success always comes down to people—finding the best in them and placing them where they can thrive most,” he says. For Huffman, the restaurant represents both growth and passion.

“My love of people, exceptional food and the entire dining experience inspired the creation of Huffman’s Prime,” he says. “Hospitality has always been a passion of mine. I love hosting dinner parties and special occasions at my home, and in many ways, Huffman’s dining room is simply an extension of that. It’s a place where I get to see familiar faces each night while also making new friends along the way.”

When Huffman’s Prime was founded in 2025, it was built on a simple belief that food, family and friends are always worth celebrating. Huffman says every day is a chance to enjoy life, and he believes his restaurant is a space where you can do just that. Huffman’s Prime is a place where exceptional meals and memorable moments go hand in hand.

Serving up prime steaks seared at 1800° degrees is what Huffman’s does best, but pasta, burgers, fresh seafood and sushi are also on the menu. You can wash your meal down with one of its timeless cocktails or even one of its rare whiskeys. Above all else, when you walk into Huffman’s Prime, you are made to feel like a guest in Huffman’s home.

Having premium food often comes with a premium price, and one of the highest steak items on the menu is a four-ounce Japanese A5 New York Snow Aged Wagyu Beef for $116.

“We also understood from the beginning that offering truly high-quality food comes at a premium—not just for guests, but for us as well. About a month after opening, beef prices increased nearly 40%,” Huffman says. “The farm supplying our signature steak reduced operations significantly, cutting from six farms down to three. That was definitely a curveball.”

Huffman’s Prime is not just about your meal; it is about your entire experience while you are there. Huffman has meticulously planned every detail, and he is excited to be serving downtown Parkersburg.

“From attentive service to warm towels infused with essential oils at the end of the meal, every touchpoint is intentional. We want guests to relax, enjoy themselves and feel fully taken care of,” Huffman says. “Two things are guaranteed—you’ll leave full, and you won’t have had to lift a finger.”

Having Huffman’s Prime in West Virginia was never a question for Huffman, even when members of his team believed that Marietta, Ohio, would be a more suitable location for his restaurant.

“I knew exactly what I wanted. There is simply no hospitality like West Virginia hospitality,” Huffman says. “It’s a tradition that has been passed down for generations, though it’s becoming a dying art in many places.”

Huffman says at the end of the day, it was all worth it. Seeing guests enjoying their experience in his restaurant makes the business venture so much more rewarding.

“More than anything, I hope guests leave feeling cared for. We want people to remember not only the quality of the food but the warmth of the hospitality and the experience as a whole,” Huffman says. “Our goal is for every guest to feel like they were welcomed into our home, treated with genuine care and given an experience worth coming back for.”