A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Chili: "A Tale of a West Virginia Hot Dog" Debuts to Packed House
The Dog-umentary premiered at the Alban Arts Center in St. Albans to rave reviews — and it's just getting started.
ST. ALBANS, WV – The atmosphere at the Alban Arts Center this past Saturday was electric as a packed house gathered for the highly anticipated premiere of A Tale of a West Virginia Hot Dog. What began as a pandemic-era mission to support local "mom-and-pop" restaurants has officially evolved into a cinematic tribute to the spirit of the Mountain State.
Produced by the collaborative powerhouse of Jay Silverman (Director of Business Development for the Charleston Dirty Birds and creator of Have Fun WV) and Joel Bennett (Former Taste WV Magazine editor-in-chief, Creative Director of Aronfield Agency), the documentary follows the duo's journey across West Virginia to taste nearly 300 hot dogs.
More Than Just a Food Review
While the "WV Hot Dog Tour" gained viral fame for its ratings map — which garnered over 2 million views in just 48 hours — the film reveals the deeper heart behind the hustle. Attendees were treated to a story of community resilience, showcasing the hardworking families behind the counters of local eateries during the challenges of 2020.
The evening kicked off with complimentary hot dogs from Bogey's, followed by the screening, and concluded with a celebratory after-party at Shuckers.
Rave Reviews from the Audience
The premiere was marked by frequent belly laughs and heartfelt moments. Audience members praised the film for its perfect blend of humor and local pride.
"It uses the quest for a great hot dog to open a door into the soul of West Virginia. It's a moving tribute to the kindness, the grit, and the deep roots that make this place feel like nowhere else on earth!" — Lisa Lambert
Others highlighted the behind-the-scenes shenanigans and the diverse cast of guest judges that joined the tour. Lesly Farley noted, "Everyone coming together and sharing their stories was so fun to watch. I really loved the mix of people throughout the tour, each adding their own personality to the experience."
C. Anthony Parker described the documentary as "powerful, inspiring, and unforgettably funny," calling it a mission-driven project that provided a front-row seat to "the greatest hot dog tour on earth."
The Journey Continues: Tour Dates and Festivals
For those who missed the St. Albans debut, the Dog-umentary is just getting started. Due to the overwhelming response, a local movie tour is currently in development, with upcoming dates being finalized for Beckley, Charleston, and other locations across the state.
Beyond West Virginia's borders, Jay Silverman has set his sights on the national stage, with plans to submit the film to various film festivals. The goal is to share this unique slice of Mountain State culture with a broader audience, proving that the bond between food and community is universal.
As viewer William R. Lively summarized: "This is the kind of feel-good local story we need more of. It shines a light on the hardworking families... and the sense of community that came out of a tough time."
Photography by Lisa Lambert Photography. For more information, visit havefunwv.com.
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