‘A Tale of a West Virginia Hot Dog’ premieres April 11th

PRESS RELEASE

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Have Fun WV is excited to announce the premiere of A Tale of a West Virginia Hot Dog, a documentary years in the making that celebrates the “wild and wonderful” people and culinary arts of the Mountain State. The film will debut on April 11th at Alban Arts Center, St. Albans, WV.

The project is the result of a powerhouse collaboration between two local industry veterans. Jay Silverman, the Director of Business Development for the Charleston Dirty Birds and the creator behind the long-running YouTube channel, Have Fun WV teamed up with Joel Bennett, known for his experience as the former editor of Taste! WV Magazine.

What began as a passion project during the COVID-19 pandemic to support struggling mom-and-pop restaurants evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The duo funded their own “WV Hot Dog Tour,” traveling the state to find hidden gems and define exactly what makes a “true WV Style hot dog.”

The tour exploded in popularity following the release of their “Hot Dog Ratings Map,” which garnered over 2 million views in just 48 hours. The map sparked intense debate and controversy across the state, but ultimately succeeded in its primary goal: shining a massive spotlight on local eateries. For better or worse, the viral moment turned these hot dog connoisseurs into local authorities, driving customers to small businesses that desperately needed the traffic.

Their efforts to champion local food culture have not gone unnoticed. Silverman and Bennett were awarded an official proclamation from Gov. Jim Justice declaring July as “WV Style Hot Dog Month,” cementing their impact on the state’s culinary landscape.

“This movie goes beyond the web series,” says the team. “It features all the folks who came along for the ride, guest judges, and wonderful views of West Virginia. It’s a story about helping out the community and celebrating the unique food culture that brings us together.”

Event Details:
● What: Premiere of A Tale of a West Virginia Hot Dog
● When: April 11th
● Where: Alban Arts Center, St. Albans, WV

For more information, visit havefunwv.com or follow Have Fun WV on Facebook at fb.com/havefunwv.