West Virginia restaurants could get tourism boost after Smith’s James Beard Award win

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — West Virginia tourism is likely to get a nice bounce after Monday night’s nationwide James Beard Awards.

For the first time ever, a West Virginia chef won the “Oscars” of the restaurant business. A Capitol Market watch party went wild Monday night when Chef Paul Smith was announced as “Best Chef in the Southeast.” It brought a lot of cheers, and the excitement carried on Tuesday.

The big win is also likely to bring more visitors to check out the growing restaurant scene in West Virginia. There is a documented phenomenon known as “foodie tourism,” where people will drive at least an hour, or more, to dine in a great restaurant.

That could boost business for Chef Paul, and many other restaurants across the state.

“There’s a lot to do in West Virginia, but it’s not just whitewater rafting and stuff. There’s a serious restaurant scene and a lot of talent. And people are going to feed off this victory and hopefully do big things themselves,” said Chef Jesse Lyons, owner of Coco’s Kitchen & Cafe in Charleston.

“We’ve done a number of things that have put us in a national and international spotlight, and I would put this one among the top. This puts West Virginia on the map, literally,” said Chelsea Ruby, West Virginia Tourism Secretary.

The tourism office will use Chef Paul’s James Beard win to promote the entire West Virginia culinary scene on places such as Instagram, and other popular social media platforms. Often times, people who engage in “foodie tourism” don’t just come to check out one restaurant. They might stay a few days and try several.

According to the World Food Travel Association, the economic impact of food tourism is significant. It says 25% of money spent by travelers is just for dining.

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