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Hillbilly Hotdogs makes Food Network debut
Volunteer Cheryl Cook serves guests as Hillbilly Hotdogs hosts its seventh annual autism awareness event on Monday in Lesage.
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LESAGE -- Hillbilly Hotdogs' debut on the Food Network was more than just a celebration of a local franchise. It was also a chance to raise funds for autism awareness.
Restaurant owners Sonny and Sharie Knight invited the public to attend a premiere party at the Lesage restaurant Monday, with activities throughout the day and a 10 p.m. showing of the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." The show regularly features mom-and-pop restaurants around the country. The episode featuring Hillbilly Hotdogs was filmed in November.
The event featured live music, food and a silent auction of various NASCAR and autographed items, with all proceeds going to benefit Huntington's Walk for Autism. Items up for bid ranged from $1 to $300.
Sharie Knight said she was feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, as well as being humbled, in the hours leading up to the premiere. She was grateful to the many customers who sent requests to the Food Network to feature the restaurant.
When the Knights decided to host a premiere party, they also wanted to find a way to support the community.
"That's just the way we do things. We love to give back," Sharie Knight said.
She said the couple has supported autism awareness for the past several years, and decided the premiere would be a great time to raise funds.
The event also served as a reminder of the seventh annual Walk for Autism, which will take place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at Ritter Park. Proceeds from the walk will benefit the Huntington Area Autism Society, Autism Services Center and the West Virginia Autism Training Center.
Teresa Clark of Huntington said she and her 18-year-old daughter had been waiting for the premiere for quite some time.
Clark started going to Hillbilly Hotdogs shortly after it opened in 1999, and she often visits the Huntington location. She said the restaurant is all about good people and great food.
"We go there two or three times a week," she said. "We love it."
Dolores Bowling of the Proctorville, Ohio, area was visiting Hillbilly Hotdogs with her husband for the first time.
"I've never heard of it before," she said.
The Bowlings decided to make a trip to the restaurant when they found out it was being featured on the Food Network. They planned to try some of the famous hot dogs before the premiere.
Hillbilly Hotdogs also has locations in Huntington and Lavalette.
