Water Dog, a local Lynchburg restaurant, wins a state award for “Restaurant of the Year”
Popular local restaurant The Water Dog recently received an “Ordinary Award” for restaurant of the year.
Ordinary Awards are given out to celebrate Virginia’s restaurants and lodging, according to ordinaryawards.com. They are presented by The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association (VRLTA).
“The Ordinary Awards celebrate and honor all of Virginia’s restaurants, lodging establishments and hotels, DMOs, attractions, and more,” the
website states.
The name comes from one of America’s oldest inns known as “Chinn’s Ordinary.”
“This history of Chinn’s Ordinary speaks to all facets of VRLTA’s membership—restaurants, lodging, and travel,” the website states. “And, on the other hand, the term ordinary is just the opposite of the hospitality and travel industry. Our industry truly is anything but ordinary, and this juxtaposition is almost too good to pass up. The true goal of these Awards is to honor those in our industry, be they individuals or companies, that are truly extraordinary.”
On Oct. 10, the downtown restaurant was presented the award in Richmond, Virginia at a reception. Owner Dave Henderson felt honored that the restaurant was nominated, surprised when it made the top three and blown away when
it won.
“I was really in shock that The Water Dog had won,” Henderson said. “I’m so happy and honored and just really appreciative of being recognized. It’s been really nice and special.”
Henderson was surprised not because he does not have faith in his venture, but because of the nature of the restaurant.
“I love my chefs and I love my food, but The Water Dog isn’t a James Beard award-winning restaurant,” Henderson said. “We just always try to do things we think people will like. … Hopefully by the time you’ve had your experience you’ve met someone new or you might have stayed just to hang out. It really is more than food. We try to create an experience that will make you want to come back.”
ACHIEVEMENT — General Manager of The Water Dog Chris Henderson is pictured above holding the 2019 Ordinary Award, a state honor given each year to lodging establishments and restaurants.
The Water Dog was recently presented with the award a second time by members of the Lynchburg City Council.
In 2015, Henderson’s father was hospitalized. His father recovered and a business was born in the hospital room. While Henderson was visiting his father with his brother, the general manager of The Water Dog, they came up with the idea for the restaurant.
Henderson said his wife thought he was crazy to be leaving his secure bank job and nice home in North Carolina, but he took the risk anyway, packing up the family and moving to Lynchburg to start The Water Dog.
Henderson does not have a culinary degree. He is just a guy who enjoys a good time with friends over food.
His inspiration for The Water Dog was Lynchburg’s lack of a restaurant of its kind, Henderson said.
“Lynchburg used to mainly have restaurants that were white table cloth, baked potatoes. If your kids act up or run around that’s a no,” Henderson said. “I wanted to create a scene that I wanted to be at and I wanted to enjoy.”
The Water Dog provides its guests with a variety of under the sea options as well as plenty of choices for those who like to stay on land. Shrimp, fried oysters and fish are listed along with typical foods of wings and nachos.
In addition, they serve hotdogs in various flavors and types, salads and burgers. They also have a section of the menu dedicated to their eight grilled cheese options. Almost all of the options are made in house. For dessert, guests can choose between ice cream or warm chocolate chip cookies and milk.
According to their website, The Water Dog’s goal isn’t complicated.
“The mission is simple: serve delicious, affordable food that guests will want to return to week after week.” Henderson is all about the community.
Early in 2019, Henderson bought The Glass House, a popular event space downtown. Between The Water Dog and The Glass House, over $10,000 has been donated to the community.
“I love my restaurant but we don’t do things at the restaurant to win awards,” Henderson said. “We do things because we think they’ll be good for the community.”