Irvin Reynolds’ ‘Preacher’s Pick’ Food Reviews
By: Olivia Carter / Photos By: Ashlee Glen
Lynchburg native Irvin Reynolds has always had a deep connection to his community. From growing up in the Richland Hills subdivision, delivering newspapers and working at the local Winn Dixie, to embarking on a career in food service and ministry, Reynolds’ life has taken many turns.
Now, after nearly 40 years away, he’s back in Lynchburg with a new mission—finding the best dishes in town ranging from hot dogs and burgers to barbeque and pizza.
Reynolds left home after high school to pursue higher education and a career in retail grocery and food manufacturing. He worked for companies like Winn Dixie and CPC International, managing stores and overseeing food production, all while learning the ins and outs of the food industry. His expertise ranged from butchery to crafting grocery store “meal solutions,” a precursor to the modern-day ready-made meals we find in today’s grocery aisles.
While in Charlotte, where he lived for 28 years, Reynolds also became involved in ministry, eventually serving as a discipleship pastor at a large church. His wife, Donna, also became heavily involved in food service at the church—feeding more than 600 people at a time.
But after years of service, the couple felt the pull to return home to Lynchburg, especially with their grandchildren now living in the area.
The Reynolds moved back in 2023, settling near their family. Shortly after, an unexpected opportunity arose. A small church in Evington—Bethel Baptist—needed a pastor and Reynolds agreed to serve, returning to his roots in ministry.
But it’s not just ministry that has captured Reynolds’ attention since his return to Lynchburg. Last August, while browsing the “Living in Lynchburg” Facebook page, Reynolds noticed a local debate about the best place to get a hot dog. Inspired by his own love for the classic American treat, Reynolds decided to start a fun new project—“Preacher’s Pick.”
Each week, Reynolds would visit a different restaurant around Lynchburg to sample their hot dogs. He would share his thoughts on Facebook, accompanied by photos of the hot dogs and a bit of commentary on the experience. His posts quickly gained traction, sparking lively discussions among locals about their favorite spots.
“I grew up with the Weenie Stand and Texas Inn, so I know a good hot dog when I see one,” Reynolds said. “It’s been great to reconnect with the food scene here and it’s a fun way to explore Lynchburg again.”
Reynolds’ “Preacher’s Pick” has become a charming addition to the local online community, offering residents a fresh perspective on old favorites—such as the humble hot dog. Through his light-hearted reviews and thoughtful engagement, Reynolds is creating a new sense of camaraderie among Lynchburg’s food lovers.
“I have to say, there’s something special about the Weenie Stand,” he said.
“It’s nostalgic and it always hits the spot.”
His approach to reviewing local food spots is all about detailed descriptions and community engagement. By asking locals for their favorite spots, he gives them a chance to voice their preferences, and the response has helped drive the direction of his reviews.
He said his process involves visiting the top-nominated places, ordering a consistent meal—in the case of the hot dog: a hot dog with chili, slaw, and onions—and providing thorough descriptions of every aspect: the bun, meat, chili, slaw, condiments, and even the price.
The detailed nature of his reviews, inspired by what he learned from Food Network shows, stood out to the community. Rather than simply stating that the food was good, he explained why it was good, noting the quality of the chili and whether it was meaty or whether the slaw was homemade or store-bought.
Initially, Reynolds posted his reviews in the Lynchburg Recommendation group, but after his posts—especially on fried chicken—gained popularity, Kipp Teague, the administrator of Living in Lynchburg, suggested he share his reviews there instead.
He said that oftentimes, his posts will drive attention to small, often overlooked, local restaurants.
What began in August of last year has snowballed into a local sensation.
“People started paying attention, especially when I reviewed fried chicken,” Reynolds said. “That one really got people talking.”
He said he has adapted his method based on feedback. For example, while hot dog and fried chicken reviews were a hit, taco reviews didn’t receive the same enthusiasm, partially because tacos didn’t photograph well and there were diverse expectations about what makes a good taco. Ultimately, he said his aim isn’t to act as a food critic but to promote local businesses and share personal experiences that resonate with the community.
“One of the biggest challenges is to keep the reviews positive, even when there are some aspects of a dining experience that aren’t great,” Reynolds said. “My intent is to promote local businesses.”
In just a year, he has reviewed everything from fried chicken and barbecue to cheeseburgers, tacos, and ice cream.
His selections are crowd-sourced as much as they are driven by his own curiosity.
He admits that he doesn’t feel like he’ll run out of places to review anytime soon.
“I’ve been surprised by the variety we have,” he said. “Lynchburg does have diversity in food styles, though some people don’t think so.”
With his latest endeavor focusing on mac and cheese, Reynolds said he has learned a lot about Lynchburg’s food scene—most notably, how slow it is to embrace change.
“Lynchburg is cost-conscious.
People get excited about new restaurants, but then it goes back to, ‘Well, how much does it cost?’” he said. “People here talk about the IHOP coming, and the next thing you know, everybody’s hyped up.
But two days later, they’re saying, ‘That place is expensive.’”
Reynolds has used the Preacher’s Pick platform to introduce the community to some hidden gems. One being Jed’s, a small barbecue food truck in Madison Heights. After his review, the place saw a surge in business.
“When I went back, the guy working said, ‘I know who you are. After your review, we got slammed, and we’ve been slammed ever since.’ It’s moments like that that make it all worth it,” he said.
Despite his success, Reynolds keeps it humble. He’s just a local preacher, enjoying good food with his wife, Donna, and sharing the experience with the community. He’s not worried about burnout or losing momentum. For him, there’s always a new dish or restaurant around the corner waiting for his Preacher’s Pick stamp of approval.
“People will tell someone, ‘Did you see what he said? Let’s go there tonight,’”
he said. “That’s what it’s all about, bringing people together over good food.”
