Meet Candace Vinson

"Downtown Lynchburg is unrecognizable from when I first arrived," Chef Candace Vinson said recently, whose culinary profession is shaping the city’s food scene. As the executive chef for all Hen + Hound restaurants—a group including The Water Dog, Fratelli Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, 7 Rooftop Bar and the now-private Glass House, Vinson has become a key player in Lynchburg’s downtown revitalization. 

 Born and raised in Portsmouth, she moved to Lynchburg when her husband got a job offer in 2013.

 “We didn’t know anything about Lynchburg, but when we visited, I thought, ‘This is a cute little town,’” she said.

 At the time, downtown Lynchburg was far from what it is today.

 "It was a ghost town," she said. "But I saw potential. Driving down Jefferson Street, I noticed the beautiful old buildings. I even said, ‘If I ever had a restaurant, it would be right here.’

 Vinson’s culinary path was anything but linear. Initially pursuing nutrition, she worked in hospitals and independent living facilities before deciding to explore her creative side in the kitchen. Moving to Lynchburg brought challenges, including working two part-time jobs at Isabella’s and Woodruff’s Café and Pie Shop, but also opportunities to immerse herself in the community. 

 "When COVID shut down my corporate kitchen job, I started helping out with events at The Glass House," she said. "It was just a couple of days a week, but it grew. Rose Day Thursdays became so popular we were the top seller of Rosé All Day wine on the east coast.”

 It was during this time that she connected with Dave Henderson, co-owner of The Water Dog.

 "We clicked instantly," she said. "He invited me to his house for brisket and that’s where the idea of me becoming the executive chef came about."

 When the opportunity arose to manage Fratelli Rooftop, Vinson and the team knew it was time to formalize their efforts.

 "I came up with the name Hen + Hound," she said. "It’s a nod to the Hendersons and their love of dogs."

 Hen + Hound now oversees four restaurants, each with its own unique character. Vinson’s approach is grounded in creativity and a respect for the community’s tastes.

 "I do a lot of research," she said. "I read old cookbooks, talk to locals and study what flavors resonate here."

 Her culinary philosophy blends the familiar with the unexpected.

 "Take our jerk chicken nachos at The Water Dog," she said. "People expect nachos with cheese, but we use curry sour cream, pineapple pico de gallo and crunchy lettuce. It’s familiar, but the flavor profile is new."

Being part of Lynchburg’s transformation has been a personal and professional triumph.

 "It’s amazing to see how downtown has grown," she said. "We now have an arts district, a theater district and so many unique spaces. It’s an honor to contribute to that."

 She said food is a way to tell stories.

 "It’s a way to honor cultures and bring people together. That’s what I strive for in every dish I create,” she said.

 But her triumphs have not come without challenges.

 “Not everything I’ve done has worked," she said. "But I don’t see failure, I see lessons. It’s about learning and improving."

 Today, she continues to push boundaries while staying true to her roots.

 "Cooking is like music," she said. "It’s about the delivery. I want to give people something familiar but with a remix."

 From a bustling downtown to reimagined menus, Vinson’s influence is undeniable.

 "I never thought I’d be where I am today," she said. "But I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible community."

Vinson is also an active member of the Lynchburg graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Gamma Iota Omega), which has over 80 women involved, many of whom hold prominent roles in the city, such as principals, counselors, and medical professionals.

 She said the chapter is heavily engaged in community service, collaborating with organizations like the Legacy Museum, where they built a garden, and supporting college-educated women in the community through activities and programs. They also partner with initiatives like the Arbor Day Foundation, contribute to voter registration efforts and take part in events like Juneteenth celebrations.

 In her personal life, Vinson enjoys spending time with her family, listening to vinyl records and cooking at home as a self-proclaimed foodie. Her husband is a musician, and their son plays in the band at Linkhorne Middle School.

 Professionally and personally, Vinson said she values networking, collaboration and supporting others' journeys, from new business owners seeking advice to restaurateurs, bakers, and farmers. She is building a relationship with Valor Farm, a veteran farm in Altavista. This partnership includes plans for her and her employees to help plant produce for her restaurant's supply chain.

 “It’s exciting to do things like that,” she said. Anything that involves networking and making an impact, I love to do.”