LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Less than two years after opening, Candle Bar on south Slide has been selected for a feature on America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow.
The marketing company takes filming of the internet show across the country to bring national attention to locally-owned restaurants.
Owner Shane Blum said Candle Bar is honored to be the first Lubbock restaurant featured by the show.
“They’re all over the place. And somebody just said, oh yeah, this little random place in Lubbock, let’s go check it out. So yeah, I guess we’re getting good word of mouth, right?” Blum said.
Restaurants can apply for a feature, but host J Russell said recommendations drive selections.
“A lot of times people will be like in Nebraska, but they’re from Lubbock and they’re like, you got to get out to the Candle Bar,” Russell said.
Russell said the show was created as a more affordable marketing option for independent restaurants.
“Just bring in more local business. It’s hard for these local business owners to compete with the national chains. And so, with their marketing efforts in terms of social media, it’s very difficult for them,” Russell said.
Blum and his wife also own the Gas Light and the Lantern Tavern in Lubbock. They describe Candle Bar as a higher-end Italian restaurant, which opened in August of 2024.
“A lot of people come in and they’re like, oh my gosh, this is so different and not Lubbock. Lubbock’s a great place, but they’re like, wow, this is really cool,” Blum said.
The Candle Bar episode is set to release in May on YouTube and will be posted to the restaurant’s Facebook page. Candle Bar plans to host a watch party when the episode comes out and will keep customers updated on its social media.
Russell said he expects Lubbock to see more attention from the show, after its large van with a QR code to apply has been seen around town.
“Because right now, I bet you there’s some other Lubbock restaurants that scan the code, we’re going to be out here again next year,” Russell said.
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