(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, Phi Chen, owner of Autsyn’s, prepares duck while America’s Best Restaurants Videographer Josh Hurley films Friday afternoon.

PARKERSBURG — Two beloved Mid-Ohio Valley eateries recently earned a national spotlight when America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) made a stop in the region to film featured segments on Austyn’s Restaurant and Lounge in Marietta and Mary B’s Diner in Parkersburg.

The national media company, known for showcasing independently owned restaurants across the country, visited both locations to document their signature dishes, stories, and strong community roots.

“America’s Best Restaurants travels the country highlighting independently owned restaurants that are truly making an impact in their communities,” said Amanda Valentine, a host with ABR. “We don’t cover chains, we’re looking for those local gems that people love and that have stories worth sharing.”

Austyn’s, located in downtown Marietta, has been serving up fusion cuisine for more than two decades. Co-owner Jamie Chen, whose husband has deep roots in the restaurant business, said the inspiration for the restaurant came during a visit to what was once Judd’s Tavern and later Bridgewater Café. Pregnant with their first child at the time, Chen and her husband decided to leap.

With a blend of wok-fired Asian influence and American classics, Austyn’s has built a loyal following. Jamie noted the importance of keeping staff long-term; many have been with the restaurant for over a decade, and the deep connections to the Marietta community through Main Street initiatives and the local Chamber of Commerce.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, Mary B’s Diner Manager Cole Knotts watches as America’s Best Restaurants Host Amanda Valentine discusses one of the diner’s burgers on Friday.

“It’s not easy to be in this business for 24 years,” she said. “But the support from the community and our incredible staff has made it possible.”

Just across the river in Parkersburg, Mary B’s Diner is known for its homestyle cooking, scratch-made pies, and a fiercely loyal customer base.

“We opened in October of 2009, and the support from the community has been incredible,” said owner Mary Knotts. “We outgrew our first building and had to open a second location — I never imagined it would grow this much.”

The nomination to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants came from Mary B’s fans themselves.

“It means a lot,” she said. “Just knowing that someone thought enough of us to nominate us — it makes all the hard work worth it.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, America’s Best Restaurants Host Amanda Valentine shares her excitement for the dishes with Austyn’s Co-Owner Jamie Chen.

For Knotts, the diner isn’t just about food, it’s about the people.

“We have regulars who come in every morning, and they’re like family. If they don’t show up, we message them to make sure they’re okay.”

ABR’s visit to the Mid-Ohio Valley is part of a broader mission to bring small-town restaurants into the national conversation. The company conducts interviews, films dishes being prepared, and shares restaurant stories online to connect communities across the country.

“A lot of these restaurants don’t have the marketing power that big chains do,” Valentine said. “We want to help elevate them, whether you’re a local who already loves the place or someone passing through on a road trip.”

Both Austyn’s and Mary B’s episodes are expected to premiere on ABR’s website and social media channels later this year.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, America’s Best Restaurants Host Amanda Valentine discusses the filming schedule with Mary B’s owner Mary Knott.