A local culinary standout in Petersburg has once again captured the palate of the community, securing the premier position in a recent area-wide food competition. Following an extensive reader survey conducted by The Progress-Index to determine the finest handheld meal in the city, Oldtowne Perks emerged as the decisive favorite among local food enthusiasts.
The establishment claimed first place on the strength of its popular Kickin Chicken sandwich. Competing against a curated lineup of ten well-regarded local options, the signature chicken dish dominated the field, securing nearly 42 percent of the overall vote with an exact tally of 41.9 percent.
The award-winning sandwich is built around a fried chicken breast that receives generous coatings of the shop’s proprietary hot honey sauce. The preparation process begins with a seven-eighths ounce portion of chicken that is thoroughly submerged in a house-made wet batter before being dredged multiple times through seasoned flour. Once battered, the poultry is deep-fried to achieve a crisp texture and immediately dressed in the kitchen’s specialty spicy honey, balanced to provide a blend of sweetness and mild heat. The creation is finished with melted provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, and fresh sliced tomato.
Steve Perkinson, the proprietor of Oldtowne Perks, expressed immense satisfaction upon learning of the community’s endorsement. He praised the initiative of local culinary surveys, emphasizing how such interactive polls help maintain active civic engagement and consistently showcase the high caliber of dining establishments operating across Petersburg and the wider Tri-Cities area.
For Perkinson and his team, the sandwich triumph marks their second major polling accolade within a matter of months. In July 2026, the restaurant established its local reputation by capturing first place in a Progress-Index poll for the best hot dog joint in Petersburg, winning that contest with an impressive 48 percent of the total ballots cast.
The rapid succession of awards is particularly notable given the relatively recent arrival of the dining spot on the local food scene. Oldtowne Perks first opened its doors to patrons in January 2025. Situated at 404 A North Sycamore Street in the city's historic Old Towne district, the family-owned and operated venture has quickly established itself as a vibrant hub offering an expansive selection of specialty sandwiches and related fare.
Reflecting on the restaurant's journey, Perkinson highlighted the vital role his family played in curating the menu prior to the storefront's official opening. The Kickin Chicken was an immediate favorite among family members during the initial recipe testing phase, prompting its inclusion as a centerpiece offering. Perkinson credited his relatives with the foundation of the menu, while voicing deep gratitude to patrons across Petersburg and surrounding localities for their continued patronage and votes.
While Oldtowne Perks secured the top spot, the competition also highlighted strong performances from other prominent local establishments. Taking second place in the voting was Maria’s Old Town 21 Ristorante Italiano, located at 21 West Old Street. The Italian eatery earned high praise for its savory Ribeye Ciabatta, which features seasoned grilled ribeye steak accompanied by lettuce, fresh tomato, red onions, and rich aioli, served alongside an au jus dipping broth.
Rounding out the top tier in third place was Old Towne’s Alibi, situated at 305 North Sycamore Street. The gathering spot earned its placement courtesy of its distinctive Pimento Cheese BLT, a comfort-food favorite built on toasted sourdough bread layered with house-made pimento cheese spread, crisp bacon, lettuce, and ripe tomatoes.
The reader contest also spotlighted a diverse array of other esteemed Petersburg dining venues that contributed to the competitive field. Among them was Croaker’s Spot, located at 9 East Old Street inside the historic 1879 Farmers Market building. The octagonal brick landmark has endured through wars, fires, and severe weather over its long history, providing a storied backdrop for the eatery's southern soul food and seafood specialties.
Croaker’s Spot entered the contest with its Shrimp Po Boy, an elaborate offering composed of five jumbo butterflied shrimp tucked into a toasted sub roll, layered with sautéed peppers and onions, house secret sauce, melted mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The restaurant's presence in the poll added considerable prestige, following its national exposure on the America’s Best Restaurants program in 2024.
Another historic contender in the running was Dixie Restaurant, located at 250 North Sycamore Street. Serving the Old Towne district continuously since 1920, the century-old institution has fed generations of Petersburg families. Its featured entry was The Petersburg Club, a traditional triple-decker assembly of Virginia ham, carved turkey, crispy bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
The survey also featured newer entries shaping the city's evolving culinary landscape, including Let’s Do Brunch at 216 North Sycamore Street. Positioned within the Courthouse Historic District and offering outdoor seating, the establishment competed with The Carver, a morning-inspired sandwich featuring carved ham, two eggs, and melted cheese served on brioche or thick Texas toast.
Rounding out the featured lineup was Longstreet’s Deli at 302 North Sycamore Street, a perennial favorite among residents and tourists exploring the Old Towne corridor. The deli contested the poll with its classic Reuben, providing patrons with choices of corned beef, pastrami, or sliced turkey topped with melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled rye bread.
The strong turnout and varied entries in the sandwich competition underscore the rich culinary heritage and flourishing independent dining scene found throughout Petersburg. From longstanding neighborhood staples to emerging family ventures like Oldtowne Perks, the local food landscape continues to thrive through dedicated craftsmanship and loyal community backing.
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