The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce recognized eight neighborhood business owners at the annual business awards ceremony Tuesday. Instead of taking place at the Lakewood Country Club, the 2020 iteration happened via Zoom because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Businesses of the Year: Bowlski’s in the Lakewood Theater and Meso Maya
Longtime residents Craig and Jennifer Spivey opened Bowlski’s in the Lakewood Theater in August 2019. Since then, Craig has launched a website to save neighborhood restaurants and a GoFundMe to restore the fountain in the Lakewood Shopping Center. “We were so lucky to get the opportunity to build Bowlski’s in this iconic building,” Craig said. “It’s awesome to be part of this community, and we really appreciate it.”
Meso Maya was famous for a two-week wait when it first opened in Lakewood. It’s become a neighborhood staple for authentic Mexican food and craft cocktails. During the pandemic, Meso Maya has served takeout and delivery and partnered with local organizations on fresh-produce pickup boxes.
People’s Choice Business of the Year: CC Young
The people have spoken. CC Young was voted the best business of the year with 789, nearly 400 more votes than the runner-up. “It’s been a difficult time, but we thank everyone for supporting us,” CEO Russell Crews said. “We look forward to getting back to normal one of these days.”
Chairman’s Award: Dallas United Crew
The nonprofit Dallas United Crew offers rowing and dragon boat racing programs on White Rock Lake for youth and adults. “Thanks for this recognition and award. We are humbled,” President Dave Slear said. “This was a year of outreach, and it’s been a huge success.”
Entrepreneur of the Year: Jeremy Turner
Turner has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. He got his start selling the best ugly Christmas sweaters. Now, he has a series of ‘90s-themed Airbnbs guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again. “My dad died when I was 5, but he really taught me how to dream as a kid,” Turner said.
Live Local Business of the Year: Dallas Coffee News and DeLeon Provisions
Dallas Coffee News is a free weekly publication that’s available at restaurants, coffee shops, hair salons, office buildings and more.
East Dallas food company DeLeon Provisions has been active in the neighborhood since the pandemic, passing out meals to teachers and partnering with five local businesses to create The Local Box packed full of local food products.
“This category resonated with us,” Kam DeLeon said. “We launched last year, but we have deep roots. We were inspired by the relaunch of the Live Local camp and began looking how we could partner. Everyone needs to be successful. We encourage everyone to keep innovating until we can meet in person again.”
R. S. Munger Business Pioneer Award: Yoga-Art-Music
Yoga studio by day, the space was created with a stage and an acoustic-friendly environment meant for live music. Did we mention that the studio is right behind the owners’ backyard fence?
