Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award winners. (Photo by Jaime Dunaway.)
The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce recognized eight neighborhood business owners at the organization’s annual business awards luncheon Tuesday at the Lakewood Country Club.
Business of the Year
Highland Park Cafeteria
For 95 years, the restaurant at 1200 N. Buckner Road has served old-fashioned recipes from scratch. Not only does the business hold on to the best recipes, it keeps the best cooks, such as Ernest Bowens, who’s worked in the kitchen since 1956.
Chairman’s Business of the Year
Ferguson Road Initiative
Established in 1998, the nonprofit set out to reduce crime, improve school performance and upgrade housing to attract new businesses to Far East Dallas.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Element Dallas Downtown East
The eco-friendly hotel is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified and employs techniques to reduce plastic and energy.
Live Local Business of the YearÂ
Good Local MarketsÂ
20 Feet Seafood Joint
Greenville Avenue Pizza CompanyÂ
The award recognizes small business owners who give back and support the community.
R. S. Munger Business Pioneer Award
Promise of Peace Gardens
The nonprofit transforms vacant spaces into gardens, where community members can plant and harvest fruits and vegetables for a locally sourced, healthy diet. The nonprofit also provides youth programming in which students can learn about horticulture and sustainability.
People’s Choice Business of the Year
Jesse’s AC & Appliance RepairÂ
Owner Jesse Simmons literally saves people from the sweltering Texas heat, and for that, he is most definitely deserving of an award.
