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.

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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 Year 
Good Local Markets 
20 Feet Seafood Joint
Greenville Avenue Pizza Company 

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 Repair 

Owner Jesse Simmons literally saves people from the sweltering Texas heat, and for that, he is most definitely deserving of an award.