White Rock YMCA. Photo by Danny Fulgencio.
The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the Business of the Year awards ahead of the recognition ceremony in December.
Winners were announced for six categories.
White Rock YMCA is the Business of the Year.
This location sits on the former Trinity Lutheran Church site at Gaston Avenue and Loving. Demolition on the church began in October 2013, and the YMCA held its official ribbon-cutting in June 2015.
Caddo Office Reimagined will receive the Chairman’s Award.
Caddo Holdings LLC was established in 2009 by Justin Engler, Dustin Schilling and Tim Slaughter. The company began renovating 1980s-era office buildings in North Texas, and the company now operates eight locations, including one in Lakewood.
Entrepreneur of the Year goes to two local dessert shops: Botolino Gelato Artigianale and Humble: Simply Good Pies.
Botolino Gelato Artigianale serves authentic Italian gelato at two Dallas locations, with the original in Lower Greenville. It was founded by Carlo “Botolo” Gattini; he learned how to cook from his grandmother, who owned a gelato shop in Italy.
Humble: Simply Good Pies has had a rough year, with the fire that destroyed the shop on Garland Road, leading to a major, eight-month-long rebuilding process. But the business, co-owned by husband-and-wife duo Sean and Erin Jett, is open once again.
Three businesses are receiving the Live Local award. They are Brown Mountain Art Restoration, Maggie Riba Marathon Training and Talulah & Hess.
Brown Mountain Art Restoration is one of the longest-standing businesses on N. Henderson Avenue. Current owner Laura Pate is a Woodrow Wilson High School graduate and grew up in Lakewood.
Lifelong runner Maggie Riba has been a personal trainer for decades and has completed more than 30 marathons. She’s also married to former Channel 8 sports anchor George Riba.
Talulah & Hess, established by Swiss Avenue neighbor Elizabeth Mast, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The gift shop prides itself on its diverse product lines and price points.
The R.S. Munger Business Pioneer is Hari Mari.
Hari Mari was started by Lakewood neighbors Lila and Jeremy Stewart. The company, which is a new member of the chamber, is known for its flip-flops.
People’s Choice goes to Fastsigns of East Dallas, with Yard Card Queen and White Rock Alehouse & Brewery as runners up.
Fastsigns of East Dallas creates custom signs, banners, graphics and vehicle wraps.
Yard Card Queen offers yard sign rentals for celebrations of all kinds, including birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.
White Rock Alehouse & Brewery, located at Arboretum Village Shopping Center near the Gaston-Garland-Grand intersection, offers food and a wide selection of craft beers brewed in house and from breweries across the country.
The awards luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Dec. 8 at CC Young. Tickets may be purchased here.
