Business of the Year award winners. Photo by Deborah Brown.
The winners of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year awards were announced on Nov. 19. Get to know a little more about the people and stories behind these neighborhood businesses.
Business of the Year: Half Price Books, Sharon Anderson Wright
The business recently celebrated 52 years of operation this year, keeping its Flagship store and corporate office in our neighborhood for over 25 years. Founded in 1972 by Pat Anderson and Ken Gjemre, the business is now led by Sharon Anderson Wright, Pat Anderson’s daughter.
Wright also owns Rooster Home and Hardware off of Northwest Highway.
Chairman’s Award: Comerica BusinessHQ, Kayla Nimer
Commercial BusinessHQ is currently Comercia Bank’s largest investment in real estate dedicated to the community. The company was created to address the needs of small businesses by focusing on “capital, cultivation and connectivity,” according to their description.
Commercial BusinessHQ has partnered with nonprofits and community partners like Project Still I Rise, Empowering the Masses and The Real Estate Council.
Entrepreneur Award: Stroudrosa BBQ, Robin and Matt Stroud
Matt Stroud decided to form Strouderosa LLC in 2019 after his father died. The family had created memories around making and canning salsa and bbq sauce and after forming the LLC, the goal was to continue those memories for fun.
During the pandemic, the business began to expand and eventually they were catering parties, private dinners, business lunches and more. After having their Jalapeno BBQ Sauce on shelves in Central Market, True Value and Rooster Hardware, Stroudrosa BBQ got its storefront in 2023.
Live Local Award: Mosquito Shield of North Dallas, Josh & Rebecca Rider
Josh and Rebecca Rider started Mosquito Shield of North Dallas in 2021, providing both residential and commercial mosquito control as well as outdoor tick/flea and pest control. Mosquito Shield of North Texas has ranked in the top 10 of all Mosquito Shield franchises nationwide in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Outside of Mosquito season, the duo provides holiday lights to several customers around the neighborhood.
Live Local Award: Maya’s Modern Mediterranean, Russell Birk
Neighbor and owner Russell Birk is a Casa Linda resident. Maya’s Modern Mediterranean began its journey in our neighborhood back in 2018 and has a second location in the works within the next month. The restaurant blends cuisine from Israel and dishes from across the surrounding Mediterranean.
Live Local Award: Yard Card Queen East Dallas, Elizabeth Ryan
The family-run business places custom made signs — 25 feet in length — across business or residential properties. Realtors, schools and churches are among their neighborhood clientele. Fifteen percent of total sales from Yard Card Queen goes back to East Dallas Schools.
Owner Elizabeth Ryan is also a member of the National Charity League’s White Rock Chapter and a board member for the Wildcat Club.
R.S. Munger Business Pioneer Award: Andrea Lamarsaude
The East Dallas Arts District is a nonprofit organization that has formed an official art district to support East Dallas creatives. The District’s mission is to “enrich, educate and inspire the community through the arts,” by utilizing art-focused educational events, artist talks and demos, open studios, performances and beautification projects in East/Old East Dallas.
This year, the District hosted its first annual Art Walk on Nov. 9 with over 60 artists and musicians participating in 15 venues across East Dallas.
People’s Choice: Hello Dumpling, June Chow
The Asian comfort food eatery focuses on hand-rolled dumplings, noodles and bubble tea. Founder June Chow has leaned into a modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine that prioritizes affordability and accessibility for neighborhood patrons. The restaurant is best known for its hand-rolled dumplings and its variety of unique bubble teas.
