This year has not been easy for local businesses, which were forced to close their doors in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic and make health and safety changes once they reopened. However, the winners of the Airdrie City View’s 2020 Best of Airdrie Readers’ Choice Awards were quick to recognize the community’s amazing support during trying times. Every Airdronian who chose to shop locally also chose to support the community.
This year’s awards had both new and repeat winners. Whether the business has been in the city for more than a decade or opened this year, every winner interviewed emphasized the importance of the community to both their long-term success and survival during the global pandemic.
Airdrie residents have continued to show their support by taking the time to vote for their favourite businesses. All winners were selected by residents who cast a vote for restaurants, stores and people they love.
Nayte Bennett, a new resident and owner of The Meatery, said he was “on cloud nine” upon finding out he won the award for Best Beef. Xtreme Donair, Old Town Pizza House Bar & Grill and My Garage Auto & Tire are also first-time winners and their owners were equally thrilled. Paul Lappas and George Kangles of Old Town Pizza House said they were extremely humbled and grateful to have won 11 awards in their first year of operation.
The Meatery, My Garage Auto & Tire and Old Town are not only first-time winners but also new businesses in the city. Their quick success can be attributed to their customer-first approach. Chris Dekker, owner and founder of My Garage, said creating customer trust is of the utmost importance.
Summerhill Florist, Pauls Pizza, Perfect Home Furniture, Davis Chevrolet GMC Buick and Coopers Crossing may not be first-time winners but were equally appreciative to once again receive recognition. Paul Gerla of WestMark Holdings – the development company behind Coopers Crossing – said it’s always great to have your work recognized.
The Meatery, My Garage Auto & Tire and Old Town are not only first-time winners but also new businesses in the city. Their quick success can be attributed to their customer-first approach. Chris Dekker, owner and founder of My Garage, said creating customer trust is of the utmost importance.
Businesses that have existed for a long time have created a special bond with their customers. Winners Marwan Sleiman, co-owner of Xtreme Donair, and Colette Provencher, owner of Summerhill Florist, said their customers feel like an extended family, and they’ve watched them go through life’s milestones.
Over the course of the coming week, we'll highlight a number of these award-winning businesses on airdrietoday.com. Airdrie City View is proud to bring the stories of these businesses and people to the community as an annual reminder of each business’s hard work, passion and commitment to the city.
