The Best of Holladay Business Awards 2025 luncheon, held Dec. 5 at Holladay City Hall, celebrated excellence within the community. The event highlighted the exceptional dining, self-care and shopping destinations that contribute to the city's intricate blend of unique charm and vitality offered by over 1,000 businesses in Holladay City. Before the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed a sweet and savory buffet provided by Meier’s Catering, a local Holladay business.

Hosted by the Holladay Business Advisory Board, the luncheon welcomed Holladay City officials and business owners from throughout Holladay.   

In his opening remarks, Business Advisory Board Chair Zac Wilson emphasized the Advisory Board's purpose and the importance of shopping locally and supporting businesses in Holladay. He said, “The Board was established to develop a cooperative and supportive atmosphere between the local business community and the city of Holladay. The Best of Holladay Awards event encourages the community to take part in recognizing and supporting local businesses. It’s noteworthy to mention that 70% of a business’s revenue remains in Holladay.”

The Business Awards program celebrates the outstanding businesses that shape the city’s unique character. Utilizing SurveyMonkey for the voting process allowed both the community and local businesses to nominate and vote for their favorites. Each device was limited to one vote. The business that garnered the most votes in a category was honored with an award highlighting its exceptional contribution to the community. 

Lead organizer of the event, Executive Director of the Holladay Advisory Board Ann Frances Garcia shared, “This year we were pleased with the almost 400 nominations for the community’s favorite businesses.”

City Councilmembers in attendance were Matt Durham, City Councilmember and Mayor elect Paul Fotheringham, Ty Brewer, and Mayor Rob Dahle who expressed his gratitude to the Advisory Board and all of those who have contributed to making it a success. 

“Jason Woodland and I worked together on the Holladay Chamber of Commerce for a number of years together,” Mayor Dahle said. “The Chamber was really struggling. We came up with the idea of transitioning into what is now the Business Advisory Board. Jason agreed to stay on and help us make that transition. His leadership has been so important in ensuring a seamless transition. It’s exciting to see what the original mission of the Chamber was and to see it turn into the mission of the Business Advisory Board.”

Mayor Dahle continued, “Holladay is a small business-centric city. I come from a small business background, and I understand what it takes to put your time, your passion and your money into something, lay it all at stake, and risk it. To compete in this age of the internet and big boxes is really, really tough. We want to make sure that each business knows that we appreciate every small business in Holladay and are doing what we can to help businesses succeed.” 

Although the Holladay Hills development has been progressing slowly, Dahle is hopeful the city will see several leases signed, bringing new businesses to the area.

“This is such an exciting time in Holladay,” Dahle said. “You’ve just seen Trader Joe’s open. You’re going to continue to see so many more exciting announcements over the next six months in the development of Holladay Hills.”  

Catching up with Linda Kalmeta, luncheon guest and owner of Optique Eyewear, a business that offers curated eyewear with a boutique experience, expressed her love for the unique feel of Holladay, stating, “I knew it would be the perfect location for my new business.” 

“Optique Eyewear provides a distinctive European flair to the optical shopping experience, catering to customers of all ages and personalities,” Kalmeta said. "There are plenty of designer brands to choose from, including Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Coco Song and Sabine Be, to name just a few. My vision is to provide an optical shop experience that doesn’t resemble or feel medical. When I was visiting different optical shops in the Alps in France, I found several brands that I love. Sabine Be is one favorite I found. Her frames are unique and colorful, just like Utah!” 

The collective efforts of the business community help define the unique charm, atmosphere and identity of what makes Holladay a great place to visit and to live. 

 "Our city council and staff are committed to making Holladay a thriving and enjoyable place to live. We've really tried hard to do our best work for Holladay," Dahle said. “To the small business owners, thank you for the risks you take to bring small businesses to this little city and to make it an even better place to live.”

Best Breakfast Spot: Presented by board member Jill Fonte

“We are excited to reveal the winner of this year’s Best Breakfast Spot Award — celebrating the place that serves up the most delicious mornings in town,” said Fonte. “This year’s honoree is Sharon’s.”

Best Lunch Spot: Presented by board member Raelynn Potts

“We are excited to announce the winner of this year’s Best Lunch Spot Award — honoring the restaurant or café that makes midday meals unforgettable,” Potts said. “This award celebrates the place that turns lunch into more than just a break in the day. This year’s award was a tie and goes to My Pie Pizza and Caputo’s.”

Best Dinner Spot: Presented by board member, Jason Woodland

“We are thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Best Dinner Spot Award — celebrating the restaurant that makes evenings in our town truly unforgettable,” Woodland said. “We once again have a tie for this first-place award. The award goes to Real Taqueria and Layla Mediterranean Grill & Mezza.” 

Best Customer Service: Presented by board member Suresh Rohaj

“We are proud to announce the recipient of this year’s Best Customer Service Award – Honoring the team that goes above and beyond to make every interaction exceptional,” Rohaj said. “This year we have two honorees Relax the Back and Orange Theory.”

Best Hidden Gem: Presented by board member Dianne Hazen

“We are delighted to unveil the winner of this year’s Best Hidden Gem Award — celebrating the special spot that may not be on every map, but has captured the hearts of those who discover it,” Hazen said. “Celebrating the magic of finding something extraordinary where you least expect it, this year’s award goes to The Cotton Bottom and Pizzeria Tazzo.”

Best Only in our Town: Presented by board member Ken Melby

“We are thrilled to announce the recipient of this year’s Best Only in Our Town Award — recognition that celebrates the unique spirit, creativity and contributions that make our community one-of-a-kind,” Melby said. “This year’s honoree is Snider Brothers Meats.”

Best Holladay Hangout: Presented by board member Britt Kershner

“We are excited to announce the winner of this year’s Best Holladay Hangout Award — celebrating the spot that brings people together and captures the true spirit of Holladay,” Kershner said. “Celebrating the best hangout spot that makes Holladay truly shine – 3 Cups.” 

Best Place for Self-Care: Presented by board member Jill Fonte

“We are proud to announce the winner of this year’s Best Place for Self-Care Award — celebrating the destination that helps our community recharge, relax and restore balance,” Fonte said. “Celebrating the importance of self-care in making our town a healthier, more vibrant place this year’s award goes to Club Pilates.” 

Family Favorite: Presented by board member Raelynn Potts

“We are thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Family Favorite Award — celebrating the place that brings families together and creates lasting memories for all ages,” Potts said. “This year’s award goes to Sweetaly Gelato the special place that makes family time truly unforgettable.”

Heart of the Community: Presented by board member Jason Woodland

“We are honored to announce the recipient of this year’s Heart of the Community Award — celebrating the individual, group or organization whose dedication, compassion and service embody the very soul of our town,” Woodland said. “This year’s award goes to the heart that keeps our community strong and vibrant, Shining Star Academy.”