Central Valley Business Awards: Celebrating Exceptional Hospitality, Lifestyle, and Community Spirit!

Image by Cecilia Lopez

On Tuesday, December 10, The Business Journal conducted its 11th yearly Best of Central Valley Business Awards banquet. Numerous prominent figures from the Valley’s business scene gathered at Pardini’s Catering to celebrate their successes and be recognized as one of the Valley’s leading honorees, selected by readers of The Business Journal.

Today, The Business Journal shines a spotlight on its hospitality, lifestyle, and community experience award recipients. Congratulations to all the victors.

 

Best Bar to Host Clients: Elbow Room

 

1st Finalist: Max’s Bistro & Bar
2nd Finalist: Pismo’s Coastal Grill

Written by: Ben Hensley

With 30 years as an owner and a record ninth recognition as the Best Bar to Host Clients in the Central Valley Business Awards, Mike Shirinian, owner of Elbow Room, has much to celebrate.

For the ninth time, the voters have chosen and honored Elbow Room for the first instance since 2021. Prior to this, the Elbow Room had been awarded as the Best Bar to Host Clients for eight consecutive years — since the inaugural awards — before slipping from the top position over the last two years.

This year, whether due to the restaurant owner’s 30th anniversary or the bar’s menu (or both), voters honored the local establishment’s heritage and excellence in the Valley, with over 20 percent indicating Elbow Room as the Best Bar to Host Clients.

“Fresno’s such a devoted community that our move into Fig Garden Village really legitimized the Elbow Room,” Shirinian shared in an interview with The Business Journal earlier this year. “Through the years we’ve consistently evolved. We’ve installed two patios at the Elbow Room, and added a wine cellar dining area; it’s grown extensively in the 27 years we’ve been in Fig Garden Village.”

With 27 years in its current location at the core of Fig Garden Village, the Elbow Room continues to draw large crowds today. Often, the restaurant’s evening ambiance leaves guests with scarcely more than “elbow room” at the bar, affirming the establishment as a top choice for business professionals wishing to entertain clients.

 

Best Local Brewery: Mad Duck Craft Brewing

 

1st Finalist: Crow & Wolf
2nd Finalist: Sequoia Brewing Company

Written by: Ben Hensley

It’s two-for-two for local brews for one local brewery, as voters have named Mad Duck Craft Brewing as the Best Local Brewery for the second straight year in this edition of the Best of Central Valley Business Awards.

Mad Duck has secured the award both years that it has been awarded. Last year, CEO Alex Costa expressed that it’s Mad Duck’s distinctive approach to its brews and food that sets them apart. Costa mentioned the resources the restaurant dedicates to creating food that complements their brews.

This year, Mad Duck inaugurated a new outlet on Copper Avenue, its fourth, in North Fresno. The newly established restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating and provides options for all, according to Becky May Foster, a manager at Mad Duck’s Copper venue.

“It’s been fantastic,” Foster noted. “We received a warm welcome from the community; everyone seems to enjoy it.”

Mad Duck’s breweries, situated at Campus Pointe and Herndon venues, distribute their brews to their restaurants and also to other local dining establishments. They provide a selection of every style of their brews at their restaurants.

Foster mentioned that the community’s backing for the business is what motivates them.

“It’s an excellent place for individuals from all backgrounds to come and enjoy something,” she stated. “There’s something for every taste, which is likely why people feel so at ease here.”

 

Best Catering Company: Pardini’s Catering

 

1st Finalist: Love & Garlic
2nd Finalist: Meat Market

Composed by: Ben Hensley

The champion remains securely on the throne as Pardini’s Catering claims the accolade for Best Catering Company, achieving a full decade as the holder of this distinction.

Since the category’s inception in the 2015 Best of the Central Valley Business Awards, no other establishment has dethroned the top vote-earner; this year, Pardini’s Catering garnered almost 30 percent of the votes from readers.

“It truly means a lot to us to be acknowledged and celebrated by the business community,” stated Jeff Pardini, co-owner of Pardini’s Catering. “We continually strive to cater to our business and corporate clients, and we’re thrilled to be nominated once more.”

Last year, Pardini’s underwent a significant renovation, revamping its event center and introducing a new space — The Red Room — to its offerings.

Pardini remarked that the opening of The Red Room to the public attracts attention to Pardini’s already enticing event venue.

“It’s been fantastic,” he expressed. “It gives us the opportunity to provide the neighborhood with a distinct experience through our craft cocktail bar,” he added. “It also acts as an effective marketing tool for booking private events in that venue.”

Pardini’s Catering, established in 1958, transformed into a large catering enterprise in 1981. Pardini’s collaborates locally with numerous venues and wineries and manages its own location at 2257 W. Shaw Ave. in Fresno.

“We sincerely thank everyone and are incredibly honored to be voted once more,” he concluded. “We will continue to deliver excellent service and quality as we always have.”

 

Best Golf Course to Host a Client: Copper River Country Club

 

1st Finalist: Fort Washington Country Club
2nd Finalist: San Joaquin Country Club

Composed by: Dylan Gonzales

For the first time since 2021, Copper River Country Club has been selected as the finest golf course to host a client. This victory marks Copper River’s seventh win in this category — more than any other country club.

The nearby Fort Washington Country Club claimed the award for the past two years and has a total of three wins, with its other win occurring in 2015. It is the sole country club apart from Copper River that has claimed this title.

As stated by General Manager Todd Hansen, while Copper River is predominantly recognized for its 18-hole golf course, the country club provides several features that set it apart from other country clubs.

“We’re a resort-style facility that is unique to the Central Valley region,” Hansen noted. “Most establishments focus solely on golf, food, and beverages and lack the additional features. It is an appealing destination for our members to host their guests and clients to enjoy the full experience.”

Copper River is also among the fastest-growing communities in the Central Valley, with Trumark recently inaugurating sales in the community.

“The expansion here is remarkable,” Hansen commented. “It feels like every day there’s something new being established. Each day I arrive at work, there’s a new residence. They’re doing a wonderful job around here. And currently, it’s quite a hotspot with a tremendous demand.”

 

Best Local Annual Event to Experience: The Big Fresno Fair

 

1st Finalist: Clovis Rodeo
2nd Finalist: Fresno Greek Fest

Composed by: Frank Lopez

For the seventh occasion, readers of the Business Journal have rated The Big Fresno Fair the Best Local Annual Event to Attend.

This category was established in 2017, and the Big Fresno Fair has triumphed every year except for 2023, when readers selected Greek Fest as the top annual event.

The Fresno Fair, which was initially founded in 1884 and later revived in 1948, is committed to its mission to “Celebrate, Educate, and Have Fun” while honoring the region’s…
“`rich farming legacy, as well as establish an enjoyable, inviting family atmosphere.

Previously, The Big Fresno Fair board designated Christina Estrada as the interim CEO to oversee the fair until a permanent CEO is appointed.

This year, the event lasted for 13 days and draws in over 600,000 attendees annually.

This year, more than 3,992 animals were showcased by 3,000 4-H and FFA participants.

In 2024, the Livin’ Local Marketplace highlighted 36 local small enterprises with 15 new vendors and achieved sales of $130,000.

A message from the Big Fresno Fair expressed enthusiasm for what 2025 has in store.

“As we look forward to 2025, we’re planning for even grander entertainment, new attractions, and innovative ways to honor the Valley’s rich heritage and culture. There’s a lot more to come, and we can’t wait to share it with our community – but we aren’t quite ready to reveal it yet.”

 

Best Local Fitness Center: GB3

 

1st Finalist: Sierra Sport and Racquet Club
2nd Finalist: Fig Garden Swim and Racquet Club

Written by: Dylan Gonzales

For the second consecutive year, George Brown Sports Club, commonly referred to as GB3, has been chosen as the best local fitness center. This marks the second year for the “best local fitness category,” and GB3 is the sole fitness center to receive this accolade.

GB3 General Manager Sean Clinton co-founded GB3 with its namesake, George Brown, in 2000, and has remained with the organization ever since. Currently, there are five GB3 locations in the greater Fresno area.

GB3 is the only gym in town specifically designed from the ground up for health clubs.

The primary focus for 2024 for the nearly 25-year-old establishment was the enhancement of its equipment.

“We upgraded many of our clubs with new advanced technology,” Clinton stated. “We have items that no one else possesses. Additionally, we offer the most equipment of any gym around. Our display is extensive, and we are filled with high-quality, top-tier equipment.”

 

Best Interior Design Firm: Facility Designs

 

1st Finalist: Darden Architects
2nd Finalist: CORE Business Interiors

Written by: Ramon Castanos

Facility Designs has been reaffirmed as Best Interior Design Firm — for the second consecutive year.

“Facility Designs is a MillerKnoll Certified Dealer focusing on tailored design solutions that create immediate impact and enduring value,” stated Carrie De Young, chief operating officer. “As a WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council)-accredited, woman-owned small business located in Fresno, our aim of complete customer satisfaction has endured for 33 years and continues.”

She elaborated that the company sets itself apart from competitors through its excellent client service.

“Our team is comprised of the most remarkable, skilled, and seasoned professionals,” stated De Young. “Every member of Team FD contributes an unmatched level of professionalism, positivity, and enthusiasm to our projects – our clients’ remarkable spaces truly initiate with our team’s extraordinary service.”

She noted that is why a majority of clients value Facility Designs. Moreover, the company adapts to the requirements of its clients across various markets, including business, healthcare, education, and government.

“The aspirations and objectives of our clients steer our actions, and we adore designing environments that work as diligently as they do for our Central Valley community,” stated De Young.

Facility Designs provides clients with a selection of product lines to cater to their preferences and requirements, such as desks, office spaces, partitioning, accessories, storage solutions, and tables. Their brands encompass Herman Miller, Geiger, National, among others.

“We appreciate everyone who voted for Team FD,” De Young expressed. “We look forward to collaborating in 2025 to find the ideal balance of aesthetics and functionality to enhance your space!”

 

Best Commercial Printing Company: Dumont Printing

 

1st Runner-Up: Fast Signs
2nd Runner-Up: Fresno Reprographics

Authored by: Ben Hensley

The electorate has decided and recognized Dumont Printing as the premier choice for the 2024 Best of the Central Valley Business Awards, surpassing contenders Fast Signs and Fresno Reprographics for its seventh accolade in the Best Commercial Printing Company category.

“We are incredibly honored and profoundly grateful to be acknowledged for this award yet again, and it is entirely due to the confidence and backing of our clients, allies, and community,” expressed Susan Moore, president/owner of Dumont Printing. “This acknowledgment holds tremendous significance for our team, and we are thankful for the chance to serve such a wonderful community.”

Founded in 1950, Dumont Printing functions as a comprehensive printing service in the Valley, offering customers digital printing, grand- and large-format printing, graphic design, and much more. The mission of Moore’s team is to transform challenges into possibilities, providing client-centered solutions with integrity and enthusiasm.

This year, Dumont achieved remarkable milestones and invested in advanced equipment, improving efficiencies and maintaining high-quality standards. The company also augmented its fulfillment center by an additional 15,000 square feet.

“As we look ahead to 2025, our focus remains on further broadening our services, stimulating business growth, and generating more local employment opportunities,” Moore remarked. “These initiatives showcase our commitment to innovation, community involvement, and customer satisfaction as we strive to enhance our legacy of achievement.”

 

Best Automobile Dealership: Hedrick’s Chevrolet

 

1st Runner-Up: Fresno Lexus
2nd Runner-Up: Selma Auto Mall

Authored by: Ben Hensley

Sound the horns and fire up the engines — Hedrick’s Chevrolet has returned to the winner’s circle in this year’s Best of the Central Valley Business Awards for Best Automobile Dealership, claiming the honor for the third time.

It marks their first victory since 2018.

Situated on Shaw Avenue just within the Clovis city limits, Hedrick’s Chevrolet was established in 1944 in downtown Clovis. In 1965, the Hallowell family relocated the dealership to its current location. After collaborating with the dealership’s founder, James Hallowell, for over 40 years, Bill Hedrick acquired the business from the Hallowell family in 2000.

The establishment continues to be managed by the Hedrick family, with Bill’s son Brett serving as general manager alongside his brothers Blake and Tanner, who are the current dealership leaders.

Brett attributed the dealership’s success to its staff, praising their unwavering commitment to operating at peak performance to cater to customers in the Valley and beyond.

“Employees are the ones that truly represent the business,” he stated. “Being a family-owned establishment, we all work and reside in this community.”

Brett expressed that through over 60 years of engaging with the community, he hopes the dealership will persist in serving the community both now and in the years to come.

“We keep our name prominent, and I believe that is when you receive the acknowledgment for your contributions to the community,” he remarked. “We appreciate the community’s support. We believe we are all in this together.”