Piccadilly is Best New Business in 2013 Best of the Heights Awards

On Sept. 23, at its ninth annual Best of the Heights Awards, FutureHeights honored outstanding businesses, organizations and community members in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. 

Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt edged out finalists Katz Club Diner and Pinwheel Kids to win Best New Business.

“It is a great honor for us to win,” said Cosmin Bota, who, with his brother Adrian, opened the all-organic frozen yogurt shop in March in Coventry Village. “We give full credit and say a heartfelt 'thank you' to the community that has welcomed and supported us since opening day. We really enjoy being part of the creativity and vibrancy of the area.”

The awards for Best Cleveland Heights Business and Best University Heights Business went to Ten Thousand Villages and Bialy’s Bagels, respectively.

This year, FutureHeights gave special recognition to three businesses that have consistently been among the top vote-getters in the Best of the Heights since the awards began. The Continuous Excellence Award was presented to Jazzercise, Washington & Lee Service and Whole Foods Market.

Heights residents nominated their favorite businesses beginning in May, and then voted from among the finalists in 22 categories. The winners were announced at the awards ceremony at Dobama Theatre where Fred Griffith, former anchor of the “Morning Exchange” and longtime Heights resident, was the evening’s host. Griffith brought back warm memories of his television career as he interviewed each winner on stage.

Alex Quintana, owner of Quintana’s Barber and Dream Spa, was honored as Best Community Volunteer for his work, which included helping to organize the Cedar Taylor Merchants Association. He also took home the award for Best Barber.

The City of Cleveland Heights was recognized twice, winning awards for Best Park (Cain Park), and Best Place to Get Healthy (Cleveland Heights Community Center). Nighttown was honored for Best Patio and for Best Live Entertainment/Music Venue.

Ten Thousand Villages also received two awards, capping off its Best CH Business honor with the award for Best Place to Buy a Gift. “It’s a big deal for us,” said Lorie Novak of the nonprofit, fair-trade store. “We moved to Cleveland Heights from Euclid Avenue two years ago because of the welcoming community and the like-mindedness that would support our mission.” She added that she is pleased to have support from fellow businesses and the Cedar Fairmount Special Improvement District.

Kimberly Coryea, owner of Hummingbird Bake Shop, took home the Best Home-Based Business award, and said, “There is so much to like about Cleveland Heights. After living in Chicago many years, I can honestly say we get just about everything we liked about living there here in Cleveland Heights, but with the added benefits of beautiful affordable housing and a stronger sense of community.”

Coryea said that she feels she has put down roots. “When I moved here, I didn't have any sort of network. I work to provide good customer service and try to put out the best product I can every time I get an order. People have responded well, and I don't take any of it for granted because I don't think this would happen just anywhere.”

Clare Taft, president of the FutureHeights Board of Directors, said, “The recognition and support of the local business community through the Best of the Heights Awards is one way that we can promote a strong, vibrant local economy. These entrepreneurs who invest their money and sweat equity in our community, provide needed goods and services, and inject their unique personalities into their businesses are part of why we enjoy a high quality of life in the Heights.”

The following is a complete list of winners and finalists in this year’s Best of the Heights Awards. Voters also suggested businesses that they would like to see in the Heights. Click here to see a list. Click here to view video of the awards ceremony.

Best New Business

WINNER:
Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt

FINALISTS:
The Katz Club Diner
Pinwheel Kids

Best Minority-Owned Business

WINNER:
Anatolia Cafe

FINALISTS:
Janea H.
Pipe’n Hot Grill

Best Hairstylist

WINNER:
Ryan Simons, Abstract A Hair Salon

FINALISTS:
Melissa Fisher, Eddy’s on Coventry
Shawn Paul Gustafson, Shawn Paul Salon

Best Place for Sweet Treats

WINNER:
Luna Bakery Café

FINALISTS:
Sweetie Fry
Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates

Best Live Entertainment/Music Venue

WINNER:
Nighttown

FINALISTS:
The Grog Shop
Cain Park

Best Heights Park

WINNER:
Cain Park

FINALISTS:
Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park
Forest Hills Park

Best Bar, Pub or Tavern

WINNER:
Brennan’s Colony

FINALISTS:
The Tavern Company
The BottleHouse Brewery

Best Healthy Eats

WINNER:
The Stone Oven

FINALISTS:
Aladdin’s Eatery
Anatolia Cafe

Best Place for Fashion

WINNER:
Revive Fair Trade

FINALISTS:
Blush Boutique
You Two Inc.

Best Barber

WINNER:
Alex Quintana, Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa

FINALISTS:
Pat Freed, Freestyles
Adam DiDomenica, Adam’s Barber Shop

Best Home-Based Business

WINNER: 
Hummingbird Bake Shop

FINALISTS:
Skettle Electric
Simple Hands Studio
Barnett Computers

Best Automotive Business

WINNER:
Bryan’s Marathon

FINALISTS:
Alternative Solution Car Care
The Lusty Wrench

Best Storefront Signage

WINNER:
Big Fun

FINALISTS:
Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt
The Wine Spot

Best Place to Pick Up a Copy of the Heights Observer

WINNER:
Phoenix Coffee

FINALISTS:
The Stone Oven
Heights Libraries

Best Carry-Out Only

WINNER:
On the Rise

FINALISTS:
PizzaBOGO
Mister Brisket
Mama Joyce’s Soul Food

Best Place to Buy a Gift

WINNER:
Ten Thousand Villages

FINALISTS:
Heights Arts
Big Fun

Best Place to Take the Family

WINNER:
Tommy’s

FINALISTS:
Dewey’s Pizza
Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt

Best Patio

WINNER:
Nighttown

FINALISTS:
Brennan’s Colony
Lopez Southwest Grill

Best Place for Health

WINNER:
Cleveland Heights Community Center

FINALISTS:
Atma Center
Anytime Fitness

Best Community Volunteer

WINNER:
Alex Quintana

FINALISTS:
Susie Kaeser
Jan Kious

Best University Heights Business

WINNER:
Bialy’s Bagels

FINALISTS:
Pizzazz
Geraci’s Restaurant

Best Cleveland Heights Business

WINNER:
Ten Thousand Villages

FINALISTS:
Abstract A Hair Salon
Bryan’s Marathon

Continuous Excellence Award Winners

Jazzercise
Washington & Lee Service
Whole Foods Market