Hanover’s Perspective
Celebrating the First Annual Heart of Hanover, VA Business Contest Award Winners
The Heart of Hanover Business Awards have officially crowned their first-ever winners! This prestigious new tradition is dedicated to recognizing the local businesses that make Hanover County not just a great place to live, but a thriving hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and community connection.
These awards are truly special because they are entirely driven by the community—nominated and voted on by the public. These awards reflect the voices and values of the people who live, work, and shop in Hanover, making each recognition a meaningful celebration of local excellence. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to submit nominations and cast their votes. Your participation is what makes these awards a genuine expression of community pride and support.
From beloved small-town staples to rising stars in the local economy, these businesses embody the pulse of Hanover. Without further ado, let’s celebrate the inaugural winners of The Heart of Hanover, VA Business Awards!
2025 Winners
Destination Business of the Year: ASHLAND THEATRE
This award recognizes a Hanover business that provides entertainment, recreational, cultural, or historical experiences for the tourists and residents. Some examples include farms focusing on agritourism, historic sites, breweries, wineries, B & Bs, farmers markets, hotels, resorts, and amusement parks and theaters.
Ashland Theatre is a historic theatre and performing arts venue located in Ashland, VA. Its mission is to reinvent the classic American movie house experience through exceptional film, live performances, and deliver a deeper level of engagement through speakers, panels, talkbacks, and events that entertain, educate, inspire, and are welcoming to all.
Website: ashlandtheatre.org
Health & Wellness Business of the Year: ROOT MODERN DENTISTRY
This award recognizes a Hanover County business that provides services and/or products in the health and wellness industry. Some examples include hair and nail salons, spas, beauty clinics, massages, gyms, wellness centers, doctors, dentists, etc.
Root Modern Dentistry was established with a vision to revolutionize the traditional dental experience. More than just a dental practice, it represents a pioneering approach to self-care, aiming to transform dental visits into positive, wellness-focused experiences. The state-of-the-art facility is thoughtfully designed for patient comfort, incorporating advanced technology to deliver precise, efficient, and pain-free treatments.
Website: dentistashlandva.com
Manufacturer of the Coolest Thing Made in Hanover County: CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE BREWING COMPANY
This award recognizes a Hanover-based manufacturer of goods and products.
Center of the Universe Brewing Co. (COTU) began in 2011 in Ashland, Virginia, founded by brothers Chris and Phil Ray, who turned their homebrewing hobby into a full-fledged craft brewery. What started as a personal passion quickly evolved into a mission to share their love of beer with a wider audience. COTU remains committed to its founding principles: crafting a diverse range of ales using only the finest all-natural ingredients and traditional brewing methods—while having fun in the process. The brewery continues to take pride in supporting the community that has supported it from the start. At its core, everything at COTU revolves around quality beer—and the people who enjoy it.
Website: cotubrewing.com
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: THE LUCKY PAW FOUNDATION
This award recognizes any nonprofit organization with a 501c tax id residing in Hanover County that delivers programs and/or services to Hanover residents.
The Lucky Paw Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting animal shelters and rescues through the provision of supplies, financial aid, medical assistance, adoption sponsorships, and spay/neuter coverage. It was founded in memory of several beloved pets who had passed, inspiring a mission to honor their legacy through meaningful action. The foundation aims to grow within the community to expand its impact, helping more shelters and rescues and ultimately find permanent, loving homes for as many animals as possible.
Facebook: The Lucky Paw Foundation
Restaurant of the Year: THE CABOOSE MARKET & CAFÉ
This award recognizes a restaurant where a meal is served on or from the premises located in Hanover County or mobile truck with a Hanover business registration.
Since 1997, The Caboose Market & Café has served the Hanover and greater Richmond area with a curated selection of fine wine, beer, and specialty foods. In 2015, the business expanded to include a seasonal farm-to-table café, emphasizing the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding farming community. Located along the railroad tracks in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia, The Caboose combines the welcoming service of a small town with a unique and thoughtfully selected offering designed to surprise and delight visitors.
Website: cabooseashland.com
Retail Business of the Year: REFUNKIT
This award recognizes a retailer in Hanover County that is locally owned. Some examples include bakeries and coffee shops, clothing boutiques, hardware, thrift, gifts, décor, jewelry, and pet supplies.
At Refunkit, a constantly changing inventory and unique items make shopping an adventure. Since opening in September 2012 with merchandise made entirely from repurposed materials, the shop has expanded to include a curated selection of artwork, decor, and gifts created by over 80 artists from Virginia and beyond.
Website: refunkit.com
Service Business of the Year: CREATIVE ENTERPRISE POWERWASHING LLC.
This award recognizes a Hanover business that has a Hanover location that serves the residents of Hanover County. Examples include accounting, banking, financial planning, engineering, law, technology, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, contractors, handyman, cleaning, pet grooming and boarding, roofing, etc.
Creative Enterprise Powerwashing LLC (CEP), founded in 2006, started as a small brick-washing operation with only one additional employee. Since then, it has grown into a successful business with a team of over 20 professionals and a combined 40+ years of industry experience. Today, CEP stands as the largest and most reputable exterior power washing company in Central Virginia. The company is built on core values of transparency, honesty, teamwork, reliability, and a commitment to both customer and employee satisfaction—striving always to deliver excellence with integrity.
Website: cepowerwashing.com
Each of these businesses represents the heart and soul of Hanover County, bringing quality products, valuable services, and strong community support to the region. Their dedication to excellence strengthens our local economy and makes Hanover a fantastic place to live and work.
A huge congratulations to all the winners! Be sure to visit and support these outstanding businesses along with all of those nominated to keep our local community thriving. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the best of Hanover!
We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors. Their generous support and commitment to our local business community make this event possible, allowing us to recognize and celebrate the businesses that shape Hanover County. Your partnership strengthens our shared vision for economic growth and success, and we truly appreciate all that you do to uplift Hanover County.
- Title Sponsor: Hanover County Economic Development Authority
- Heartbeat Sponsor: Luck Companies
And special thank you is extended to:
- Our contest, media and awards celebration partner: The Richmond Times Dispatch
- Everyone who nominated and/or voted during the contest
- Hanover County Government, Town of Ashland, Hanover Chamber of Commerce, Hanover Education Foundation, Downtown Ashland Association and all who helped promote the contest
For more information and to view photographs from the 2025 event, visit Hanover Business Recognition Programs.