Community Votes Are In: Top 3 Finalists Announced for the 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards

Excitement is building for the 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards, and after an incredible show of community support, the top three businesses in each category are officially revealed. These outstanding businesses have earned a special invitation to attend the Heart of Hanover Awards Luncheon on June 2nd at the Richmond Times-Dispatch Building in Mechanicsville, where winners in each category will be announced during the event.

This year’s contest once again showcased the incredible strength, diversity, and innovation of Hanover’s business community. Hundreds of businesses were nominated, generating thousands of community votes from residents, customers, and supporters eager to recognize the organizations that help make Hanover County and the Town of Ashland such a vibrant place to live, work, shop, dine, and visit. Along with the community-voted categories, several committee-determined awards will also be presented during the luncheon celebration.

The top three businesses in each category are as follows (listed in alphabetical order):

Destination Business of the Year

• Ashland Theatre
• Hanover Tavern
• Hanover Vegetable Farm

Health & Wellness Business of the Year

• Health Link Family Chiropractic
• Pulse Barre Studio
• Root Modern Dentistry

Manufacturer of the Year

• Center of the Universe Brewing Company
• Closet Factory
• Doggone Good Treats LLC

Nonprofit Organization of the Year

• The Arc of Hanover & The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store
• The Lucky Paw Foundation
• Wings of Hope Ranch

Restaurant of the Year

• The Caboose Market & Cafe
• Red Rooster Country Store
• Sam’s Hot Dog Stand

Retail Business of the Year

• Center of the Yarniverse
• For Posh Sake
• Through the Garden Gate

Service Business of the Year

• Dominion Lock & Security, Inc.
• PawsCienda Pet Resort
• Stacey’s Custom Vacations and Travel

The anticipation now turns to June 2nd, when finalists, community leaders, and supporters will gather to celebrate Hanover’s thriving business community and reveal this year’s winners.

A special thank you goes to our generous sponsors for helping make the Heart of Hanover Business Awards possible:

Title Sponsor:  Hanover County Economic Development Authority

Heartbeat Sponsor:  Ashland Economic Development

Pulse Sponsors:  

• Southern Bank
• Virginia Natural Gas
• Downtown Ashland Association

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Richmond Times-Dispatch for serving as our valued media partner and online contest host throughout this year’s awards program.

Winners will be announced on June 2nd.