News
Heart of Hanover Business Awards 2026 Luncheon Celebrates Hanover’s Outstanding Business Community
June 2, 2026
Hanover County’s business community gathered on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Richmond Times-Dispatch Building in Mechanicsville for the 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards Luncheon, a celebration recognizing the businesses and organizations that help make Hanover County and the Town of Ashland vibrant places to live, work, shop, dine, and visit.
Hosted by Hanover County Economic Development, the Heart of Hanover Business Awards program highlights the innovation, leadership, service, and community impact demonstrated by local businesses across a variety of industries. The luncheon brought together finalists, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the strength of Hanover’s business community and announce this year’s award winners.
In addition to seven publicly voted business categories, committee-selected honors were also presented. These special awards recognize businesses that have demonstrated long-term commitment, leadership, investment, and meaningful contributions to Hanover’s economic vitality and sense of place.
2026 Publicly Voted Contest Award Winners
- Destination Business of the Year: Hanover Vegetable Farm
- 1st runner-up: Ashland Theatre
- 2nd runner-up: Hanover Tavern
- Health & Wellness Business of the Year: Root Modern Dentistry
- 1st runner-up: Health Link Family Chiropractic
- 2nd runner-up: Pulse Barre Studio
- Manufacturer of the Year: Doggone Good Treats LLC
- 1st runner-up: Center of the Universe Brewing Company
- 2nd runner-up: Closet Factory
- Nonprofit Organization of the Year: The Lucky Paw Foundation
- 1st runner-up: Wings of Hope Ranch
- 2nd runner-up: The Arc of Hanover & The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store
- Restaurant of the Year: Red Rooster Country Store
- 1st runner-up: Sam’s Hot Dog Stand
- 2nd runner-up: The Caboose Market & Cafe
- Retail Business of the Year: For Posh Sake
- 1st runner-up: Through the Garden Gate
- 2nd runner-up: Center of the Yarniverse
- Service Business of the Year: PawsCienda Pet Resort
- 1st runner-up: Stacey’s Custom Vacations and Travel
- 2nd runner-up: Dominion Lock & Security, Inc.
2026 Committee-Selected Award Recipients
Legacy Business Award
Recognizes businesses located in Hanover County for 50 years and greater that have demonstrated longevity, sustained success, and a lasting impact on Hanover County through years of service and commitment to the community.
Marc S. Weiss Award: Green Top Sporting Goods
Named in honor of former Hanover County Economic Development Director Marc S. Weiss, this award recognizes a business that exemplifies leadership, innovation, community engagement, and significant contributions to Hanover’s economic growth.
Building Design & Improvement Award: Thompson Street Tavern
Presented to a business or property owner whose investment in building improvements, redevelopment, or design excellence enhances the appearance, character, and vitality of Hanover County.
Hanover VA250 Award: Hanover Tavern
The Hanover VA250 Award recognizes businesses and organizations whose efforts help celebrate, preserve, and promote Hanover’s history and community spirit as part of the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
This year’s contest once again generated tremendous community participation, with residents and supporters across Hanover County casting votes and showing their appreciation for the businesses and organizations that contribute to the county’s continued growth and quality of life.
A special thank you goes to the generous sponsors who helped make the 2026 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, and Downtown Ashland Association
- Flower Arrangements: Breemar Flower Farm
We also extend sincere appreciation to Richmond Times-Dispatch for serving as the event host, media partner, and online contest host throughout this year’s awards program.
Congratulations to all finalists, nominees, and award recipients for helping make Hanover County’s business community the true “Heart of Hanover.”
To learn more, visit the Heart of Hanover on HanoverVirginia.com.