Business & Tech

Trader Joe's Takes Home Best New Business in 2012 ABBIE Awards

Liberty Tavern, Northside Social among winners in 16 other categories.

Winners of the 2012 People's Choice ABBIE Awards were announced Tuesday at the Arlington County Board's recessed meeting for November.

Arlington Economic Development received more than 1,100 nominations for businesses in 17 "best of" categories, spokeswoman Cara O'Donnell told the board. More than 5,000 people cast ballots.

Many of the categories were hotly contested, O'Donnell said.

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One big winner was the partnership that owns the trio of Clarendon eateries that includes Northside Social, Liberty Tavern and Lyon Hall. Mark Fedorchak, on the partnership's behalf, accepted two awards for Liberty Tavern and the coveted Best Coffee award for Northside Social.

"They got that Facebook thing down, eh?" board member Jay Fisette said, referring to the way businesses were encouraged to promote the contest themselves online.

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One other notable winner was Trader Joe's, a newcomer to the Clarendon neighborhood that won the Best New Business award.

"That's so true," Fisette said. "Now we don't have to hear from all of our constituents: When are we going to get a Trader Joe's?"

Arlington County Board Chairwoman Mary Hynes thanked all the winners for helping make Arlington a better place.

The winners of the 2012 People's Choice ABBIE Awards:

Best Place for Arts & Culture:

Signature Theatre

 

Best Bargain Restaurant:

Lost Dog Café

 

Best Boutique:

Artisan Confections

 

Best Brunch:

The Liberty Tavern

 

Best Business Lunch:

The Liberty Tavern

 

Best Coffee:

Best Customer Service:

Arlington Public Library

 

Best Dessert:

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

 

Best Family-Friendly Spot:

Arlington Public Library

 

Best Happy Hour:

Westover Beer Garden & Haus

 

Best New Business:

Trader Joe's

 

Best Online/Social Media Presence:

ARLnow.com

 

Best Place to Pamper Yourself:

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

 

Best Pizza:

Pupatella

 

Best Place to take a Date:


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