ANNUAL TOURISM AWARDS RECOGNIZE LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP

Ed Pothul January 30, 2021

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Visit Brenham/Washington County, the area’s Destination Marketing Organization, has recognized several local businesses for—what they call—exceptional efforts for going “above and beyond” during 2020—a year full of challenges due to the pandemic.

Personalized awards have been hand-delivered by the DMO staff to those businesses. These awards include:

Newcomer Award: Pioneer Smokehouse & Mercantile

“In their first full year of operation, this business didn’t just enter business with a bang, they grew into a unique attraction for our area. Housed in an historic train depot with a side yard suited for outdoor relaxation, Pioneer offers barbecue and beverages, and a mercantile with items for sale.”

Presenting Mark Renn of Pioneer Smokehouse & Mercantile with his Newcomer Award are DMO staff members Alex Dill and Jennifer Phillips.

Social Leader Awards: Hermann Furniture and Tres Chic Boutique

“These two businesses took their use of social media platforms to new levels in this time of social distancing and mask wearing. Both increased their use of videos to promote online sales, the key to keeping their businesses strong and top of mind during very difficult circumstances.”

Jennifer Hermann of Hermann Furniture displays her Social Leader Award, presented to her by DMO staff member Jennifer Phillips.

A beaming Stacey Walters of Tres Chic Boutique receives her Social Leader Award from DMO staff member Hannah Hernandez.

Hometown Hero Awards:

“This group of 12 businesses stepped up in a big way after BISD had to temporarily suspend the school meal services due to COVID-19. Led by Jose and Shannon Canales of Las Americas Latin Cuisine, and joined by 11 other local eateries including LJ’s BBQ, Smitty’s Café & Bakery, Must Be Heaven, BT Longhorn Saloon & Steakhouse, Brenham Grill, Tabu Tacos & Burgers, Pioneer Smokehouse & Mercantile, Volare Italian Restaurant, The Yard, Bush’s Chicken and Bever’s Kitchen, the group volunteered to fill the gap. From grilled cheese sandwiches to hot dogs to spaghetti, meals for students were assembled and distributed to kids in our area, so they would not have to go without food.”

Holding their awards, representatives of our Hometown Heroes Award winners gather for a photo. They include (front row) BT Longhorn Saloon & Steakhouse, Las Americas Latin Cuisine and Bush’s Chicken and (back row) LJ’s BBQ, Pioneer Smokehouse & Mercantile, The Yard and Tabu Tacos & Burgers. Winners not pictured include Must Be Heaven, Brenham Grill, Volare Italian Restaurant, Bever’s Kitchen and Smitty’s Café & Bakery.

Best Pivot Awards:

“Pleasant Hill Winery became a bistro serving food and Board & Brush went from in-person classes to take-home kits for both fun and homeschooling use. Blue Willow Café in Burton converted their dine-in experience to a front porch farmers market. All three found creative ways to keep their businesses viable and relevant in the midst of the pandemic.”

In front of Pleasant Hill Winery, owners Bob and Jeanne Cottle receive their Best Pivot Award from DMO staff members Hannah Hernandez and Alex Dill.

Lacey Harwood, Board & Brush Creative Studio owner, displays her Best Pivot Award presented by DMO staff member Hannah Hernandez.

Blue Willow Café owner Tammie Mills, second from left, is presented her Best Pivot Award by DMO staff members Jennifer Phillips, Hannah Hernandez and Alex Dill.

The DMO says they are “excited to recognize these outstanding tourism partners who stepped up and found creative ways for their businesses – and our communities – to survive and even thrive through the pandemic.”

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