5 Businesses Nominated For Heart Of Del Ray 2020

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Five businesses have been nominated for the 2020 Heart of Del Ray award, given to the business that is seen as the "heart and soul of Del Ray."

The Del Ray Business Association gives out the award every February after a public vote determines the winner. A large heart-shaped award will be displayed on the winning business on Feb. 13 in time for Valentine’s Day weekend. A business can only win the award once.

"Selection is based on which business best demonstrates their warm and welcoming attitude to the community and customers, their commitment and generosity to the community, and to their overall contribution to Del Ray," said the Del Ray Business Association in a statement.

Here are the nominated businesses and descriptions provided by the Del Ray Business Association:

• Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap: For decades, the Yates family has been known for their commitment to the community and customer service — values that they have carried over to their restaurant, Lena’s. The restaurant hosts regular fundraising nights for local schools and community organizations, and leads the party during Del Ray’s popular charity bar crawls. A few of the nominations read: "They are the epitome of the neighborhood" and "Good food and a great environment. The staff is wonderful."
• Ms. Preeti's 7-Eleven: The biggest smile in Del Ray is the one behind the counter at 7-Eleven. Owner Preeti Patel is a fixture in the community, known for her welcoming spirit and her support of local events and causes — including donating over 2,000 hot dogs for the Del Ray Halloween Parade every year. Nominations say "She knows all the families, supports all our events, supports the schools, and so much more" and "She is always pleasant, always working hard, and always so kind and welcoming to my kids."
• Rock of Ages Music (ROAM): Founded by Alexandria native John Patrick, ROAM strives to be "an all-inclusive music center to provide the area with all of its musical needs." Not only does he teach up-and-coming musicians, he volunteers countless hours chairing the Del Ray Music Festival, bringing top local talent to the neighborhood. Some of the nominations say: "They are building a safe community for our kids, all while embracing the arts" and "The end results are amazing and fill the kids with such a sense of accomplishment and self esteem."
• Stomping Ground: Three words are used most often to describe chef/owner Nicole Jones’ Stomping Ground — friendly, welcoming, and delicious — all the things a great neighborhood restaurant should be. "Nicole’s energy, community involvement and culinary talent are the very best Del Ray has to offer. Her actions and work bring great credit upon her and our town," says one nomination. Another nomination sums it up like this "It’s like Cheers for biscuits!"
• Studio Body Logic: For over 20 years, Studio Body Logic has been a leader in the wellness community, with a commitment to giving back; the studio offers free Pilates classes for wounded veterans through their non-profit, Next Step Pilates. "The women who run it are widely recognized as some of the very best in their fields, and most importantly, they have formed a supportive community of people who laugh, hurt, and grow together," says one nomination. Another nomination states, "They have been improving lives of residents like myself for many years, and they are also helping some of those who need it most."

Voting is open from Feb. 3 to noon on Feb. 12. Visit www.visitdelray.com/heartofdelray to vote.

Past winners are:

• 2009: A Show of Hands
• 2010: Jen Walker, McEnearney Associates
• 2011: Bobi Bomar, Homes of Alexandria/Compass
• 2012: The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray
• 2013: The Greener Cleaner of Del Ray
• 2014: Del Ray Pizzeria
• 2015: Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga
• 2016: Caboose Cafe
• 2017: Del Ray Cafe
• 2018: Pork Barrel BBQ/Holy Cow/The Sushi Bar
• 2019: Taqueria Poblano