Heart Of Del Ray 2023 Business Nominees Announced

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Six nominees for the Del Ray Business Association's Heart of Del Ray award have been announced for 2023.

The award is given annually by the Del Ray Business Association. The business association seeks nominations of businesses that show a "warm and welcoming attitude," "commitment and generosity to the community" and "overall contribution to what makes Del Ray the best place in the world to eat, live, work and shop." Nominations were accepted through Jan. 27.

Nominees include Del Ray Artisans, Del Ray Farmers Market, Del Ray Psych & Wellness, The Dog Store/Your Dog's Best Friends, Rosemont Landscaping & Lawncare, and St. Elmo's Coffee Pub.

Del Ray Artisans is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023. One nominator wrote that Del Ray Artisans has supported new artisans, promoted arts in the community and offers a gallery, workshops, exhibits and other events.

The Del Ray Farmers Market is a volunteer-run market featuring over 20 regional farmers and vendors. One nominator said it's a gathering space for neighbors, nonprofits and vendors.

Del Ray Psych & Wellness is a practice of psychologists, therapists and wellness experts. The Del Ray Business Association's current president, Lauren Fisher, is a psychologist and co-owner at Del Ray Psych. One nominator said Del Ray Psych provides quality care as well as events for the community.

The Dog Store is a store for dog owners, while Your Dog's Best Friends is a dog day care center. The store is credited with being active in community events and decorating the store window for the holidays.

Rosemont Landscaping & Lawncare is a family-run business. One nominator said the business is always willing to help the community, including school donations and playground installations and more.

St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, unofficially "Del Ray's living room," has been a gathering place for over 25 years. One nominator said the neighborhood was built around St. Elmo's.

Voting for the Heart of Del Ray award is available online until noon on Feb. 9. A heart-shaped award will be presented to the winner on Feb. 10 in time for Valentine's Day weekend.

A business can only win the award once.

Past winners of the Heart of Del Ray award include:

• 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
• 2019: Taqueria Poblano
• 2020: Ms. Preeti’s 7-11
• 2021: Dolce & Bean
• 2022: Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap