Langley’s top businesses as chosen by the public were feted Wednesday evening at the Best of the Best reception.
Business owners from around Langley gathered at Redwoods Golf Course in Walnut Grove to receive their plaques.
More than 100 categories of business are honoured by the annual Langley Advance event.
“Running a business, whether big or small, isn’t for the faint of heart,” Advance publisher Lisa Farquharson said as she welcomed the winners. “It’s for the brave, the patient, and the persistent. It’s for the overcomer.”
Many of the businesses who appeared on the list of winners this year have racked up wins year after year with the votes of their customers.
The Bootcamp Effect took home the award for fitness gym for the fifth year in a row.
“It’s nice that they believe in our gym so much,” said owner Josh Saunders.
Another multiple winner was Chris Vu of Sun Viet restaurant, who nabbed his sixth Best of the Best award.
“It’s what we work towards,” he said of the award.
However, there were also plenty of new winners this year, including some businesses in their first year or two of operation.
“I’m super honoured,” said Dr. Renée Ferguson, of Mountain View Veterinary Hospital. “The community of Langley has been amazing for us.”
“It’s been really well received, and we’re having a lot of fun,” said Lance Verhoeff, whose Trading Post Brewing Company won for craft beer.
Lori Armour of Lori’s Donair is not only a first time recipient, she had no idea she was even in the running until she won.
“When we first opened, we said it would be so cool to get one of those,” Armour said.
The donair restaurant has been open a little more than a year, but has been a mobile business since 1996.
As a 14-year Langley resident who just opened her brick-and-mortar store here, she was excited to get the local honour.
Also surprised was mortgage broker Jamie Moi.
“I got this phone call,” she said. “To be honest, I kind of thought it was a prank!”
With the bulk of her business in Langley, she said it’s great to be recognized here.
“It’s fantastic,” she said.
Financial services winner Bev Atchison said she hopes to be back next year as well, and wans to keep building her business.
Farquharson enjoyed the buoyant, hopeful feeling among the attendees at Wednesday’s event. She said she could feel the pride they took in their accomplishments.
“The turnout was the best ever,” she said.
This was the 19th annual Best of the Best awards.
