Nominations due Thursday for annual Heart of Del Ray award
Community invited to recognize the business that best serves as the heart and soul of the neighborhood
The Del Ray Business Association is accepting nominations for its 2026 Heart of Del Ray Award, with a deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday.
The annual award recognizes the business or organization that the community believes best serves as the heart and soul of the Del Ray neighborhood. Nominees are judged on their warm and welcoming attitude, commitment and generosity to the community, and overall contribution to what makes Del Ray a destination to eat, live, work, and shop.
Nominators are asked to name a business and, optionally, explain why it should be named the Heart of Del Ray. Nominations can be submitted through a Google form on the Del Ray Business Association’s website. Voting will take place Feb. 7-12, and the winner will be announced Feb. 13 on the association’s @visitdelray social media channels and at visitdelray.com.
Past winners include Gustave Boulangerie in 2025 and, in a tie, The Dog Store and Friends of Duncan Library in 2024. Previous honorees also include the Del Ray Farmers’ Market, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap and Pork Barrel BBQ. A business may only win the award once.
The Heart of Del Ray has been awarded annually since 2009, when A Show of Hands took home the honor.
Disclosure: The Alexandria Brief is a member of the Del Ray Business Association.