TRUSSVILLE, Ala. — Nominations opened Tuesday for the 2025 Tribune Readers’ Choice Awards, the most anticipated and celebrated event of the year in the Tribune’s nine-city coverage area.
Each year, readers across Trussville, Clay, Pinson, Argo, Center Point, Springville, Leeds, Moody and Irondale cast their votes to honor their favorite local businesses, restaurants, services and professionals. The Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the small businesses that serve as the economic and cultural backbone of each community.
“This event means everything to small business owners,” said Tribune Publisher Scott Buttram, reflecting on the overwhelming response to the 2024 awards. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of every city, and the community’s support for them through these awards is unmatched.”
A platform for recognition
The Readers’ Choice Awards provide a unique opportunity for local businesses to gain attention, boost visibility and earn community recognition. Last year, more than 600,000 votes were cast in a wide range of categories, from retail and real estate to healthcare and hospitality.
The Food & Drink section remains the most popular among voters, with past winners including Taco Mama (Best Overall Restaurant), Gus’s Hot Dogs (Best Hot Dogs), Ferus Artisan Ales (Best Local Brewery) and Carpenetti’s Pizza (Best Pizza and Best Restaurant in Moody). Other fan favorites have included Rusty’s BBQ, Trussville To Go, The Farmhouse at Springville, The Three Earred Rabbit, Corbeau Wine Bar, City Bowls, Cahaba Bread and Bagels, and La Calle Tacos.
But the awards extend far beyond food. Businesses such as Caroline and Company (Best Local Boutique), Complete Cleaners, Pineview Baptist Childcare, and Home Plate Grill & Cafe have all earned top honors in their respective categories. Professional services are also widely recognized, with winners including Kristin Nickles (Best Insurance Agent), White Oak Realty, and Cahaba Dental Arts.
Categories cover nearly every facet of community life — from best customer service and best auto repair shop, to best fitness center, best daycare, and best place to work — offering exposure and accolades to both established names and rising local favorites.
A celebration of small business
With its growing popularity and tens of thousands of engaged voters each year, the Readers’ Choice Awards serve as more than a contest — they are a community-wide celebration of excellence, resilience and local pride.
“Winning or even being nominated brings real attention to small businesses,” Buttram said. “These are the places that hire local, sponsor youth sports teams and reinvest in their cities. When the community recognizes them, it’s powerful.”
For business owners and customers alike, the Readers’ Choice Awards offer a chance to share stories, show support and spotlight the local institutions that make each of the nine cities a better place to live and work.
How to nominate
Nominations are open from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. Community members may submit nominations once per day, per device. A valid email address is required to register.
The top four nominees in each category will advance to the final round. Finalists will be announced Oct. 6, with final voting open from Oct. 7 through Nov. 5.
To nominate a business or service, visit the official nomination form: Nomination Form
