Winner: Pardini’s Catering

First Finalist: Meat Market

Second Finalist: Love & Garlic

In three words, this business is:

Fresh, elegant, indulgent

What makes them a Central Valley original?

Three generations of Pardini’s have provided Central Valley locals with fine dining and top-notch service out of their stylish venue. Known for its multiple menus which feature fresh entrees, inventive hors d’oeuvres, authentic Italian cuisine and more, Pardini’s Catering has something for everyone.

Located in Fresno, Pardini’s Catering has hosted and catered thousands of events, large and small, since the late 1950s. Event planners can choose from three newly remodeled rooms to hold their events — The Red Room or Salons A and B. For convenience and a personalized touch, the catering company offers custom menus and furnishing rentals — like linens and table toppers — to its clients. In addition to Pardini’s Catering, The Pardini’s also own The Annex Kitchen and Annesso Pizzeria.

Pardini’s has won the award for each of the 11 years of this category.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Their promise to the community:

What they are saying about The Elbow Room:

Best Golf Course to Take a Client

Winner: Copper River Country Club

First Finalist: Fort Washington Country Club

Second Finalist: San Joaquin Country Club

This business in three words:

Luxury meets tradition

What makes them a Central Valley original:

Copper River Country Club embodies the vision, history and landscape of the Central Valley. Built from William R. Tatham Sr.’s dream, refined by decades of community-centered leadership, blends old-California style with modern amenities, creating a uniquely local and modern experience. Todd Hansen is the general manager of Copper River Country Club. Copper River Country Club has won this category eight times in 12 years.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Members love the high-quality mix of golf, tennis, elevated dining, and a welcoming, resort-style atmosphere that feels both luxurious and personal.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“Peaceful Easy Feeling” Eagles

Their promise to the community:

To deliver best-in-class facilities, service and a vibrant, family-friendly environment that celebrates wellness, connection and the Central Valley lifestyle.

What they are saying about Copper River Country Club:

“My favorite place is very clean, safe, and spacious with many tennis courts, golf, and miles of trails to keep you going all day long or simply going swimming, then enjoy of a nice meal or not”
– Kami L, Google Review

Best Local Lunch Spot to Eat At During the Work Week

Winner: Heirloom

First Finalist: Sam’s Italian Deli

Second Finalist: Dog House Grill

In three words, this business is:

Modern, sleek, farm-to-table

What makes them a Central Valley original?

Heirloom is a farm-to-table restaurant located in Fresno. Since 2019, The locally owned and operated eatery has served up fresh and inspired dishes centered around seasonal produce, grown here in the Central Valley. Its fresh fruits and vegetables are purchased directly from Valley farmers. As proponents of the “Slow Food” movement, the company takes no shortcuts — dishing out high-quality food, and fast.

Popular menu items include — their Tri-tip Sandwich, Surf and Turf, Mushroom Taquitos and Garlic Noodles. Each of its rotating menus include options for those following vegan, vegetarian, keto and gluten-free diets. Heirloom’s drink menu features an assortment of fresh cocktails and wines produced by California Wineries. The full-service restaurant has placed first in this category for the second year in a row.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Surf N Turf — A tray of grilled tri-tip in smoked ponzu sauce and topped with crispy tempura shrimp which are coated in a teppan sauce.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“Banana Pancakes” Jack Johnson

Their promise to the community:

Seasonal farm-to-table meals served in the most innovative way.

What they are saying about Heirloom:

“Amazing all around. It is simple to see why this restaurant is regarded as one of Fresno’s best. The majority of locals will say, ‘You should try Heirloom!’ The regular large lineups at this farm-to-table eatery demonstrate why it is a local favorite.”
— Tony N., Yelp

Best Family Owned Business

Winner: Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant

First Finalist: Wawona Frozen Foods

Second Finalist: Fowler Packing Co.

In three words, this business is:

Warm, down-home, inviting

What makes them a Central Valley original?

Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant is a multi-generational family-owned ranch which has operated out of Coalinga since 1937. The ranch would add its restaurant in 1977 and its hotel in 1987. The Harris Ranch Inn accommodates travelers in its 153 California-style hacienda themed rooms.

By way of food and drinks, the inn is home to several eateries such as the Prime Steakhouse, Ranch Kitchen, Horseshoe Lounge and Harris BBQ. Additionally, guests can also purchase souvenirs and snacks — like dried nuts and fruit — from the Harris Ranch Country Store. Aside from their Central Valley resort, the family runs several additional businesses — including Harris Vineyards, Harris Fresh, Harris Woolf Almonds and Harris River Ranch. This is the Valley business’s third win in this category.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Chicken-Fried Steak — A battered and fried New York steak topped with country gravy, served alongside garlic-mashed red skin potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“On the Road Again” Willie Nelson

Their promise to the community:

Their team is dedicated to ensuring that your stay is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and personalized service that caters to your every need.

What they are saying about Harris Ranch Inn:

It has a very historical feeling. Beautiful landscape, good food. Very nice pool area. Basically, it’s an oasis in the middle of nowhere. I loved it. I will be back.
— Tyler L. on Google

Best Local Annual Event to Attend

Winner: The Big Fresno Fair, Fresno Fairgrounds

First Finalist: Clovis Rodeo, Clovis Rodeo Grounds

Second Finalist: Big Hat Days Clovis

In three words, this business is:

Big time fun

What makes them a Central Valley original?

The Big Fresno Fair celebrates the Central Valley’s culture, agriculture and communities that define region, showcasing local farms, livestock and produce. and offers family entertainment, competitions and local traditions and history.

The Big Fresno Fair was founded in 1884 and is the 5th largest fair in California. It holds the rare distinction of operating in the same location at the same time of year since its inception. Christina Estrada is the current CEO and is supported by a team of hardworking, innovative industry leaders.

This is the eighth year the Big Fresno Fair has won in this category, losing out only once to the Fresno Greek Fest in 2023.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Each year, more than 600,000 patrons come to the Fresno Fair for the rides, concerts, vendors and unique fair foods, including the popular roasted turkey legs and fried ice cream.

If this business were a song, it would be…

“The Big-Big-Big-Big-BIG Fresno Fair!” iconic jingle

Why Central Valley customers keep coming back:

The annual event has become a year tradition for many families in the Central Valley, giving them a chance to enjoy signature foods, competitions, and a festive atmosphere.

Best Local Radio Station

Winner: Kiss Country 93.7

First Finalist: K-Love 91.1

Second Finalist: KMJ 580

This business in three words:

Country, community, connection

What makes them a Central Valley original:

Kiss Country 93.7 is deeply rooted in Fresno, supporting local charities, fundraisers and events like Coats for Kids and the Clovis Rodeo, creating a true presence in the area. This is their second win in a row in this category. Patty Hixon is the general manager of Cumulus, the parent company of Kiss County 93.7. This is Kiss Country’s second win in a row.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Engaging radio hosts, lively discussions on country music, popular podcasts and weekly contests with concert-ticket prizes.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan

Their promise to the community:

To deliver the best in country music while giving back, strengthening bonds and supporting causes that matter to Central Valley residents.

What they are saying about Kiss Country 93.7:

“Amazing music, great DJ’s and fun to listen to. They bring up great conversations and have fun doing it. They truly enjoy their work and themselves in what they do. Awesome gifts and contests and just all around enjoyable”- Abraham G, Yelp