Image courtesy of the Del Ray Business Association
Voting is now open for the 2025 Heart of Del Ray award!
Voting is now open for the 2025 Heart of Del Ray award, sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association. Every February, the Del Ray Business Association presents the Heart of Del Ray Award to the business or organization that represents the heart and soul of Del Ray, as determined by a vote of neighbors and customers.
The finalists for the 2025 Heart of Del Ray — plus comments from the customers who nominated them — are:
- THE DAIRY GODMOTHER/JUST FINE DONUTS: A longtime neighborhood favorite, The Dairy Godmother's expansion to add Just Fine Donuts satisfies Del Ray's sweet tooth all day long. "Dairy Godmother & Just Fine Donuts is a Del Ray mainstay, bringing people together for a sweet treat any time of year and day. Russell is a kind and funny owner. He is quick to offer a bite of something new and a museum exhibit recommendation along with your order," wrote one nomination. "On a weekend or a warm night it’s where half of Del Ray’s families convene. It is one of the original businesses that helped transform Del Ray -- honestly, what is Del Ray without Dairy Godmother?" wrote another.
- DEL RAY ARTISANS: For over 30 years, the Del Ray Artisans has built a community for both emerging and established artists in Del Ray and beyond, providing a space for creatives of all ages and abilities. "Del Ray Artisans provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its artists and a space for customers to explore art themes. It offers a friendly and creative environment for the community to connect and grow while learning through and engaging with talented artists," wrote one nomination. "Art enriches our lives, and Del Ray Artisans puts art in the hands of people: exhibitions, classes, workshops, sales, receptions," wrote another.
- DEL RAY HARDWARE: When Del Ray was in danger of losing its neighborhood hardware store, Jay and Edea Portlance stepped up, and quickly put their own stamp on the Del Ray institution. "It's what a neighborhood hardware store should be! The staff is amazing -- very helpful and great customer service," wrote one customer. "Jay and Edea kept this longstanding and necessary business alive! They expanded products, renovated and branded this hardware store as a focal point for all Del Ray residents. Whether it’s soil for your plants, ice to melt the snow, or keys, they’ve got it all," wrote another.
- GUSTAVE BOULANGERIE: Gustave is known for both its authentic French pastries and its warm and welcoming atmosphere; both inside the cafe and their new outdoor Jardin are both favorite gathering places. "Gustave has done so much this year to put on engaging events for the community and serve as a true third space for people of all ages to gather," wrote one customer. "They infuse Del Ray with warmth, community, and incredible French pastries. The outdoor space and amazing food make this my favorite spot to meet friends and family!" wrote another.
- ST. ELMO'S COFFEE PUB: Known as "Del Ray's living room," St. Elmo's Coffee Pub has been a community gathering place since 1996. "They have been a critical and important part of what has made Del Ray such a wonderful place to live, shop & dine. The owners care deeply about the community and their staff and always step up to support dozens of non-profits and important causes," wrote one nomination. "This neighborhood has been built around St. Elmo's. It’s time to recognize the place that started it all!" wrote another.
Voting is now open at visitdelray.com; voting closes at 12 noon Wednesday, Feb. 12.
A large, heart-shaped award will be displayed on the winning business on Friday, Feb 14 to greet them for the Valentine’s Day weekend.
A business can only win once. Past winners of the award include A Show of Hands, Jen Walker of McEnearney Associates, Bobi Bomar Homes of Alexandria, The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, Greener Cleaner of Del Ray, Del Ray Pizzeria, Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga, Caboose Cafe, Del Ray Cafe, Pork Barrel BBQ/Holy Cow/The Sushi Bar, Taqueria Poblano, Ms. Preeti's 7-11, Dolce & Bean, Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, the Del Ray Farmers' Market, The Friends of Duncan Library, and The Dog Store/Your Dog's Best Friends.
The Del Ray Business Association represents the independently-owned restaurants, retailers, and businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com.
