Downtown Inc announces winners of York First Awards

Downtown Inc announced the winners of the 26th annual Downtown First Awards Thursday night at The Appell Center for the Performing Arts. 

The awards recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals who advance Downtown York who have put Downtown York first, according to a release. 

“Every year, the Downtown First Awards give us an opportunity to pause and recognize the people who are doing the day-to-day work of making Downtown York a better place,” Downtown Inc Director Sarah O’Brien said in a statement. “What stands out to me is how much of Downtown York’s success comes from people who care deeply about this community and are willing to roll up their sleeves, take a chance, and work together to make things happen. This year’s awardees represent that spirit, and I’m proud to celebrate the contributions they’re making to our downtown.” 

The awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations in eight categories: 

Downtown Revitalization Award Presented by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of York – Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop: Founded by Christopher J. Beers, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop has become a downtown destination that welcomed over 70,000 guests and transformed a corner of Continental Square.  

Historically Edgy Destination Award Presented by Explore York – The Handsome Cab:  Since opening a decade ago, The Handsome Cab, owned by Robert Godfrey and Andrew D’Agenais, has created signature events such as Champagne Fest, curated themed dinners, Art & Chocolate Crawls, and their annual Downtown Strolls, attracting nearly 5,000 visitors from a tri-state area, as well as Alabama, Texas, and Peru.  

Downtown Champion Award Presented by Pennsylvania American Water – Cindy Burkholder:  A Downtown York resident and longtime member of the York Revolution team, Burkholder has spent nearly 15 years volunteering at downtown events such as Sip & Savor and supporting public safety initiatives like lighting audits. 

Flavors of Downtown Award Presented by Yohn Property Management – Splitshift:  A restaurant and bar, Splitshift has become known for hospitality, food, and atmosphere.  

Cultural Catalyst Award Presented by Comcast – Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center:  The Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center opened on May 2 and is one of York’s newest cultural landmarks. Brought from concept to reality in 18 months, the center preserves and celebrates the stories, achievements, and legacy of York’s Black community through exhibits and experiences. 

Collaborative Impact Award Presented by Buchart Horn, Inc – The Garden of Edy:  Highlighting local makers, merchants, and hidden gems, The Garden of Edy helps residents and visitors discover new places, support entrepreneurs, and connect with the people behind the businesses.  

Small Business, Big Impact Award Presented by Shipley Energy – Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce & Catering:  As the first recipient of a BLOOM Business Empowerment Center loan, owner and chef Jen Heasley has grown her brand through catering for Penn State Football, Governors Wolf and Shapiro, Robert Irvine, and appearances on the BBC and Pennsylvania Farm Show. This year she launched a YouTube cooking channel and Sweet Mama’s Supper Club. 

Appell Beautification Award Presented by Better York – Y Community Development Corporation (YCDC) Lighting Project:  By leveraging state funding and local partnerships, YCDC expanded its focus beyond its own property to deliver streetlights and infrastructure improvements that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the area by creating a safer corridor. 

Downtown Inc also recognized WellSpan Health – York Hospital, which has been in business for over 100 years. 

Over 90 nominations were received across the eight categories. The winners for each category were selected from three finalists. 

“This event is always a showcase of positive energy in our community and the best celebration of our newest businesses, and our most tenured, and all those in between who make things happen each and every day for Downtown York,” said York County Economic Alliance President & CEO Kevin Schreiber.