Best in local honored at annual WRAL Voters' Choice Awards
From social media stars to award-winning chefs, the 8th annual WRAL Voters' Choice Awards presented by M&F Bank honored the best in local businesses and personalities.
The awards were presented Thursday night in an in-person event at Raleigh's Union Station. It was the first in-person ceremony since the 2020 awards just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hosted by WRAL's Kat Campbell and Chris Lovingood, the annual awards show celebrated the best of local in 145 categories.
Tap to see a complete list of finalists and winners from this year's awards
The public voted for their favorites in business, community, education, food and drink, home and finance, health and wellness and professional entertainment. And, new this year, the “Five-Star Awards” group was included on the ballot listing some of the most popular categories from previous awards such as small business of the year, new restaurant of the year, woman of the year and chef of the year. Voting ended for the awards in November 2022.
Social media star Kim Holderness was honored as this year's Woman of the Year. The former reporter found fame creating funny videos and parody songs with her husband, Penn Holderness.
Sweet T Picnics was named the best small business of the year. The company offers a variety of luxury picnic packages and event planning.
Fidelity Bank was named the Local Corporation of the Year, while The Loading Dock was awarded the Co-working Space of the Year.
Gregory Ng of Brooks Bell was named the Business Leader of the Year, while the Produce Box was named Startup of the Year.
A'verde Cocina and Tequila Library was named the Best New Restaurant and its general manager Phil Madey was honored as the Boss of the Year.
James Beard Award-winning Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood won the Chef of the Year award.
Food and beverage category winners had a few upsets this year with Howling Cow Ice Cream taking home its first VCA for Best Ice Cream, beating out two former VCA winners Two Roosters and Andia's.
Krispy Kreme won Best Dougnuts for the fifth year in a row, while La Farm Bakery's dominance in the best baked goods category continued.
Redneck BBQ Lab defended its title of best barbecue and took home the award for best family dining option.
The Angus Barn continued its dominance of the Fine Dining, Wine and Steak categories taking home multiple honors again this year.
