Thandi Restaurant Honoured To Win Excellence Award In A ‘Foodie City’ Like Saint John
SAINT JOHN – Thandi Restaurant paid tribute to the robust, supportive restaurant scene at the Outstanding Business Awards (OBA) Thursday at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. The popular uptown restaurant won in a category, Business Excellence, that included the equally popular Italian by Night.
“Saint John has earned the reputation of being a ‘foodie city’ offering exciting options for all to enjoy,” said owner Holly Singh in her video pitch to judges. “Most businesses are independent owners that employ people who live, work, and add revenue and life to the city. We all support and encourage each other.”
Dave Veale and Greg Hemmings, MCs for the 35th annual event organized by the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce, toasted Holly and Ken Singh as they came to stage to accept their award. “We shared many…experiences in your restaurant. It’s such an awesome place to visit,” said Veale.
Hemmings and Veale host a podcast called Boiling Point, which features interviews with business leaders, many of them from the Saint John area. They taped the OBA ceremony for use as a future podcast.
The Saint John Tool Library and DIY Center won the Emerging Enterprise Award in a category that included Huddle and The Zesty Lemon.
The Emerging Enterprise award category recognizes new businesses in the Saint John Region. Finalists and recipients are in operation for 1-5 years and demonstrate substantial promise for the future.
The Saint John Tool Library and DIY Center was launched in June 2018. As a community-based social enterprise, they rely on volunteers to help as they work to rebuild neighborhoods in Saint John.
Duke Creative Collective, a marketing consulting and creative services agency, won the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award in a category that included The Chapman Group and Natasha’s Weddings and Events.
The following award recipients were also honoured at Thursday night’s awards gala:
The Chair’s Award: Area 506 Festival for helping transform the Saint John brand as a music and cultural hub bringing thousands to the region.
The Young Entrepreneur Award: Joe Mckay, owner of Yip Ciders.
The Big Heart Award: Canaport LNG for their continued corporate citizenship and individual volunteerism that is having a positive impact on our community.