The Carson City Chamber is pleased to announce eight chamber member businesses selected by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration to recognize Nevada’s outstanding small businesses as part of National Small Business Week, May 3-9.
Jerky Junction, food manufacturer of jerky of all kinds, received recognition as the Family Owned Small Business of the Year for Northern Nevada. Owners Sarah and Kyle Baird will be formally recognized in Las Vegas on May 8. Kimmie Kandy of Reno has been awarded Exporter of the Year.
Carson City small family-owned businesses honored for their achievements and contributions to the Carson City and overall Nevada economy include: LA Bakery, The Purple Avocado, The Fox Restaurant, Bella Vita Bistro, Marbella Salon and Butler Meats.
Butler Meats has served the Carson City community for 53 years and is owned by David Theiss. The shop is reminiscent of a small butcher shop offering the freshest and best cuts of meats.
Started as a dream of husband and wife, Ali Arbabha and Leila Tavakoli, LA Bakery began by selling at farmer’s markets in 2009, operating out of 200 square feet which has grown to 4500 square feet and today is a favorite breakfast and lunch spot.
Cuban immigrant Yamilla Perez is the proprietor of Marbella Salon and realized her personal dream to own her own salon after studying in Las Vegas. She stared her business a few months before COVID hit and never gave up her dream.
Jim Phalan saw the possibility of starting his own pub in one of Carson’s most historic buildings. First named Firkin’ & Fox, his was a successful venture from the start. After he shed the corporate franchise, he rebranded as The Fox Restaurant, a gathering place on McFadden Plaza.
The Purple Avocado is a retail landmark in the downtown owned by Sue Jones with her late husband Stan Jones. This funky shop is perfect for gifts of all kinds and a joy to browse.
Bella Vita Restaurant & Catering is owned by entrepreneur Lori Baxter who just opened her second restaurant. This is a family run business with several of her children as proud partners.
The ties between these small-business owners is their passion, work-ethic, and positive attitude toward making their dream a reality and constantly changing to create what patrons expect..
According to the Department of Business and Industry, these prestigious awards highlight Nevada’s top entrepreneurs and small businesses for their innovation, community engagement, and economic impact within the state. We proudly salute these great small Carson City businesses and encourage you to support all Carson City Chamber of Commerce businesses. Consult our membership directory at www.carsoncitychamber.com.
— Ronni Hannaman is the Executive Director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.
