The 2024 Sizzle Award Winners Announced
The Sizzle Awards, celebrating the Best Businesses of Williamson County, Tennessee as voted by the public, marked its 18th year with a record-breaking celebration on Thursday, March 28th. The Sizzle Awards Gala, held at Liberty Hall in The Factory at Franklin, was attended by representatives from hundreds of businesses eager to accept their well-deserved awards. From beloved eateries to top-notch professional services, winners from across Williamson County gathered to bask in the spotlight and celebrate their achievements.
Celebrating Business Excellence in Williamson County
The Sizzle Awards, organized by FranklinIs, is the original, longest-running, largest, and only not-for-profit “Best Businesses of Williamson County, Tennessee Awards.” These awards recognize the very best of Williamson County businesses, honoring those who have achieved success as voted by their customers, peers, and neighbors.
Winners of The Sizzle Awards gain substantial recognition through online promotion throughout the year, plaques and certificates, and a digital winner’s logo, which can be used for social media or advertising purposes.
A Night of Milestones and Acknowledgements
Ken Royer, CEO of FranklinIs, opened the night by recounting the history of The Sizzle Awards, highlighting its growth and significance over the years. He encouraged local businesses to register with the FranklinIs online business directory. This platform serves as an invaluable tool for local businesses to elevate their visibility in the community. Directory listings are free and offer an easy way for businesses to reach a wider audience, both locally and beyond.
Record Participation and Celebrated Victories
This year’s gala was not only a testament to the enduring legacy and impact of The Sizzle Awards but also marked a milestone in the awards’ 18-year history, with an unprecedented 550,000 votes cast across 89 categories. The gala brought together over 300 businesses, each vying for the coveted 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in their respective categories. This year’s event not only celebrated the winners’ achievements but also highlighted the diversity and quality of the business landscape in Williamson County.
“It was such an honor to host another successful year of The Sizzle Awards. The number of votes and attendance this year was incredible and really crystallizes how special it is to have so many people in our community stand up and proclaim who are the best businesses in the county,” said Royer.
“We have even more plans for next year to lift the awards to another level and continue our success. Congratulations to all the winners, stay tuned!”
For a closer look at the evening’s festivities, view our photo gallery here.
Culinary Delights and Charitable Spirits
The gala was a feast for the senses, thanks to the generous contributions of local vendors. Guests were treated to an eclectic mix of flavors, ranging from the savory dishes of Tito’s Mexican, Serratos Steakhouse, and Ground to the sweet indulgences offered by Kilwins. Arrington Vineyards and Franklin Wine and Spirits enhanced the experience with their selection of fine wines. Daddy’s Dogs and Chick-fil-A ensured there were comforting classics available for all to enjoy while Core Life Eatery provided selections from their signature clean and healthy menu.
Amidst the celebration, the spirit of giving back was notable. Carolyn Evans, Executive Director of Davis House Child Advocacy Center, was on hand to share information about their vital work supporting abused children in Williamson County. Attendees were encouraged to support Davis House through monetary donations and by contributing to the Stuffed Animal Drive, a local effort to provide comfort to children in need.
Celebrating The Sizzle Awards 2024 Winners
One of the highlight moments of the gala was the recognition of Tito’s Pueblo Real Mexican Restaurants. Led by Jose Mata, the team not only provided delectable dishes for the gala but also proudly accepted awards in three categories: 1st place for Best Caterer, 1st place for Best Mexican Restaurant, and 2nd place for Best Family-Friendly Restaurant.
“Thank you to all the Franklin people and The Sizzle Awards for recognizing our small businesses. We love Franklin and are very grateful to those who have been so loyal to us for so many years,” said Mata.
Another touching moment was when Julie Craig and Elizabeth Martin, owners of The Little Cottage, accepted the 1st place award for Best Children’s Boutique. This honor was a testament to the legacy of their family business, started by their mother, Ruth Hickman, over 20 years ago. Their journey began at The Factory at Franklin, and they’re excited to announce their return to the Grand Hall soon. “We love being part of Franklin, the people here, the community, the businesses. We just love Franklin!” said Craig.
The Lasting Impact of Winning The Sizzle Award
The Sizzle Awards Gala is more than just an awards ceremony. Garnering an award at this distinguished event not only places winners on the coveted Franklinis.com The Sizzle Awards Winners page but also affords them considerable bragging rights within the community and their industry. First-place victors are honored with a commemorative plaque during the gala, a tangible testament to their remarkable accomplishments. Moreover, all awardees are presented with the opportunity to acquire additional tokens of recognition, enabling them to showcase their success and boost their stature among peers and customers alike.
A Legacy of Excellence and Community Engagement
Congratulations to all the winners! This year’s Sizzle Awards have set a new standard for participation and excellence, reflecting the vibrant culture of Williamson County’s business community. As we look forward to next year’s gala, businesses and community members are encouraged to continue supporting each other. Follow the journey and celebrate the success of Williamson County businesses using the hashtags #Franklinis and #FranklinisTN on social media.
Click here for a complete list of The Sizzle Awards winners for 2024.
