The 2025 Sizzle Awards Gala: Winners Announced!
The red carpet was rolled out for Williamson County’s top businesses at the 2025 Sizzle Awards Gala, held March 27th at Liberty Hall in The Factory at Franklin. Hosted by FranklinIs, The Sizzle Awards honor the best local businesses across nearly 90 categories—from dining and retail to professional services—as voted on by the community.
Now in its 18th year, The Sizzle Awards are the original, longest-running, completely free, and only not-for-profit awards of their kind in the county, offering both recognition and visibility to local businesses and organizations. Winners receive commemorative plaques, digital badges, and a spotlight on FranklinIs.com, along with year-round promotion.
This year’s celebration brought together more than 300 business leaders for an evening of recognition, networking, and support for a meaningful cause. With more than 575,000 local votes cast, the 2025 Sizzle Awards reflected the community’s enthusiasm and the strength of Williamson County’s business landscape.
Ken Royer, CEO of FranklinIs, welcomed the crowd and reflected on the evolution of the awards. “Each year, The Sizzle Awards grow in energy, participation, and purpose,” said Royer. “What began as a way to recognize great local businesses has become a true community tradition—one that highlights excellence, fosters connection, and gives back in meaningful ways.”
The evening moved at an engaging pace, giving winners plenty of time to celebrate, connect with fellow business owners, and enjoy the festivities.
“I like the way it was done this year,” said Dr. Peter Hines of Cool Springs Chiropractic, who took home Best Chiropractic Practice for the 11th year in a row. “We could commingle with other businesses, and it was really great to see the other winners.”
Spotlight on Community Impact
While the evening was a celebration of business excellence, it also served a deeper purpose: raising awareness and support for the Davis House Child Advocacy Center. The local nonprofit provides vital services to children and families affected by abuse, often during their most difficult moments.
Guests were invited to take part in two key initiatives supporting the organization. First, the Stuffed Animal Drive, now in its second year, encouraged donations of new plush toys to help comfort children during times of uncertainty. Organized by local teen Kenny Royer, the drive continues to grow, bringing the community together to provide a simple gesture that can make a big impact.
Additionally, attendees were given the opportunity to make financial contributions to Davis House. Donation cards were placed on tables throughout the venue, and guests were informed that an anonymous donor would match every dollar donated, up to $500,000. The match brought added momentum to the fundraising efforts, turning an evening of recognition into a chance to give back in a meaningful way.
Together, these efforts reminded everyone in the room that behind the glitz and glamour of the gala was a commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of the community.
A Festive Night to Remember
The 2025 Sizzle Awards Gala brought sparkle and spirit, transforming Liberty Hall into a space buzzing with excitement. Guests were welcomed with a festive atmosphere complete with twinkling lights, upbeat music, and the energy of a packed room filled with community leaders, business owners, and supporters. A crowd favorite was the photo booth, where guests posed with playful props and captured moments with friends and colleagues.
The gala also delivered on flavor, thanks to the generous contributions of local vendors. Guests enjoyed savory selections from CoreLife Eatery, Tito’s Mexican Restaurant, Daddy’s Dogs, Ground, and Chick-fil-A, while Kilwin’s offered sweet treats. Food and drink stations throughout the hall kept the celebration fueled as the room buzzed with music, laughter, and conversation.
Justin Payne of Lee Company—Sizzle Award winner of first place in three categories: Best Heating and Air, Best Electrician, and Best Plumbing—spoke to the significance of the evening. “It’s a milestone,” he said. “To me, it’s a reminder that we’re doing the right thing. Let’s keep going and see how we can improve.”
He also praised the gala’s high-energy atmosphere and opportunities to connect: “We always have a good time and meet interesting people when we come. It’s a genuinely good time. We are appreciative of being here.”
The Value of Winning a Sizzle Award
For winners, a Sizzle Award is more than a moment of recognition—it’s a valuable endorsement from the community. Businesses take pride in displaying their commemorative plaques, but the benefits go beyond the trophy.
Sizzle winners are featured on FranklinIs.com year-round as the best businesses in the county and receive digital winner’s badges that can be used across marketing materials, websites, and social media to help build credibility and attract new customers. FranklinIs also commissions the Williamson Herald to publish the winners in the newspaper along with other notable media attention. The exposure serves as a trusted stamp of approval—earned through open and free public votes—that can set a business apart in a competitive market. Although FranklinIs provides free awards and certificates to the winners, businesses also have the option to purchase additional awards and recognition materials, making it easy to showcase their success and share the achievement with team members, clients, and customers.
For many, the honor carries both personal and professional weight.
“It’s an honor to be recognized among so many other amazing businesses,” said Elizabeth Leanza of Synergy Realty, winner of Best Real Estate Agent/Team. The win reflects not only her dedication but the trust she’s earned from clients and the community.
For others, the recognition reinforces their mission.
“Winning a Sizzle Award, no matter what category, is great for us. We are very excited,” said Renee Caviness, General Manager of My Second Home Pet Resort and Spa, which took home honors in both the grooming and boarding categories. For her and her team, the awards validate their commitment to quality care for pets and peace of mind for pet owners.
The awards also spotlight emerging businesses making an impact early in their journey.
“This is only my second year in business, and I’m just really proud of what we’ve built,” said Sundance, owner of Pawsh Pawradise, winner of Best Boarding and Pet Daycare. The recognition is a milestone that fuels continued growth and confidence.
And for longtime winners, The Sizzle Awards have become a tradition—and a motivator.
“Winning means everything,” said Dr. Peter Hines of Cool Springs Chiropractic, who has now taken home Best Chiropractic Practice for an impressive 11 years in a row. “I’m extra competitive with it. I love the event, I love the exposure, and I love FranklinIs. The Sizzle Awards are awesome!”
Each winner’s story is different, but the sentiment is the same: being recognized by your community means something, and it inspires business owners to keep pushing forward.
Celebrating Community and Success
As the evening came to a close, the 2025 Sizzle Awards Gala left guests energized, celebrated, and inspired. It wasn’t just about the awards—it was about the people, the connections, and the shared pride in a community that shows up for one another.
From new businesses making their debut to long-standing favorites reaffirming their place in the hearts of voters, The Sizzle Awards continue to be a powerful reminder of the talent and passion thriving in Williamson County. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners—you earned it!
Click here to see the full list of 2025 Sizzle Award Winners, and check back soon for photo highlights of the event!
