Avondale Community Excellence Awards
Established in 2020, Avondale Community Excellence (ACE) Awards, formerly known as the Leading EDGE Awards, recognize the local businesses that make the Avondale truly thrive and shine. Presented by the City of Avondale, the ACE Awards honor businesses that have made a meaningful impact on the community and strengthened the local business environment.
Nominations open Monday, January 14, 2026. Community members are invited to nominate outstanding Avondale businesses in two categories: Community Impact, celebrating leadership and service to the community, and the People’s Choice Award, recognizing businesses that have earned the support and admiration of the community. Submit your nomination and help celebrate the businesses that exemplify excellence in Avondale!
About The Awards
Community Impact for Business
The Community Impact Award for Business honors local businesses that go the extra mile to support the Avondale community by generously giving their time, talent, and resources beyond their normal business operations. This includes efforts such as fundraisers, donation drives, community events and partnerships, volunteer service, and sponsorships. Businesses may be nominated by others or may self-nominate. Each submission helps us recognize businesses that truly champion and serve the Avondale community.
Community Impact for Nonprofit
The Community Impact for Nonprofit Award recognizes one nonprofit organization for its exceptional dedication and meaningful contributions to the greater Avondale community. This honor celebrates nonprofits that provide outstanding programs and services that create a lasting, positive impact, demonstrate a strong spirit of collaboration through innovative community partnerships, and inspire others through their leadership and example. Nominees for this award have a proven record of enhancing the overall quality of life in Avondale and strengthening the community they serve.
The People’s Choice Award is your chance to give a shout-out to the restaurants, shops, and services that make you smile, feel welcome, and keep you coming back. From your go-to coffee spot to the business that always goes the extra mile, we want to hear about them. Your votes help spotlight the small businesses that make Avondale a fun, friendly, and vibrant place to live. Let’s celebrate the local legends—because a little love goes a long way!
Round 1
The first round is an open call for nominations, allowing everyone to nominate their favorite Avondale business.
Round 2
The second round takes the 3 most-nominated businesses from the previous round and opens voting for the top 3 finalist to the public. The business that receives the most votes will be awarded the highly coveted People’s Choice Award!.
Award Timeline
January 14, 2026
Nominations open for People’s Choice Award, Community Impact for Business and Community Impact for Nonprofit
January 27, 2026
Round 2 of voting opens for People’s Choice Award Top 3
February 6, 2026
Round 2 for People’s Choice Award voting closes. Nominations for Community Impact for Business and Community Impact for Nonprofit close.
March 12, 2026
Winners will be announced at the City of Avondale’s State of the City.
Congrats To 2023 Winners
Previous Award Winners
Community Impact Award for Business 2024
Parry's Pizzeria
Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse is a popular eatery at Park 10 along McDowell Road, serving up New York–style pizza, Italian favorites, and a great selection of craft beer in a family-friendly setting. Beyond great food, Parry’s has proven to be a vital community partner by hosting fundraisers, organizing food drops, and sponsoring local Little League teams. Parry’s proudly supports the Avondale community, one slice at a time.
Community Impact Award for Nonprofit 2024
Mercy House
Mercy House is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to impacting the lives of youth and families in the Southwest Valley since 1994. Founded by long-standing Cashion resident Mercy Arredondo in partnership with Cornerstone Christian Center, Mercy House was established to address the real needs of the local community. Today, it provides vital resources such as food, clothing, and educational initiatives while fostering civic engagement among volunteers, local organizations, and residents—serving as a trusted hub of support, compassion, and community connection in Avondale.
People’s Choice Award 2024
Sardinha BJJ
Sardinha BJJ is a martial arts studio specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, located in the heart of Old Town along Western Avenue. More than just a place to train, Sardinha BJJ is a community-focused academy where kids, teens, and adults of all experience levels come together in a welcoming, family-oriented environment, led by Paula and Wesclay Sardinha. With an emphasis on respect, confidence, and personal growth, the school fosters strong connections on and off the mats while helping students develop skill, discipline, and a sense of belonging.
Community Impact Award for Business 2023
The Flower Wrangler
Community Impact Award for Nonprofit 2023
Mission of Mercy
People’s Choice Award
Modern Grind Coffee
Modern Grind is a community driven coffee shop serving up everything from hot coffee to healthy beverages, eats, treats and some merch for good measure. Owner Daphnie Kelly’s coffee is for a good cause, often supporting groups like teachers, first responders, military heroes and youth programs through special discounts and fundraising opportunities. Daphnie is a 2x Leading Award recipient, winning the 2021 Community Impact Award and 2022 People’s Choice Award!
Community Impact Award for Business 2022
C West Entertainment
Community Impact Award for Nonprofit 2022
A New Leaf
People’s Choice Award
Modern Grind Coffee
Community Impact Award 2020
Eric's Family Barbecue
Business Impact Award 2020
Phoenix Raceway
Community Impact Award 2021
Modern Grind Coffee
Ed’s Fish & Chips
Winners Spotlight
Check out our previous Leading Award Winners
