Love Downtown Awards

WE'RE ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET.

The Love Downtown Awards highlight and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Downtown San Marcos by honoring the exceptional businesses, partners, and volunteers who make our city’s heart truly shine. Through community nominations and a local judging panel, these awards put the spotlight on those who contribute to the unique character and vitality of our downtown district.

2026 Award Winners:

Let’s give a round of applause to this year’s outstanding winners

  • Business of the Year: The San Market
  • Outstanding New Business: Ollie's Market
  • Downtown Legend: Corridor Title San Marcos
  • Downtown Champion: Downtown Association of San Marcos
  • Preservation Award: Council for the Indigenous & Tejano Community
  • Partner of the Year: Texas State University Honors College
  • Kelly Franks Volunteer of the Year: Madi Roberts
     

Group photo of award winners at the Love Downtown Awards holding their trophies, posed front of the Downtown SMTX step and repeat

Who We Celebrate:

  • Business of the Year – Recognizing a standout business that excels in entrepreneurial spirit, community engagement, service quality, and innovation.
  • Outstanding New Business – Highlighting emerging enterprises (under two years) that have made a big impact in just a short time.
  • Downtown Legend – Honoring long-standing establishments (over ten years) that have become staples of our downtown culture

Plus, rotating recognitions like Downtown Partner of the Year, Innovation Award, Revitalization Award, Kelly Franks Volunteer of the Year, and Downtown Champion celebrate those who keep downtown thriving in unique ways.

Our Purpose:

The Love Downtown Awards, hosted by the San Marcos Main Street Program, are all about:

  • Celebrating local pride – Recognizing the businesses and individuals who make downtown unforgettable.
  • Building community connections – Bringing neighbors together to support and cheer for their favorites.
  • Fueling growth and vitality – Encouraging everyone to shop, dine, and experience the magic of downtown.

 


  • Downtown Business of the Year

    2025 – Wild Rice Studio
    2024 – Douglas Smith Soap Company
    2023 – The Halal Project
    2022 – Zelick's Ice House
    2019 – KnDs Boutique
    2018 – Root Cellar Cafe
    2017 – The Bloom Bar
    2016 – Stonewall Warehouse
    2015 – The Marc
    2014 – Hill Country Humidor
     

    Outstanding New Business


    2025  – The San Market
    2024 – Zablosky Film 
    2023 – Jax Burgers
    2022 – Pho Tran 88
    2019 – North Street
    2018 – Buzz Mill
    2017 – Blue Dahlia Bistro
    2016 – Rio Claro Studio
    2015 – Redbud Roasters
    2014 – The Marc


    Downtown Legend


    2025  – The Marc
    2024 – Root Cellar Cafe
    2023 – Bobcat Quickie
    2022 – Vagabond Vintage
    2019 – Royal Cleaners
    2018 – Showdown
    2017 – Ault & Ault Orthodontics
    2016 – The Price Center
    2015 – Cafe on the Square
    2014 – Paper Bear
     

    Downtown Partner of the Year


    2025  – Economic Development & Historic Preservation
    2024 – Hays County
    2023 – City of San Marco Planning Department
    2022 – KZSM Community Radio
    2019 – The Price Center
    2018 – Splash Coworking
    2017 – Downtown Association
    2016 – Texas State University Alcohol & Drug Compliance Services
    2015 – Texas State University Community Relations
    2014 – Hays County Historical Commission


    Kelly Franks Volunteer of the Year

    2024 – Joshua Del Bosque
    2023 – TXST Delta Sigma Phi
    2022 – Lower Colorado River Authority
    2019 – Christopher Paul Cardoza
    2018 – Linda Coker
    2017 – Clay DeStefano
    2016 – Stephanie Symmes
    2015 – Gilbert Perez


    Innovation Award


    2024 – First Tuesday Film Series
    2023 – Blind Salamander
    2022 – Putt Pub
    2019 – Slash Coworking


    Revitalization Award


    2024 – Ford Jackman Building


    Downtown Champion

    2025 – Art Squared Art Market