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

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.
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Downtown Business of the Year2025 – 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 Year2024 – 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 Champion2025 – Art Squared Art Market