Lake in the Hills Village Board recognizes 2021 Gordon Larsen Award winners

LAKE IN THE HILLS – Elected Village of Lake in the Hills (LITH) officials and staff honored the winning local businesses of the 2021 Gordon Larsen Business Achievement Awards at the Feb. 10 LITH Village Board meeting.

The winners included Butcher on the Block (4660 W Algonquin Road) for Best Customer Service, The Lakehouse Tattoo (2120 W Algonquin Road) for Best Community Service, Marie Charles Salon & Spa (4610 W Algonquin Road) for being the Employer of Choice, and UpRising Bakery & Café (2104 W Algonquin Road) for Best New Business.

According to LITH Village Administrator Fred Mullard, the winners of the award will be recognized in various village publications, social media campaigns, and other outlets.

“Nominations praised winning businesses for their exceptional customer service, their charitable work to support area non-profits, and their positive working environments. Each business has demonstrated a level of community engagement that contributes to the quality and character of Lake in the Hills,” said Mullard in a press release statement.

The Village of LITH recognizes businesses that embody the philanthropic and entrepreneurial spirit of Gordon Larsen, who was influential in shaping the physical and civic landscape of LITH, each year, according to an official statement from the village.

Larsen believed in charitable businesses whose success was attributable to exemplary service to employees, customers, and the community.

LITH village officials accepted nominations through Dec. 9 and received 190 nominations for 19 LITH area businesses.

The village is currently accepting applications and nominations for the 2022 Gordon Larsen Business Achievement Awards program.

Applications and nominations may be submitted throughout the year.

For residents interested in learning a little more about the 2021 award winners, Mullard provided some background information on the local businesses.

Butcher on the Block was established in 2000 by Tom and Jill Yucuis, which makes this business a long-standing establishment within LITH.

“Butcher on the Block received 69 nominations for Best Customer Service and 83 total nominations across categories. Nominations frequently highlighted the sincerity and attentiveness of the owners and staff, the high-quality products, and the small-town feel created by the friendly, personable service,” said Mullard. “A well-known and highly recommended gourmet meat and deli market, Butcher on the Block strives to serve the finest quality products to the community. Butcher on the Block previously won the 2019 Gordon Larsen Award for Best Customer Service.”

The Lakehouse Tattoo business was established in LITH in 2019 by Rob Downs, and quickly earned a reputation for its community service shortly after opening.

“Nominations commended the business for consistent efforts to give back to the community by hosting fundraisers and clothing and food drives,” said Mullard. “Over the past three years, their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive has brought 300 to 700 pounds of donated goods per year for the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry. The Lakehouse Tattoo received 20 total nominations.”

Mullard stated that The Lakehouse Tattoo won the 2019 Gordon Larsen award for “Best New Business.”

The 2021 winner of the “Employer of Choice” award, Marie Charles Salon & Spa, was established in 2015 by owner Holly Taft.

“The recipient of 18 nominations between the Employer of Choice and Best Customer Service categories, Marie Charles Salon & Spa was commended for the owner’s efforts to create a positive working environment,” said Mullard. “Nominations recognized the owner for supporting employees, cultivating an atmosphere of kindness, and making her staff feel like family.”

Marie Charles Salon & Spa won the 2017 Gordon Larsen award for “Best Customer Service.”

UpRising Bakery & Café is a new addition to the LITH community, having only been established in 2021 by owner Corinna Bendel Sac, therefore, making it a contender for the “Best New Business” award.

“UpRising Bakers and Café quickly established a reputation for caring customer service, generous community service, and unique, high-quality products. Nominations highlighted the owner’s community-minded spirit and reputation for generosity,” Mullard explained.

UpRising Bakery & Café is known for frequently donating proceeds and unsold food to support those in need throughout the community.

This business is also known for its allergen-friendly items that cater to customers’ unique dietary needs and restrictions through their three kitchens: one gluten-free, one nut-free, and one traditional.

For more information on the winning businesses, visit lith.org.