Heart Of Del Ray 2025 Nominees Announced, Winner To Be Decided By Public Vote

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Five businesses are nominated for the Del Ray Business Association's Heart of Del Ray Award, which goes to the business epitomizing the "heart and soul" of the neighborhood.

Residents had the chance to nominate businesses for the annual award. Public voting to determine the winner is open until 12 p.m. on Feb. 12. Nominees are The Dairy Godmother/Just Fine Donuts, Del Ray Artisans, Del Ray Hardware, Gustave Boulangerie and St. Elmo's Coffee Pub.

The Dairy Godmother, which hosts Just Fine Donuts in its shop, is described as a longtime neighborhood favorite for sweet treats. One nominator said it was one of the businesses that helped to transform Del Ray.

"Dairy Godmother & Just Fine Donuts is a Del Ray mainstay, bringing people together for a sweet treat any time of year and day. Russell is a kind and funny owner. He is quick to offer a bite of something new and a museum exhibit recommendation along with your order," another nomination read.

Del Ray Artisans, an arts organization for 30 years, is another nominee. The organization is credited with creating a community for artists.

"Del Ray Artisans provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its artists and a space for customers to explore art themes," one nominator wrote. "It offers a friendly and creative environment for the community to connect and grow while learning through and engaging with talented artists."

Del Ray Hardware was nominated for keeping a small business open after Executive Lock & Key Service's owner retired. The owners are also planning a garden center at another location in the neighborhood.

"Jay and Edea [Portlance] kept this longstanding and necessary business alive!" one nomination read. "They expanded products, renovated and branded this hardware store as a focal point for all Del Ray residents."

Gustave Boulangerie is another business making an impression in a short time. Best known for its French pastries and other cafe fare, it also provides a favorite gathering space inside and its outdoor Jardin.

"Gustave has done so much this year to put on engaging events for the community and serve as a true third space for people of all ages to gather," a customer shared during the nomination process.

St. Elmo's Coffee Pub is affectionately called "Del Ray's living room," serving the community since 1996. The owners also run two other St. Elmo's Coffee Pub locations in Alexandria, Market2Market, Piece Out Del Ray and Cafe Pizzaiolo.

"They have been a critical and important part of what has made Del Ray such a wonderful place to live, shop & dine," one nominator wrote. "The owners care deeply about the community and their staff and always step up to support dozens of non-profits and important causes."

Voting is open online. The winning business will be presented with a heart-shaped award to display in time for Valentine's Day on Feb. 14.

A business can only win the Heart of Del Ray Award once. Previous winners have included A Show of Hands, Jen Walker of McEnearney Associates, Bobi Bomar Homes of Alexandria, The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, Greener Cleaner of Del Ray, Del Ray Pizzeria, Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga, Caboose Cafe, Del Ray Cafe, Pork Barrel BBQ/Holy Cow/The Sushi Bar, Taqueria Poblano, Ms. Preeti's 7-11, Dolce & Bean, Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, the Del Ray Farmers' Market, The Friends of Duncan Library, and The Dog Store/Your Dog's Best Friends.