The best in the business

Main street restaurant Burger Bay came out on top in a tight three-way tussle to nab this year’s Margaret River Chamber of Commerce people’s choice award on Wednesday night. Operator Richard Moroney — a former general manager of Colonial Leisure Group who is running for a spot on the council this year — was rewarded for his hard work on the hospitality frontlines adapting and expanding his business during COVID-19. The Common Bistro and Margaret River Refund received honourable mentions as close contestants. Other wins at Wednesday night’s gala function included the Augusta-Margaret River Bendigo Bank winning the local legends award, The Common winning outstanding visitor experience and the “robust and remarkable” award, and Tyrepower’s Michelle and Kayne Weir scoring the business person of the year gong. Business of the year went to Left Field Botanical, which also won the environmental excellence award, the “micro and magnificent” award, and the best service category. Margaret River Refund won the “arrived and thrived” category. Tyrepower also won the “small and sensational” business award. Chamber president Melissa Rose said the 13th annual awards were a great success. “The finalists were businesses that have shown innovation and persistence through these unprecedented times,” she said. “We congratulate all the finalists for their hard work and we had a wonderful time celebrating your achievements at the awards.”