Voting is fast and easy! VOTE NOW!
Vote in the Wake News & Events Reader’s Choice Awards
Wake County is filled with wonderful locally owned restaurants and small businesses—the cozy coffee shop that knows your order, the family-run bakery that makes every celebration sweeter, the neighborhood restaurant where you are always greeted with a smile, and the burger or pizza place you recommend to everyone you know.
Now it is time to recognize the businesses that make our community such a special place to live.
The Wake News & Events Reader’s Choice Awards give you, our readers, the opportunity to choose your favorite Wake County pizza, burger, and you got it, the best cup of joe in the county! We know those are the most important food groups so we will start the “Reader’s Choice Awards” this fall with those three! We will be offering new categories to vote on every few weeks. Be sure to watch for them and vote. You can make a difference for these business by helping them get the word out!
These awards are not decided by a panel of judges or by the staff at Wake News & Events. The winners are chosen by you—the people who live, work, dine, shop, and spend time throughout Wake County.
How Does It Work?
Voting is simple:
Each person may submit one ballot.
You may cast one vote in each category.
Please vote in all 3 categories.
Reader voting closes September 12, 2026.
Think about the places you genuinely love—the pizza restaurant you visit for family get togethers, the Friday night hamburger place with friends, and yes, that great cup of coffee that starts your day. What special business do you like to meet friends at or always gives you great service or you just enjoy going there?
Then cast your vote and help that business receive the recognition it deserves.
More Than an Award—It Is Support for Small Businesses
For a small business, winning a Wake News & Events Newsletter “Readers’ Choice Award” means much more than receiving a title. It tells the owners and employees that their hard work has been noticed and appreciated by the community they serve.
Small businesses create jobs, support local families, sponsor youth teams and charitable causes, and bring personality and heart to our towns. They are often operated by people who work long hours, take personal risks, and pour everything they have into serving their customers.
When we support a locally owned business, more of our money stays right here in Wake County. It helps our neighbors provide for their families, employ local residents, and continue offering the food, products, and services that make our community unique.
Your vote may feel like a small gesture, but to a local business owner, it can mean encouragement, greater visibility, new customers, and continued growth.
What Will the Winners Receive? 🏆
Each winning business will receive valuable recognition from Wake News & Events, including:
Recognition as a 2026 Wake News & Events Readers’ Choice Award winner.
A special Business Spotlight feature article introducing the business and sharing its story with our readers FREE!
A free one-year listing in the Wake News & Events Business Directory. FREE!
Wake News & Events “Readers Choice Seal of Excellence” recognition for their place of business.
This is more than a certificate or title. It is an opportunity for deserving businesses to tell their stories, reach new customers, and receive meaningful publicity throughout our community.
Why Your Vote Matters
The strength of these awards depends on our readers. The more people who participate, the more accurately the results will reflect the places Wake County residents truly love.
Please do more than cast your own ballot. Tell your friends, relatives, neighbors, customers, coworkers, church family, and community groups about the awards. Encourage them to vote for their favorites, too.
You can also help by sharing the Readers’ Choice Awards on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and other social media platforms. Every share introduces the ballot to more Wake County residents and gives our small businesses a greater opportunity to be seen and supported. Forward this newsletter to your favorite businesses on the list and encourage them to promote the “Reader’s Choice Awards” with their customers and family. They can place the voting link on their Facebook and ask for followers to vote!
When you and your friends voting. You are helping shine a spotlight on the hardworking people behind our local businesses.
Help Your Favorite Businesses Win
Your vote is important, but spreading the word can make an even bigger difference.
Tell your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members to vote. Share the ballot with your favorite business owners and encourage them to invite their customers to participate.
Post about it on Facebook. Share it in local community groups. Tag the businesses you love. Ask others to support the places that make Wake County special.
If you know a business that deserves recognition, a coffee shop that brightens your mornings, or a burger place that consistently goes above and beyond, this is your chance to help them shine and grow.
And if someone has not yet subscribed to Wake News & Events, invite them to join our growing community.
Subscribing is free—and supporting local businesses is something we can all feel good about.
Your Community. Your Favorites. Your Choice.
The Wake News & Events Readers’ Choice Awards are about celebrating the people behind the businesses and reminding them that their hard work matters.
So cast your ballot, share the excitement, and help your favorite local businesses receive the recognition they deserve.
Voting has started, so join in the fun and let’s do some good for our local business community.
Voting is simple:
Voting is open NOW to Wake News & Events subscribers.
Each person may submit one ballot.
You may cast one vote in each category.
You do not have to vote in every category—simply vote for the businesses you know and love.
Voting closes September 12, 2026.
🎉 Bored? Not On Our Watch! 🎉 There are hundreds of fun things happening all across Wake County—festivals, concerts, food trucks, live music, family fun, markets, date nights, and so much more! ✨ Don't sit at home wondering what to do...
CLICK the Wake County Events Calendar and discover your next adventure! !
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For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
