But when Souvlaki Boys Marrickville was called out as the winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ category, they almost fell off their chairs.
“It was definitely a shock but a beautiful shock,” Nick said.
“We honestly were not expecting it as we didn’t know we were up for the major win.”
After establishing Souvlaki Boys in Marrickville, four-and-a-half years ago, the family team has gone from strength to strength.
“We have had incredible support and most of it has been by word of mouth,” Nick said.
“If someone has a barbecue and gets meat from here, you can guarantee they will tell their friends and they will all be back for more.
“We were also very fortunate during Covid; we were able to switch to home deliveries to make it easier on customers so they didn’t have to go out.”
Sourcing their high quality, premium meats from wholesalers across NSW, the Alepidis family also prioritises customer service.
“We feel we are blessed and can’t thank our customers enough for their support,” Nick added.
Though having won five awards previously, Raine & Horne Concord again collected the ‘Estate Agency’ category win much to the surprise of staff.
Saying they were up against a lot of stiff competition, sales agent Paul Pettenon said there were so many first class real estate sales agencies in the Inner West, his team felt honoured to take the win.
“Not only is customer service our top priority we have a fantastic office culture – from the receptionist, right through to the boss; everyone has an equal voice and everyone’s opinion is valued,” he said.
“Raine & Horne Concord is so well-known, we are very much the local landmark having been established here for 31 years and the award is very much appreciated.”
Jewellery Store category winner Prouds the Jewellers in Ashfield Mall are also thrilled with the win.
Duty manager Ying Lie said it was due to the combination of customer service and high quality, affordably priced jewellery items.
“Some of our designs, you can’t get anywhere else,” she said.
“We are grateful to all who voted for us, including the judges.”
Service and Trade category winner Dulwich Hill’s Home Impact are celebrating their second win, having first taken out the category in 2018.
Mina Mihas said: “We are a hard-working team and know and love our Inner West well; thank you to all of our past and present customers.”