On Wednesday, November 9, the St. Pete community proved once again that it's love and support is rain or shine. Despite a tropical storm warning and a little rain in St. Petersburg, 'Burgers still showed up to celebrate the business community at our 10th Annual Good 'Burger Awards ceremony presented by co-sponsors, The Bank of Tampa and Compass Land & Title.

Over 600 people came together at Jannus Live to watch Entrepreneurial Academy students walk across the stage for their graduation and to see which businesses and individuals won this year's Good 'Burger Awards -- nominated and voted on by the community.

In honor of a former mayor who referred to his citizens as “burgers” (as in St. Petersburgers), the Good ‘Burger Awards were established to honor those businesses and individuals who contribute in a positive way to make our community special.

The voting survey, powered by I Love the Burg, received over 10,000 visits in less than 45 days, and over 4,000 total responses.

NEW CATEGORIES
This year, we revealed The Sunshine Award, a new category for 2022; named and created by 2022 Good 'Burger Chair, Jessica Duxstad. The Sunshine Award recognizes those individuals, companies and organizations that serve as champions for change. They are leaders and outstanding allies who are shining a light on diversity, inclusion, and equity furthering the advancement of equality in St. Pete by providing a platform for visibility and dialogue in their businesses and community. This honor went to the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.

Also new this year was the People's Choice Award, a recognition that didn't rely on votes, but comments left by voters at the end of the voting survey. Not one, but two, businesses received an overwhelming amount of love and positivity from their community in the comments section, which deserves to be honored and recognized all on it's own. Although they may not have won in their categories, Olivia Poppy Salon and Zubrick Magic Theatre certainly won the hearts of St. Pete.

THE ENTERTAINMENT
The St. Pete Chamber brought back local hit band, Radio Silent, for the second year in a row, and had performers from Bay Breaks Entertainment help get the party going (also seen at the Chamber's Annual Meeting in February 2022).

THE PUPPY AMBASSADORS
VIP guests also got to experience another hit of the night -- the SPCA puppy bowl! SPCA, a platinum sponsor of Good 'Burger, brought in a tiny football field filled with three, adoptable puppies. The puppies served as Giving Day Ambassadors, helping promote SPCA's Annual Day of Giving on Thursday, November 10, where all donations to SPCA would be matched.

THE FOOD & BEVERAGE
Food and beverage was provided by a variety of vendors -- who showed up and kept serving attendees even through the wind and rain, including Lolita's, Twisted Indian, Datz, Portillo's and more!

THE GIVEAWAYS
Every year, we have generous sponsors who raffle off products or services for the audience to win. This year, our giveaways included a paddleboard from BOTE, a one-hour tour on an electric bote provided by Bada Bing Water Sports, a lux car detailing by Car Locker, and a 10-person tour on the Pelican St. Pete.

THE AWARDS
Each winner received an award designed by Morean Glass Studio in the shape of a #10.

Special thank you to our hosts, Jannus Live, all of our sponsors, EA students, volunteers, entertainment and production crews, furniture, decor and signage vendors, photographers, videographers, t-shirt cannons, staff and entire St. Pete community for showing up and making this night so special!

Congratulations to all winners and nominees!

Looking for pictures? We're uploading them to our Flickr album as we receive them. Check back regularly for more.