2023 Best of Bellevue ‘Spirit of Bellevue’ Winners Recognized

The people have spoken and the results are in. After a sixth consecutive year with a record number of votes, the 2023 recipients of the Best of Bellevue awards have been announced.

A complete list of winners and contest rules is posted on the Best of Bellevue website.

Over thirty businesses, organizations, and individuals were voted “Best of” this year for the first time, including Bellevue University, DC Electric, Dietze Music, Light House Cafe, McIntosh Family Dental, Richmont Village, and Westside State Bank.

New categories to vote in this year included Best Steak (Outback Steakhouse), Best Law Firm (Reagan, Melton, & Delaney), Best Used Car Dealer (Unisell Auto), Best Storage Facility (Dino’s Storage), and Best Optometrist (Eye Specialists).

Since the event was restructured in 2018, two Spirit of Bellevue awards are presented yearly. One award is designated the People’s Choice Award and is earned through the write-in voting on the Best of Bellevue website. The second award is known as the Judge’s Award. For this award, a group of local Bellevue citizens nominate businesses and vote each year.

The panel of judges includes representation from various nonprofits in the community, Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue University, the city of Bellevue, the Chamber of Commerce, Bellevue Public Schools, Bellevue Police Department, Bellevue Parks & Rec Department, Bellevue Fire Department, and longtime community residents. Additionally, each previous recipient of the Spirit of Bellevue is invited to participate in the Judge’s Award voting.

Previous Spirit of Bellevue winners include DJ’s Dugout, Solutions Heating & Air, Stella’s, Cake Expressions, Cornhusker Auto Wash, Chick-fil-A Bellevue, Erwin’s Jewelers, Achieve Physical Therapy, Dan’s Custom Sawmill, and B & B Classic Dogs.

The 2023 Spirit of Bellevue Awards winners are Beardmore Subaru and Bellevue Public Schools. Bellevue Public Schools won the Judge’s Award, while Beardmore Subaru earned the People’s Choice Award. Beardmore owner Carey Hamilton said, “Beardmore’s is thrilled to receive the Spirit of Bellevue People’s Choice Award. We have had a business home in Bellevue for 52 years and could not be happier to be chosen by our community. Thank you all so very much.”

Bellevue Public Schools is the first Spirit of Bellevue recipient that is not a local business. BPS Superintendent Dr. Jeff Rippe discussed the teachers and support staff throughout the district and how the award reflects their dedication and hard work, “This recognition is a direct reflection of the amazing BPS staff and their commitment to our students and community. I cannot think of a better group of individuals more deserving of this award.”

A complete list of winners and contest rules is posted on the Best of Bellevue website.

Cornhusker Auto Wash (including their Express Lube and Quick Stop buildings) won eight total awards, the most in 2023. They were followed by Stella’s Bar & Grill (7), Beardmore Subaru (6), and DJ’s Dugout, Chick-fil-A Bellevue, and Achieve Physical Therapy with five awards each.

Best of Bellevue voting runs through the month of August each year.