Photo submitted Blair Koss of Rosie’s Workshop, named Best Home Decor and Gift Store by Lake Erie Living Magazine, is pictured. Rosie’s workshop was one of 13 Westfield businesses and attractions honored.
WESTFIELD — Businesses in the Westfield area have won multiple awards from Lake Erie Living Magazine “Best of Lake Erie” competition spanning communities in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
Businesses in the Westfield area won 13 awards in 27 categories and 84 winners in total.
“It’s a true testament to the vibrant community that Westfield has become. Think about the community pride it takes to organize and get people to vote and write testimonials. It’s not just about hitting the like button. You had to explain why a company was the best,” said Don McCord, executive director of the Westfield Development Corporation. “We are proud of our community and how the area truly supports our small businesses. We thrive here at Westfield.
Westfield has weathered the challenges of the past two years with resilience, running a 2020 farmers’ and artisan’s market during the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting restaurant shopping and takeout during this time. Westfield only lost two businesses on the high street in 2020-21 and both served the wedding industry.
“Our community has really shown itself. People came out and supported our downtown restaurants and stores, keeping them alive,” said Mike Velde, Mayor of Westfield. “Now our downtown is booming and more and more businesses are looking to set up shop here. We are excited about the future and the possibilities. Westfield has a beautiful downtown with fun retail stores and great restaurants. If we keep working hard, and we will, Westfield will continue to be a regional destination.
The winning companies are Brazill’s on Main (Fine Dining), Rosie’s Workshop (Home Decor & Gifts), Grace and Abe’s (Happy Hour), Johnson Estate Winery (Winery), Annex 25 (Summer Cocktail), Parkview Cafe (Sunday Brunch), Westfield Nursery (Garden Center), Barcelona Lakeside B&B (Bed & Breakfast), CJ’s Pizza (Pizza). Westfield’s winning attractions are Barcelona Port Beach (Beach), Lincoln-Bedell Statue (Historic Site), Barcelona Lighthouse (Lighthouse).
Westfield himself was named “Best City” by the journal.
“It is a huge honor for the community to be recognized in this way. The drive and pride of our residents is incredible and it shows,” said Westfield town supervisor Martha Bills.
“It’s quite an achievement. This puts Westfield on the map in more than four Lake Erie states and speaks to the strength of our downtown and surrounding areas. We are happy to be one of the 13 winners,” said Blair Koss, founder of Rosie’s Workshop. “We have seen a surge in regional visitors to our Main Street store. It’s great to see Westfield recognized in this way.
Rosie’s Workshop is a home decor brand made here in Chautauqua with retail stores in Pittsburgh and Westfield. They sell internationally to the hospitality industry.
For more information about Westfield, visit www.WestfieldNY.com.
