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Youth Crossroads Named Berwyn’s 2026 Non-Profit of the Year
Berwyn, Illinois — The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) is proud to recognize Youth Crossroads as the recipient of the 2026 Non-Profit of the Year Award, honoring the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting youth, strengthening families, and enriching the Berwyn community.
Founded in 1971, Youth Crossroads has served tens of thousands of young people and families in Berwyn, Cicero, Stickney, and surrounding communities. Through partnerships with more than 100 community organizations, Youth Crossroads has built a trusted and comprehensive network of support designed to respond to the complex challenges facing today’s youth and families.
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Past Winners
2025 PAV YMCA
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Ofrenda Cantina y Cocina Named Best New Addition to Berwyn
The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) is proud to announce Ofrenda Cantina y Cocina as the recipient of the Best New Addition to Berwyn Award, recognizing a business that has quickly made a meaningful impact on the city’s growing and dynamic business community.
Ofrenda Cantina y Cocina is the culmination of a decade-long journey rooted in family, perseverance, and a deep connection to Berwyn. Brothers Ernesto and Fernando Torres learned about the restaurant business from their parents, whose experience spans nearly 50 years, 18 of them right here in Berwyn. What began as food truck serving festivals, breweries, and private events has now grown into a vibrant brick-and-mortar restaurant and bar, made possible through the collective investment and support of family members; Jose Torres (father) and Lalo Alanis (brother-in-law) and long-time family friend Martin Navarro and his family.
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La Parra Named 2026 George W. Ashby Award Recipient for Business Excellence
Berwyn, Illinois — The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) is proud to announce La Parra as the 2026 recipient of the George W. Ashby Award for Business Excellence, an annual honor recognizing a Berwyn-based business that exemplifies professionalism, quality, and a deep commitment to the local community.
La Parra has become a beloved part of Berwyn’s vibrant business landscape, offering homemade pastas, tapas, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails in a warm, welcoming setting. With its Mediterranean-inspired menu, full bar, and both dine-in and carryout options, La Parra reflects the creativity, care, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Berwyn’s diverse and close-knit business community.
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Past Winners
2010 Olive or Twist Restaurant & Martini Bar
2011 James & Williams Jewelers
2012 Paisans Pizzeria & Bar
2013 Autre Monde Café & Spirits
2014 World’s Largest Laundromat
2015 Big Guys Sausage Stand
2017 Vesecky’s Bakery
2018 Culver’s
2019 The James Joyce Irish Pub
2020 MacNeal Hospital
2021 Dan's Bike Shop
2022 Berwyn’s Violets Flower Shop
2023 W3Body A Women's Gym
2024 BMO
2025 Flapjack Brewery
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Michelle Fernandez 2026 Charles E. Piper Award Recipient for Outstanding Berwynner
Berwyn, Illinois — The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) is proud to announce Michelle Fernandez, owner of Media Noche Café, as the 2026 recipient of the Charles E. Piper Award for Outstanding Berwynner. The award honors individuals whose business leadership and community contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the economic vitality and spirit of Berwyn.
Born and raised in Chicago, Michelle Fernandez is a Mexican American Latina whose entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in family, culture, and community. Encouraged to open Media Noche Café in 2020, Michelle learned the art of Cuban seasoning and cuisine from her husband’s grandfather, a Havana native who later opened his own restaurant in Elmwood Park, where Michelle once worked as a waitress.
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Past Winners
1985 Frank R. Kasper
1986 Robert L. Anderson, Jr.
1987 Renato Turano
1988 James W. Reilly
1989 Paul Dinolfo
1990 Thomas G. Shaughnessy
1991 Jack R. Kubik
1992 Vlasta Sneberger
1993 Edward A. Karasek1994 Kenneth E. Cechura
1995 Joseph J. Pav
1996 George Lykouretzos
1997 Richard Romani
1998 William J. Hlavacek, Sr.
1999 Roger C. Forcash
2000 Lawrence D. Bell
2001 Stanley D. Loula
2002 Robert Jacklin, Sr.2003 Jon Fey
2004 Randy Womack
2005 Alba Lovero
2006 Tom Benson
2007 Dorothy Chiero
2008 William Hlavacek, Jr.
2009 Scott Lennon
2010 Michelle Bednarz2011 Aimee Sordelli
2012 Robert J. Lovero
2013 Marlene Comella
2014 Jousef Mondragon
2015 Nora Laureto
2017 John Aranza
2018 Edward Garcia
2019 Ann Mackin
2020 Sandra Figatner, Donna Greenwald and Lynn White
2022 Peggy Rose Kwiatek2023 Pete Fejzuloski
2024 Mario Manfredini
2025 Diane Salemi