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The Best of the DMV

Join us in celebrating the outstanding businesses and individuals across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is “The Best of The DMV”?
Answer: The Best of The DMV is a vibrant community celebration where residents nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses, organizations, personalities, and places. It’s the ultimate People’s Choice recognition—powered entirely by you. Winners are chosen by popular vote and showcased in a special edition of The Washington Informer.

Q: What is the DMV?
A: The DMV refers to the dynamic region anchored by the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., and extending into neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. While it doesn’t have strict geographic boundaries, the DMV is defined by its unmistakable style, shared culture, and vibrant local pride. It’s more than just a place—it’s a way of life that’s uniquely ours.

Q: Does it cost money?
A: Nope! It’s completely free to nominate, vote, and rally your community throughout the competition. Businesses and individuals can also choose to amplify their presence through sponsorship or promotional opportunities—but participation is always free.

Q: How do I participate?
A: Easy!
Nominate your favorites during the nomination period (July 1–Aug 15th, 2025).
Vote for the finalists during the voting period (September 1–October 3, 2025).
Share with your network to help your picks win!

Q: Do you have to be a Black-owned business to participate?
A: No. Best of The DMV is open to all businesses. However, some sub-categories specifically highlight Black-owned businesses or organizations.

Q: When does it happen?
A: Here are the key dates:
Nomination Period: July 1 – Aug 15th, 2025
Voting Period: September 1 – October 3, 2025
Finalists Announced: October 2025 (Date TBD)
Celebration Event: November 2025 (Date TBD)
Awards Issue: November 2025 (Date TBD)

Q: Why should I care?
A: Because this is your chance to show love to the people, places, and businesses that make the DMV special. Your voice helps uplift our community and shine a spotlight on local excellence. For more than 60 years, The Washington Informer has proudly served the DMV with trusted, community-centered journalism. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to celebrate, advocate for, and elevate the people who shape our region every day. Whether you’re voting, nominated, or sponsoring, you’re helping continue that legacy.

Best of The DMV

Winners Announced: Best of The DMV 2025

Welcome! Below you’ll find the Best of The DMV 2025 winners, along with the two other top finalists in each category, for a total of three honorees selected through community voting. Winners and finalists are listed together to recognize excellence across the region, and the full slate of honorees is also available on the Best…

Avatar photo by WI Webstaff

A Word With Some ‘Best of the DMV’ Business Finalists

The Washington Informer’s inaugural Best of the DMV contest recognizes the special connection between local businesses and their patrons, as well as the organizations that support them, such as the Anacostia Business Improvement District and the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce.

Sam P.K. Collins photo by Sam Plo Kwia Collins Jr.

Video: Ra-Jah Kelly discusses the impact of Best of The DMV campaign

In this video, Ra-Jah Kelly, Chief Officer of Technology and Grants at The Washington Informer, discusses the vision behind the first-ever Best of The DMV campaign and why community participation was central to its success. With more than 2,000 nominees and 15,000 votes, the initiative highlights businesses, organizations, and individuals making a meaningful impact across…

Avatar photo by WI Webstaff

Best of The DMV Finalist Happy Hour and Interviews at The Whiskey Bar Anacostia

Finalists of The Best of The DMV 2025, presented by Safeway, are invited to a special Happy Hour gathering at The Whiskey Bar Anacostia, located inside DCity Smokehouse. From 5–7 p.m., finalists can connect with fellow nominees, meet members of The Washington Informer team, and participate in on-camera interviews (schedule permitting). Registered finalists will receive…

Avatar photo by WI Webstaff

The Best of The DMV Finalists: Please Confirm Your Information

As we prepare for the inaugural celebration of The Best of The DMV, we’re reaching out to all finalists to confirm the correct spelling, contact information, and promotional details for each nominee. Because the community submitted most nominees, we’re asking all honorees to complete this brief form so we can ensure accuracy across our website,…

Avatar photo by WI Webstaff

The Washington Informer Finalists for Inaugural Best of The DMV Awards

Presented by Safeway, The Best of The DMV is The Washington Informer’s inaugural effort to celebrate the best and brightest across this amazing community we’re proud to call home. With nearly 1,700 nominations, we were challenged to narrow down dozens of worthy contenders whose categories simply didn’t receive enough engagement to move forward. In the…

A photo of Ra-Jah Kelly.Avatar photo by Ra-Jah S. Kelly and WI Webstaff

How to Campaign for The Best of The DMV 2025

Being nominated for The Best of The DMV is an honor—and now it’s time to rally your community to vote! Use your voice, your network, and the official hashtag #BestOfTheDMV to spread the word. Here are a few simple ways to boost your chances: For nominees who’d like extra visibility, we offer promotional support including…

Avatar photo by WI Webstaff

The Washington Informer Announces Nominees for The Best of The DMV 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Washington Informer is proud to announce the nominees for The Best of The DMV 2025. Thousands of nominations were received from across the region, highlighting the businesses, leaders, and organizations that make our community thrive. We thank Safeway, the presenting sponsor of The Best of The DMV 2025, and Signarama Silver…

Avatar photo by WI Webstaff