LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – We have a winner! Each year, Lafayette selects a local business person (or in this case, persons) who have made a big impact on the community.
Sometimes it’s a person who has volunteered a lot, or supported local sports or civic events. Sometimes the award honors a business that’s been in the community for years.
The 2026 winner is officially out, according to a press release and statement sent to the Bay Area Telegraph.
The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce announced that Erin and Ford Andrews, the owners of Sideboard Lafayette, have been selected as Lafayette’s 2026 Business Persons of the Year.
According to the Chamber, the selection committee chose the Andrews for their commitment to the local community, including support for Lafayette schools and nonprofit organizations — and for being flexible partners during the many community events that can disrupt the street and parking right in front of their restaurant.
Why Sideboard’s owners were selected
Sideboard is now in its 12th year in Lafayette, and the Chamber called it a favorite local gathering place known for its casual style, attention to detail, and crowd-pleasing menu.
The restaurant sits by Lafayette Plaza at 3535 Plaza Way in downtown Lafayette.
The Chamber also highlighted the Andrews’ local giving, pointing to support for groups including LPIE, Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, The Park Theater Trust, Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Acalanes Parents Club, Acalanes Boosters, Sustainable Contra Costa, Assistance League, and more.
A few Sideboard “fun facts” the Chamber highlighted
The Chamber noted that Erin and Ford Andrews have been in hospitality since they were teenagers, working in the industry since age 14.
It also shared the meaning behind the name “Sideboard”: it’s a nod to their grandmother’s well-loved piece of furniture that held everything needed to set the table for homemade family meals.
And yes, the Chamber even mentioned that Sideboard has a “secret menu.” That’s news to us, and we’ll have to stop in and ask about it for you, our readers.
When the Business Persons of the Year dinner is happening
The Chamber says a dinner honoring the Andrews will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, and it will also include the introduction of the Chamber’s 2026 Board of Directors.
The Chamber’s event listing also notes a 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm reception, with welcome and dinner starting at 6:45 pm.
How the Chamber defines “Business Person of the Year”
In the press release, the Chamber describes the award as recognizing a business leader who is deeply involved in the community.
The listed criteria includes being a Chamber member for at least the past two years, actively being involved with a successful business or organization, showing sustained involvement with the Chamber or other community groups, supporting the Chamber’s mission and Lafayette’s quality of life, and contributing time, money, or energy to help make Lafayette a vibrant place to live, work, and shop.
Past Lafayette Business Persons of the Year
Former honorees listed by the Chamber include (among many others) Ed Stokes, Caesar Perales, Larry Blodgett, Brenda Oum, Dana Green, Terry Ring, Hollie Lucas-Alcalay, and Nick Bozych.
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