Mayor Robert Hoffman and the Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee announced the winners of the 11th annual Creve Coeur Business Awards during the Creve Coeur–Olivette Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The Creve Coeur Business Awards program recognizes local businesses for their innovation, achievements and positive impact on the Creve Coeur community.
Heart of the Community Award 2026
The Kaufman Fund (10131 Old Olive Street Rd.)
Founded in 1990 by veteran Wayne Kaufman in honor of his brother, this nonprofit has spent the past 35 years providing meaningful support to veterans and military families throughout the region. Through a wide range of programs and services, the Kaufman Fund has helped thousands of veterans access critical resources, including mental health support, medical and legal referrals, dental assistance, grief counseling and food assistance.
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One of the organization’s most impactful initiatives, Food for Vets, has provided food assistance to more than 5,000 veterans and their families since 2021, including more than 2,000 individuals in 2025 alone. They also offer equine and dog-assisted therapy for veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, ship care packages to deployed military members, and support veterans’ children through scholarship opportunities. In addition, the organization brings comfort and connection to veterans living in Missouri Veterans Homes through visits, holiday gifts, outings and special events.
Over the past three decades, the Kaufman Fund has distributed more than $2 million to local veterans, creating a lasting impact on the lives of those who have served our country.
Most Innovative Business Award 2026
domash DESIGNSOURCE (12645 Olive Blvd.)
For more than 25 years, this architectural firm has brought innovation and forward-thinking design to the region. Founded and led by architect and designer Ken Domash, the firm is known for blending architecture, interior design, branding and business strategy in a way that is both visually striking and highly functional.
What sets this company apart is its ability to transform ideas into solutions in real time. During client meetings, Ken Domash sketches concepts live, allowing projects to move quickly from vision to execution. The firm’s commitment to innovation also includes a United States utility patent for visual and acoustical privacy features for office furniture. This patent is one example of how this firm solves real-world workplace challenges through original design solutions.
Through nearly three decades of creativity, technical expertise and industry leadership, domash DESIGNSOURCE continues to exemplify innovation within Creve Coeur’s business community.
Green Business Award 2026
This newly constructed automotive dealership was designed with sustainability and environmental stewardship as central priorities, incorporating innovative systems that reduce energy consumption, protect natural resources and create a healthier environment for guests and employees alike.
The facility at Spirit Lexus features a fully integrated LED lighting system with smart daylight harvesting technology that automatically adjusts lighting levels based on natural sunlight, significantly reducing energy usage. The exterior lighting utilizes DarkSky-compliant fixtures, preventing light pollution while cutting exterior lighting energy use by up to 60 to 75 percent compared with traditional lighting.
Environmental responsibility also extends to the site’s advanced stormwater management infrastructure. An underground retention vault and bioretention filtration system help control runoff, reduce sediment discharge and protect surrounding water infrastructure during heavy rain. One of the facility’s most distinctive sustainability features is its vegetative green roof. The plants growing on the roof absorb rainwater, improve insulation and reduce the urban heat island effect. This living roof also creates a habitat for pollinators and plant biodiversity. Through these initiatives, Spirit Lexus has gone above and beyond to reduce its environmental footprint.
Favorite Restaurant Award 2026
Pierce Creek (10405 Old Olive Street Rd.)
Since celebrating their ribbon cutting last year, Pierce Creek has quickly become a favorite gathering place within the Creve Coeur community. Known for its warm atmosphere, exceptional service and high-quality food, this restaurant has built a reputation for both its ethically sourced ingredients and its Midwestern hospitality.
The breakfast menu includes favorites such as steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, babka French toast and corned beef hash. The lunch and dinner menu features soups, sandwiches, salads and smash burgers made from ground beef that is locally sourced and pasture-raised with no added hormones. In addition to serving sustainably sourced beef, this restaurant also offers an on-site butcher shop and market with a selection of seasonal produce and locally sourced eggs and cheese. The bakery also has an assortment of sweets such as Danish pastries, tarts, gooey butter cake and more.
From weekly live music nights to its “Moobile” food truck, Pierce Creek continues to create inviting experiences that bring people together over farm-to-table dishes.
