Current Award Recipients 2008

Trader Joe's
Trader Joe’s El Cerrito has been part of the community for over five years. The store has been an integral part of the community and has been widely successful, exceeding all expectations of the Trader Joe Company. Trader Joe’s prides itself on being a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores. Many of the crew members are locals and walk to work. Trader Joe’s El Cerrito was awarded the corporate sponsor of the year for their daily donations to the Bay Area Rescue Mission and are involved in many community events. On behalf of Trader Joe’s, the local store is thankful for being part of the El Cerrito community.

Trader Joe’s is being recognized for industry achievement, significant contribution of sales tax and employment and contribution to the community.

PastTime Hardware
Pastime was started in the 1930’s by Donald H. “Dick” Pryde. It operated as a lunch counter, bar and pool hall ( after the fall of prohibition) as the Pastime Club. Dick’s brother Norman “Bus” Pryde opened a card room in the adjacent building. After World War II, Bus and Dick opened a hardware and sporting goods store. Eventually the two brothers merged their businesses and with the help of their four sons Don, David, Richard, and Robert, ran the store and expanded the business to span an entire city block. Today, several third generation family members still work there and are helping to continue Dick and Buster’s legacy.

Pastime Ace Hardware is being recognized for longevity in the City of El Cerrito, industry achievement, and significant contribution of sales tax and employment.

The Junket
The Junket was established in November 1979 by Bruno and Cindy Frisch. This European style Cafe and Delicatessen at the El Cerrito Plaza is a daily "meeting place" for a variety of people. They come for the continental breakfast and lunch, including a wide variety of sandwiches, German sausages, red cabbage, sauerkraut and potato salad. Or they may drop by for a cappuccino, cafe latte, or German Beer on tap. Other indulgences include British style Beef or Mushroom Pasties and Chicken pies, Spinach or Mushroom Brioche, Quiche, Salads and an array of desserts.The Junket also specializes in European food and grocery items including candies, cookies, teas, German steins and glasses, wines, and hard to find chocolates.Some customers have been coming to the Junket since day one! It has become part of their daily routine. Some come alone and sit in the sun at a sidewalk table with their dog, while others meet groups of friends for weekly get-togethers. Families also gather here. Young and old, the Junket is a place where everyone is welcome. The Junket is proud to be apart of the El Cerrito Community.

The Junket is being recognized for industry achievement, longevity in the City of El Cerrito and contribution to the community.