What began as a gesture of kindness—giving free cookies to children visiting her dress shop—became one of St. Charles’ most beloved bakery traditions. Charlotte Thompson’s irresistible recipes and generous spirit created more than just cookies; they created a community gathering place that has spanned generations. Grandma’s Cookies offers handmade, homestyle cookies made from scratch daily. Under Theresa’s care, the shop was voted the No. 1 cookie shop in the nation by USA Today and 10Best. At Grandma’s, everyone is family!

Owners: Theresa Rubio
Address: 401 S Main St, St Charles, MO 63301

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Since 1995, Anderson Technologies has been a family-owned IT firm dedicated to providing exceptional communication and delivering innovative technology for small-to-mid-sized businesses. Their expert team is committed to providing managed IT services, cybersecurity, consulting and helpdesk options that cater to each company’s needs. The firm believes in forming strong partnerships with clients, ensuring that their technology works seamlessly to drive success. Anderson Technologies delivers enlightened solutions and unwavering support to meet IT challenges with expertise and dedication.

Owners: Corbitt and Hadley Grow
Address: 13523 Barrett Pkwy Dr # 120, Ballwin, MO 63021

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White Box Catering, a local women-owned business, has been recognized as STL Headliners' Best Catering Company for the past two years. Founded by Jen and Courtney, the company prides itself on providing an effortless experience from ordering to delivery. As a scratch kitchen, they offer a wide range of options, including breakfast, boxed lunches, gourmet appetizers, holiday heat-and-serve meals and desserts made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Known for their fresh breads, unique global flavors, and daily-made pastries, White Box Catering specializes in corporate events but caters to all occasions. Their current offerings include specialty holiday boxes and heat-and-serve Christmas meals.

Owners: Jen Sanders and Courtney Mertz
Address: 1250 Strassner Dr, Brentwood, MO 63144

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The Learning Lodge Childcare and Preschool in O'Fallon, MO, is a family-owned and operated center directed by Holly Mueller. With 16 years of experience, the team consists of seasoned teachers, loving mothers, grandmothers and college students, all dedicated to providing exceptional care for children from infancy through school age. The center takes pride in creating an environment that reflects the love and respect they have for their community. For the Learning Lodge, it is more than just a business—it is an extension of their family.

Owner: Holly Mueller
Address: 140 T.R. Hughes Blvd. O’Fallon, MO 63366.

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For the last six years, Phoenix A+ Coaching has been operating on the Hill and helping people live healthier, happier lives through fitness, nutrition and mindset coaching. Taking pride in their results, Phoenix A+ Coaching delivers state-of-the-art customer service to help members rediscover their self-confidence and potential.

Owner: Page Clinton
Address: 1647 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

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Since 2001, J.McGraugh's has gone from a dream to welcoming all in the neighborhood to enjoy delicious food and drinks. J.McGraugh's looks forward to serving guests menu favorites like wings, burgers, homemade soups and chili, salads and more! For over 20 years, J.McGraugh's looks to satisfy every guest's needs.

Owner: Moira & Rick Thornton
Address: 8405 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105

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Founded in 2017, SkateTech offers the general public the same services provided to NHL players such as professional skate sharpening, blade profiling, equipment repair, jerseys, apparel, and more. Let them help you maximize your on-ice performance with the edge the Pros trust at SkateTech!

Owner: Chad O'Neil
Address: 204 Scott Troy Rd Suite C, O'Fallon, IL 62269

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Whistle Stop 301 is a multi-vendor boutique featuring local artists and makers, and the place to find unique gifts, apparel, home decor and more! Opening in October 2020, Whistle Stop 301 continues to persevere to serve its community and has overcome uncertainties like renovations, the pandemic, and the summer floods.

Owner: Katie Reuther
Address: 301 Main St, St Peters, MO 63376

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Lisa spent years honing her craft of preparing fantastic food in the tradition of Old World Greek recipes. Joe loves preparing Lisa's recipes and gets great joy watching for reactions and big smiles of those who enjoy their culinary delights. They share the common goal and the philosophy that every customer is treated like they are dining in their home.

Owners: Lisa & Joe Kandel
Address: 343 S Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood 63122

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South Side Cyclery is a small family-owned business serving and bringing the joy of cycling to the diverse community of South City. The owners are actively involved in revitalizing their community and in supporting youth mountain biking by serving as sponsors of the local South Side Otters NICA team.

Owners: Tim & Deanna Kakouris
Address: 6969 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO, 63116

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With a goal of helping 10,000 people live happier healthier lives, Ballwin Fit Body Boot Camp opened in September 2020. Its employees strive to build a great community through great workouts to build upon their mission of helping people live their best lives mentally and physically.

Owners: Patrick Barry, Mike Keane & Page Clinton
Address: 691 Big Bend Road Ballwin, MO 63021

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Opening in 1872, Alex Waldbart Florist is St. Louis' oldest florist and is still family-owned and operated by Claire Waldbart Kramer, a fourth-generation florist, along with her talented team of designers. Ever since Alex Waldbart opened, they have had a simple goal to provide the freshest flowers, the best service and the most exquisite designs for their customers.

Owner: Claire Waldbart Kramer
Address: 7801 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117

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The Banh Mi Shop is a Vietnamese shop specializing in Banh Mi - a French/Vietnamese fusion sandwich. Opening eight days before stay-at-home orders in 2020, The Bahn Mi Shop has shown resilience and support to the community by delivering sandwiches to local hospitals.

Owner: Jimmy Trinh
Address: 567 Melville Ave University City, MO 63130

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Donut Palace has been a West County institution for over 25 years, dedicated to creating hand-crafted donuts and icings fresh daily. Steve and Ann Saladin transitioned from long-time customers to owners in 2018; now Steve makes the donuts and Ann sells them.

Owners: Ann & Steve Saladin
Address: 37 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

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