More than 400 businesses from across Queens were honored on the evening of June 2 during Schneps Media’s 13th annual FourLeaf Best of the Boro VIP Winners Celebration, held at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach.
The event, sponsored by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union and hosted by Schneps Media—the publisher of QNS.com, The Queens Courier, Bayside Times, Jamaica Times, Ridgewood Times, Times Newsweekly and more—recognized first-place winners of the 2025 Best of the Boro competition, an annual boroughwide contest that highlights excellence in hundred of categories, from restaurants and real estate to healthcare, fitness, and entertainment.
“Doing local business is so hard. Anything that distinguishes them in this way is helpful,” said Schneps Media CEO and Co-publisher Joshua Schneps. “At the end of the day, it gives a local business an edge over anyone else in their industry. I think every business looks for any edge they can. Particularly if they’re a local business.”
The FourLeaf Best of the Boro Awards, which began more than a decade ago, were originally sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Now operating as FourLeaf, the organization continues to support small businesses throughout Queens with community-based initiatives and branch expansions.
“It’s important for us to be involved in our community. Being able to support local businesses is an incredible way to do that,” said Kimberley Ruiz, FourLeaf’s manager of community engagement and new markets. “Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world. Queens County has one of the most extensive numbers of languages spoken and different cultures.”
Ruiz said FourLeaf has opened three new branches in Queens over the past two years and plans to open two more in 2025. “We’re continuing to grow,” she said.
The Best of the Boro celebration is more than a networking opportunity—it’s a celebration of the borough’s diversity and entrepreneurial spirit.
“One of the things unique about Queens is that it’s distinctive by neighborhoods. When people think of Queens, they think of a neighborhood. Bayside, Astoria, Howard Beach,” Schneps said. “A lot of people are very neighborhood-centric in the borough. That’s what makes it so diverse. Each neighborhood is unique. People do business locally.”
Among the evening’s honorees were numerous family-owned businesses, some now in their third generation.
“My grandfather sold fruit in Sicily and then came into this country and started this,” said Guy Barone, owner of Valentino Food Market in Ridgewood, which was named Best Supermarket. “I’m third generation. This year we’re 50 years at one location. I’m getting the chills.”
Barone credited the store’s success to staff and a sense of legacy. “Our hard work and dedication. And we’re family-oriented.”
Real estate firm Amorelli Realty of Astoria, a nine-time Best of the Boro winner, also remains a family business, originally founded by Anita Halvatzis.
“We’re a boutique-style real estate that caters to the needs of owners,” said real estate broker Paul Halvatzis. “My mom started the business. We’re very civically minded. We’re involved in a lot of the local organizations.”
Other repeat winners include Gemelli Jewelers, which has operated in Ridgewood and Maspeth for nearly three decades.
“Service, service, service,” said co-owner Jon Palmeri. “Taking care of our customers. We are your friends in the jewelry business.”
Healthcare providers were also among those recognized. Parker Jewish Institute and Queens-Long Island Renal Institute were honored for their Best Rehabilitation Center, Best Nursing Home and Best Dialysis Center wins.
“We have a firm belief that it’s critically important to be a partner with the community,” said Parker Jewish Institute CEO Michael Rosenblut. “Not only is it an honor to attend the event, but we get to mingle and meet additional partners at the Best of the Boro events.”
Businesses offering services in education, arts, and sports were also represented. Jackson Heights-based Performing Arts Conservatory of New York, named Best Music School in Queens since 2017, continues to serve a wide range of students, including those with special needs.
“We have collaborations with charter schools and with programs that have special needs children,” said music director Teresa Rishik.
Winner Soccer Kids NYC, which teaches soccer fundamentals to youth, emphasized the importance of physical activity and teamwork.
“In this day and age, where everything’s ruled by the digital world, it’s nice that kids get a time where they can go outside and be kids,” said Noe Canales, director of coaching.
The event also served as a platform for small business owners to network and exchange ideas.
“I always like to talk to other small business owners and see how they’re doing, how we can help each other,” said Kyle Stevens, winner for Best Photography Studio.
Attendees were treated to a festive atmosphere, complete with photos by Le Selfie Photo Booth, raffle prizes including New York Mets tickets, and a gift basket from Astoria Beauty Bar.
While the event honors winners, it also serves as an opportunity for employers to thank their teams.
“They bring their teams together,” Schneps said. “It’s a great day for a business owner to celebrate their staff and accomplishments. They’re all happy, smiling and having a good time.”
The full list of 2025 winners is available at Bestof.qns.com. Nominations for the 2026 FourLeaf Best of the Boro Awards are now open.
Follow @BestoftheBoro on social media to stay updated.
