2024 Businesses to Watch
As we start to look back on the past year, it’s time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our incredible members who are making lists and making waves while leading the charge in their industries.
These standout companies are not only driving innovation and growth but are also setting the bar for excellence in business. As we continue to watch their progress, we want to recognize their hard work, vision, and dedication to making a lasting impact. Keep an eye on these trailblazers—they’re the companies to watch this year!
Avacen: Avacen was also recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the *fastest-growing private companies in America. Avecen stands for Advanced Vascular Circulation Enhancement and is a noninvasive, FDA Cleared, drug-free, over-the-counter (OTC) heat therapy system for temporary relief of minor muscle pain, joint pain, and stiffness; a unique device that promotes whole-body wellness.
Barrio Glassworks: Barrio Glassworks‘s public glassblowing studio and retail gallery provides a unique experience and environment for residents and visitors alike. It’s no surprise they won a *2024 Best of North County, Activities and Entertainment Award.
BMW of Carlsbad: BMW of Carlsbad is a proud member of the nationwide network of AutoNation dealerships. Since 1996, AutoNation has sold and serviced over 13,000,000 new and pre-owned vehicles. There are many benefits to being part of the AutoNation family. Huge congrats to BMW of Carlsbad for being recognized as the Best Auto Dealership of North County.
Burgeon Beer Company: This year’s Brewers Cup of California included more than 1,300 entries from nearly 200 breweries. (Brewers Cup of California). Burgeon Beer Company (Carlsbad) took home a gold medal for their Clever Kiwi for “Session Beer”. Additionally, rated in the top ten breweries in the nation in the 2024 US Open of Beer. It is a larger competition where there are over 9,000 entries from all over the nation (Link). Taking home three gold models to secure that spot.
Carlsbad By The Sea Retirement Community: Carlsbad By The Sea Retirement Community is known for offering a variety of care options, services and amenities with oceanfront views. They were named Best Assisted Living by Best of North County.
Carlsbad Village Association: Downtown Carlsbad is the perfect blend of old-world charm and on-trend character. CVA took home a silver medal for downtown shopping this past year.
Casa De Bandini: Diane Powers brought the fun and flair of the original Casa de Bandini in Old Town, San Diego to The Forum Shopping Center in Carlsbad. Casa De Bandini took home the Best of North County Award for Best Mexican Restaurant, thanks to its authentic Mexican food, fabulous mariachi entertainment, hot-off-the-grill homemade tortillas, giant margaritas and an environment depicting Colonial Mexico.
DefenAge Skincare: Award-winning beauty brand with skin rejuvenation & anti-aging skincare products formulated to harness the Defensins’ natural skin rejuvenation power. DefenAge was also featured on Inc.’s list as well as Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2024, covering 58 industries and sectors, from advertising to video. DefenAge was notably recognized for their innovative 360-Rejuvenation Nail Root Serum.
Famulare Jewelers: Famulare Jewelers, established in 1999, is the labor of love of Rita Famulare. Rita, who has been involved in the jewelry industry for over 40 years and is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), runs the day-to day-operations of the retail location in Carlsbad. They are not only longtime Carlsbad Chamber members, but they also won 2024 Best Jewelry Store in North County.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: Handel’s makes fresh ice cream daily at each store since 1945. This sweet shop took home the award for Best Frozen Treat of North County!
Koza Law Group, APC: KOZA LAW GROUP is a service-oriented business law and estate planning firm. Koza Law Group is the winner of multiple firm and individual awards, including the 2023 and 2024 Best Estate Planning Law Firm in North County.
La Costa Wine Company: La Costa Wine Co. carries both domestic and foreign wines which are thoughtfully selected. The Coast News Group awarded them the 2024 Best Wine Selection and Wine Bar of North County.
Lola’s Deli: Lola’s Deli, located in Carlsbad’s historic Barrio neighborhood since 1944, is a women and minority owned treasure and the longest operating business in Carlsbad. Huge congrats to being awarded Best of North County, Best Tacos, AND Lola’s was Best Mexican Restaurant for 2024.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes: Mooyah‘s fresh, never-frozen patties bring home the award for Best Burger of North County.
Moradi MD: Double board certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, Dr. Moradi is an accomplished and compassionate plastic surgeon known for employing the most advanced surgical techniques and for the development of groundbreaking new procedures—huge congrats to Dr. Moradi on winning Best Cosmetic Surgery Center in North County.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is the epitome of luxury and relaxation, nestled in 400 acres of stunning Spanish Mission-style property. They took home Best of North County awards for their day spa, staycation, and banquet facility.
Pure Project Brewing: Pure Project Brewing took home a silver medal for their Otter Romp for “Juicy/Hazy Imperial IPA”.
Señor Grubby’s: Señor Grubby’s is THE local spot for many Carlsbad residents, offers delicious and unique Mexican food, beer, and wine, and has become known for the Best Specialty Cocktails, taking home the 2024 title in North County.
TERI Campus of Life: The TERI Campus of Life was founded on the belief that when given the opportunity, people discover each other’s humanity and happily live and learn side by side. Their beautiful Campus is designed to bring together children and adults with disabilities, their families, and the community. Check out their Best of North County award-winning banquet facility, plus it is a top place to volunteer.
That Pizza Place: That Pizza Place (TPP), the iconic Carlsbad pizza restaurant, has served the community for more than four decades. The secret sauce is out, they won 2024 Best Pizza of North County.
The Crossings at Carlsbad: The Crossings is an award-winning golf course and it’s no surprise they took home a Best of North County award for this country club quality green.
Vigilucci’s: Vigilucci’s was named Best Italian Restaurant in North County 2024 by the Coast News Group. Their restaurants truly are renowned for award-winning cuisine, superb service and precise attention to detail and homemade pastas.
Xpedition Media: Part entertainment studio, part marketing agency, Xpedition works closely with some of the world’s largest companies, telling stories across the globe. They made the list for one of the *fastest-growing companies in the past year. Making this list is no small feat and helped contribute to $358 billion in 2022 revenue and 1,187,266 jobs created.
Huge congrats to all these companies and the impact they have on the U.S. economy! Carlsbad is proud!
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References
*Inc. 5000 2023 Meet the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America
*Fast Company’s Worlds Most Innovative Companies in 2024, Beauty Category
*2024 Best of North County, by the Coast News Group
*2024 Brewers Cup of California
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