Family, friends and local dignitaries will gather on Jan. 29 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa to honor Erin and Ford Andrews, owners of Sideboard Lafayette, who were recently named the 2026 Business Persons of the Year by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Selection Committee. The dinner will also include the introduction of the 2026 Lafayette Chamber board of directors.

    Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen and Coffee Bar, which opened in 2014 in the heart of downtown Lafayette, is known for its “rustic comfort food” and “casual unpretentious atmosphere” – as well as its sideboard where you can find everything to set your own table, much like you used to find at Grandma’s house. The kitchen menu features natural, organic and sustainable ingredients “sourced from the farmers, ranchers and purveyors who share [the Andrews’] passion and vision,” while the coffee bar boasts handmade pastries and specialty drinks.
   
    Since moving to Lafayette in 1988, their fondest memories include raising their children in their neighborhood. “Neighborhood” is part of the restaurant’s name to honor “Our village within a village where we live and or work. The safe haven where the social network and community can realize common values.”

    One of the requirements of being named Business Person(s) of the Year involves having given time, money, or energy to make Lafayette a vibrant community where people live, work, and shop, and actively fostering collaboration within the business and community sectors. The Andrews are active supporters of many local nonprofit organizations, including: Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE), Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, The Park Theater Trust, Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Acalanes Parents Club, Acalanes Boosters, Sustainable Contra Costa, Assistance League, and more.

    Nominees for the 2026 Business Person of the Year were submitted to an Independent Selection Committee, comprised of five voting members: the current Lafayette Chamber President, Vice-President, current recipient, and two selected Board Members, plus a staff liaison to facilitate and take notes.

    More information and dinner registration link can be found at https://lafayettechamber.org/bpoy.