Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 Best of the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire is more than just a region; it is a vibrant, sprawling community built on the hard work, creativity, and dedication of its local leaders and businesses. Every year, the Best of the Inland Empire Awards serves as a tribute to the people and places that make our community a world-class place to live, work, and play.
The purpose of these awards is to highlight those who have gone above and beyond—from the culinary innovators and local boutiques to the essential service providers who keep our neighborhoods thriving. Voted on by the people who know them best—the residents of the IE—these honors represent a true seal of approval from the community.
On April 18, 2026, we gathered at our annual Gala to recognize the passion and perseverance of this year’s finalists. We are thrilled to officially unveil the “Best of the Best.”
A Heartfelt Congratulations
To our winners: your commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. You represent the very best of our region’s spirit, and your success is a testament to the incredible impact you have on the Inland Empire every day. We are proud to honor your achievements and celebrate your place in our community’s story.
Join us in congratulating the 2026 Best of the Inland Empire winners:
Category
- PRIVATE SCHOOL
- CREDIT UNION
- BUSINESS SERVICES
- PIZZA RESTAURANT & BAR
- UNIVERSITY
- AUTO DETAILING
- SHOPPING CENTER
- CHARITY EVENT
- HOSPITAL
- SALON
- BURGER
- DOCTOR
- PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
- MAKE-UP ARTIST
- HAIR STYLIST
- PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY
- CASINO GOLF COURSE
- RADIO PERSONALITY
- WINERY
- LOCAL INFLUENCER
- REALTOR
- BARBECUE RESTAURANT
- DANCE SCHOOL
- SKIN CARE
- CASINO
- STEAKHOUSE
- ICON AWARD
- LOCAL EVENT
- MEETING VENUE
- LIBRARY
- RESTAURANT & CHEF
- DAY SPA
- WEDDING VENUE
- INNOVATOR AWARD
- EYE DOCTOR
- LAWYER
- BEST WINE RESORT
- BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Winner
- Alta Loma Christian School
- Altura Credit Union
- Anguiano Safety Compliance Inc.- Raul Anguaino
- Barcuso Social Club
- Cal Baptist University
- Cali Precision Detailing
- Canyon Crest Towne Centre
- CHARITEA Children’s Foundation of America
- Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center
- Dirty Blondes Salon
- Downtown Public
- Dr. Syed Bokhari- Advanced Cardiovascular Care
- Fox Performing Arts Center- Live Nation
- Gena Bradley- Aahsome Salon
- Holly Clifford- Strands Salon
- Inland Valley Repertory Theatre
- Journey at Pechanga
- Kelly & Anthony, KFRG-95.1
- Lorenzi Estate Vineyards & Winery
- Mark Menezes (a.k.a. Mark from Riverside)
- Michelle Hardesty- BHHS Perrie Mundy Realty Group
- Mill Creek Cattle Co.
- Miss Candice’s Dance
- Nelly B Skin Studio & Queen B Skin
- Pechanga Resort Casino
- Corkfire Kitchen- Temecula Creek Inn
- Perrie Mundy- BHHS Perrie Mundy Realty Group
- Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival
- Riverside Convention Center
- San Bernardino County Library
- Mario’s Place- Leone Palagi
- Kelly’s Spa – The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
- The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
- Virginia Blumenthal
- Visionaire Optometry Spa- Dr. Sana Shakil-Ansari
- William Shapiro- William D. Shapiro Law
- Europa Village Inn
- Market Broiler
A Toast to the Future
As we wrap up this year’s celebration of the Best of the Inland Empire, we want to extend one final thank you to everyone who participated. From the thousands of community members who cast their votes to the local businesses that continue to raise the bar, you are the heartbeat of this region.
Winning this award is more than just a title; it is a reflection of the trust and loyalty you have built with your neighbors. We encourage everyone to continue supporting these outstanding local establishments and to keep discovering the hidden gems that make the IE so unique.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to seeing how these winners continue to innovate and lead throughout 2026 and beyond.
Keep the celebration going! Share your favorite moments from the gala or your experiences with our winners using the hashtag #BestOfTheIE2026. We’ll see you next year!


