Annnnndddd the winner of this year鈥檚 Best Employer award goes to Central Kitchen + Bar.

Co-owner Jared Lee couldn鈥檛 believe it when he heard Central鈥檚 name called to claim a Small Business B.C. Award, on Wednesday night in Vancouver.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 expecting it and then our name got called. I was like 鈥極K? I guess I have to go up and give a speech now,鈥� he said.

The Small Business competition started in October, and Lee said the restaurant was nominated for a few categories but headed into the final top-five aiming for Best Employer.

The finals were done in a Dragon鈥檚 Den format. Competitors pitched their businesses to a panel of judges before being put under the fire in a Q and A.

Lee and his business partner, Devon Murray, spent a week prepping for the live pitch and getting organized.

鈥淲e felt pretty good about it, pretty confident. We presented to the best of our ability,鈥� said Lee.

鈥淚t was nerve-racking and at the same time, the judges were incredible,鈥� he added the duo became emotional during the pitch.

Lee is especially grateful to his employees.

鈥淲e wouldn鈥檛 be here without them. They鈥檙e the most important people for sure.鈥�

With the title comes with an all-access pass to seminars, workshops and direction from Small Business B.C.

The business has been running for two and a half years and the title has taken the restaurant to new heights.

The bar is now set higher for Central, said Lee, 鈥渋t鈥檚 motivation.鈥�

Comfort is the theme when working at Central, carrying a ground-up approach with happy staff before profits.

鈥淲ith that comes a more productive server and more productive bartender,鈥� said Lee.

The vision was to be a Central hangout spot for 91大黄鸭 locals, a place they can visit after home and work.

鈥淥ur mission is creating unforgettable experiences every time people come in,鈥� said Lee.

Everything is made in-house from the sauces to burgers, he said.

鈥淏eing a strong, inspiring and supportive employer is one of the most important components to owning your own business. Congratulations to Central Kitchen + Bar for winning the Best Employer Award at this year鈥檚 Small Business BC Awards, and congratulations to every nominee and participant 鈥� each of you deserves recognition for your contributions to our communities.鈥�

TruShield is proud to partner with Small Business BC and continues to support the hard-working entrepreneurs of British Columbia,鈥� said executive vice president of TruShield Insurance Tony O鈥橞rien.

The restaurant is located at 1155 Ellis St.