Who Won 'Best of the North Shore' in 2026? It Depends Which Shore You Mean

In 2026, 'Best of the North Shore' awards are not unified, with different organizations like Northshore Magazine and the North Shore Chamber of Commerce offering distinct recognitions. Understanding their geographic focus and selection methods is key to interpreting the true meaning of these accolades.

Baa' Yazzie

June 5, 2026 · Updated October 8, 2026 · 3 min read

In 2026, businesses celebrated prestigious local awards bearing the "Best of the North Shore" title, but for residents and customers, the landscape of these honors can be complex. There is no single, unified awards program. Instead, distinct organizations in different regions host their own annual recognitions, each with unique criteria and selection processes. Two prominent programs this year highlight this diversity: Northshore Magazine's BONS Awards, which recognize consumer favorites in Massachusetts, and the North Shore Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards, which honor community and business leadership in the Milwaukee area. Understanding the differences between these programs is key to appreciating what each "Best of" title truly represents.

Northshore Magazine's BONS Awards: Readers' and Editors' Picks

One of the most visible programs is the annual Best of the North Shore (BONS) awards hosted by Northshore Magazine. Announced on July 28, 2026, this program focuses heavily on consumer-facing businesses, particularly in retail, dining, and lifestyle sectors across the North Shore of Massachusetts. According to the magazine, the 2026 results were determined through a dual process that captures both popular opinion and expert curation. The "Readers' Choice" awards are the result of a popular vote, where thousands of the magazine's readers cast ballots for their favorite establishments. This side of the awards reflects widespread customer loyalty and satisfaction, honoring businesses that have become local staples.

In parallel, the magazine's staff presents "Editors' Choice" selections. For these, editors create unique categories to spotlight businesses and products their team finds particularly compelling or innovative. This allows for the recognition of niche, new, or otherwise noteworthy spots that might not win a popularity contest but demonstrate exceptional quality. For instance, the 2026 editors named Dancing Goats Dairy & Apothecary in Byfield a "Sustainable Standout," praising its commitment to regenerative farming and small-batch, handcrafted goods. Similarly, Todd Rogers Eyewear received an Editors' Choice award for its curated collection of independent designers and a shopping experience that feels more like a personal styling session.

North Shore Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards: Community and Business Leadership

In a different part of the country, the North Shore Chamber of Commerce in the Milwaukee area held its Annual Awards Banquet on September 25, 2026. This event celebrates a different kind of success, honoring the businesses, leaders, and organizations that contribute to the region's vibrancy as a place to "live, work, visit, and do business," according to the Chamber. The selection process here is not based on a public vote but on nominations from the community, with over 80 local entities nominated for 13 award categories in 2026. The winners are chosen based on specific criteria related to business growth, community impact, and leadership.

The 2026 "New Business of the Year" award was presented to The ARGO. The Chamber's criteria for this honor highlight an organization in its first year that has shown early success, offers a unique service, and has actively engaged with the local community. The ARGO was recognized for reviving the historic Fox Bay Theater, booking over 40 acts in its first few months, bringing in a James Beard semifinalist to run its kitchen, and building community partnerships to support mental health and sustainability.

Another key honor, the North Shore Legacy Award, was bestowed upon Glenn Fieber, owner of the 90-year-old Solly’s Grille, for his dedication to the business and his extensive community give-back through donations and mentorship.

A comparison of two major 'Best of the North Shore' awards programs in 2026.
Award Program	Sponsoring Organization	Geographic Focus	Focus and Selection Method	Example 2026 Winners
BONS Awards	Northshore Magazine	North Shore, Massachusetts	Recognizes excellence in consumer-facing retail and lifestyle businesses. Winners are selected via public voting (Readers' Choice) and by the magazine's staff (Editors' Choice).	Dancing Goats Dairy & Apothecary (Editors' Choice); Todd Rogers Eyewear (Editors' Choice)
Annual Awards	North Shore Chamber of Commerce	North Shore, Milwaukee, WI Area	Celebrates businesses and leaders for their community impact, growth, and unique offerings. Winners are selected based on nominations and defined criteria evaluated by the Chamber.	The ARGO (New Business of the Year); Glenn Fieber of Solly’s Grille (North Shore Legacy Award)

Choosing the Right 'Best of the North Shore' Recognition

When evaluating a 'Best of the North Shore' award, readers should first identify the sponsoring organization and its specific selection methodology to understand the award's significance and scope. The name on the award is just the beginning; the story behind it reveals its true meaning. An honor from a regional magazine based on reader votes, like a BONS Readers' Choice award, signifies widespread customer satisfaction and popularity in consumer-facing categories. An Editors' Choice award, by contrast, is an endorsement of quality, innovation, or uniqueness from industry watchers. Meanwhile, an award from a chamber of commerce often points to peer recognition for business growth, leadership, and meaningful community engagement.

By understanding these distinctions, consumers and residents can better appreciate the diverse forms of excellence that local businesses bring to their respective North Shore communities. The presence of a clear sponsor name and an explicit description of the award's selection process in any announcement is the key to interpreting what a particular "Best of" title truly represents.