9 Irish wins Small Business of the Year

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - O'Bryan's 9 Irish Brothers was named Greater Lafayette Commerce's small business of the year for 2010.

The business was one of 11 in the running for the award. There were a variety of companies up for the award from small office supply companies, to video production, to restaurants.

The winner is chosen by a panel of commerce members, out of the businesses that were honored throughout the 2009-2010 year. O'Bryan's 9 Irish General manager and co-partner Matt Rose said he believes the committee chose Nine Irish for several reasons.

"I think it has something to do with our atmosphere and probably something to do with our attitude torwards our business. We're family oriented. We treat everyone like family. We like to have a lot of fun, and we're genuinely thankful for everyone who walks in the door," said Rose.

Rose said the award did come as a surprise, but he said it's a very welcome one. Greater Lafayette Commerce Chairman Mike Gibson said it's important to honor small business because they are the backbone of a community. Gibson also said this award is an indicator of how strong the Lafayette community and economy is.

The businesses considered for the award were:

• Keystone Architecture Inc.
• Sue and Associates
• Christo’s Family Restaurants
• Haan Marketing + Communications
• T.J. Gall & Associates
• JP Video Productions
• Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Lafayette
• Artisan Electric LLC
• Sgt. Preston’s of the North
• O’Bryan’s 9 Irish Brothers
• Cartridge World