Maple Ave Restaurant Vies For Indie Award

is competing against other small, local businesses across the country to win the Independent We Stand's "Indie" award, given to the "best independent small business" of the year.

Independent We Stand is a nationwide network of locally-owned businesses committed to emphasizing good customer service and ways to educate their communities about the importance of "buying local." The restaurant, at 147 Maple Avenue W, is part of the movement.

Co-owner Joey Hernandez says the restaurant had to submit an application for the award, in which it stressed its partnership with local farms and farmers, such as Polyface, and Steve Baker; its work with ; its volunteer efforts at local events, often via their food truck Maple Avenue Express (MAX) to support "real," local food; and donations of time, food and services to charity events and local schools. It also noted it was the only restaurant in Vienna, and just the second in Fairfax County, to be awarded the Virginia Green Award.

"We are huge believers that you should know where your food comes from and what's in it," she said.

It was one of five businesses chosen as semi-finalists in the competition. It is currently the No. 3 finalist, with 20,292 votes. The leader, Superior Woodcraft in Doylestown, Penn., has 23,891.

Fans of the restaurant can vote here. Voting closes tonight and winners are announced Dec. 12.