Habanero Hots named Lodi Chamber’s top small business
The Lodi Chamber of Commerce has named Habanero Hots, owned by John DeNigris, as the recipient of the Bill Dauer Small Business Award this year.
The award will be presented at the Chamber’s annual meeting and Outstanding Citizens Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Wine and Roses Hotel and Restaurant.
This award was introduced last year in honor of the late Bill Dauer, a Lodi resident and longtime mentor to many Chamber CEOs, including current Lodi Chamber CEO Pat Patrick.
Habanero Hots will be recognized as the recipient of this award, as a small business that has a history of outstanding business practices in the Lodi community and will honor its success, sustainability, productivity and effort put forth in its business.
Originally from New York City, Habanero Hots owner John DeNigris came to California with his family as a teenager, and landed in Lodi at the age of 16 in search of a job.
Coming off Highway 99, John turned right and ended up at Habanero Hots, landing a job as a dishwasher with the restaurant.
DeNigris has worked in every job function at the restaurant, having been there for 37 of the 40 years the restaurant has been open. DeNigris moved up to working as the manager and acquired the restaurant as owner in 1996, and eventually expanded the restaurant to what it is today. The business employs over 40 people, serving Mexican cuisine with recipes that span four generations.
While under DeNigris’ ownership, Habnero Hots has never had a decline in revenue from year to year and has won the California State Championship and Texas World Championship for its chili Colorado dish.
Tickets are currently available for purchase at lodichamber.com/outstandingcitizen or by calling 209367-7830, ext. 105.