San Antonio, TX, October 9, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio has announced the winners of the prestigious SA Picks 2025 awards, honoring exceptional local businesses based on community votes. The event celebrated various categories, including Best Seafood Restaurant, awarded to Sea Island Shrimp House, and Best Sandwich Shop, awarded to Gino’s Deli. Spirit Athletics Gems received recognition as the Best Cheer and Gymnastics Business. The awards reflect the community’s preferences and played a significant role in highlighting local entrepreneurs and their contributions to San Antonio’s economy.
San Antonio Announces Top Local Businesses in SA Picks 2025 Awards
San Antonio has revealed the winners of the SA Picks 2025 awards, recognizing outstanding local businesses as determined by community voting. The awards saw a broad participation, with thousands of nominations submitted by residents across more than 100 categories.
The prestigious award for Best Seafood Restaurant was claimed by Sea Island Shrimp House, an establishment well-known for its delicious seafood offerings. Meanwhile, Gino’s Deli was recognized as the Best Sandwich Shop, highlighting the importance of local favorites in the culinary landscape of San Antonio.
Other notable winners include Spirit Athletics Gems, which was honored as the Best Cheer and Gymnastics Business. Owner and head coach Roland Soto expressed gratitude for this acknowledgment, noting the significance of maintaining dedicated support for families choosing cheerleading as a sport. Spirit Athletics operates under a training model that champions “perfection before progression,” reinforcing their commitment to quality training for all athletes.
Community Involvement and Impact
The SA Picks 2025 initiative was driven by community engagement, making it an inclusive event that reflects the preferences and opinions of local residents. The process involved several weeks of nominations followed by finalist voting, allowing the community to voice their favorites.
Spirit Athletics Gems has been particularly praised for its family-oriented approach. Athletes and their families have shared testimonials about the sense of belonging fostered within the gym. For instance, new member Eliza Hand mentioned feeling welcomed and supported in her development, while her mother Katherine Hand acknowledged that coaches recognize each athlete as an individual.
The emotional fabric of Spirit Athletics is also shaped by the passing of Ronald Soto, Roland’s twin brother and co-owner of the gym, who died from COVID-19 in 2021. His absence has left a significant impact on the community, but his legacy continues to influence the supportive atmosphere at Spirit Athletics.
About the Awards
The SA Picks 2025 was sponsored by Gamez Law Firm, emphasizing the importance of local partnerships in celebrating San Antonio’s businesses. By combining community feedback and the recognition of remarkable local establishments, the awards serve as a platform for highlighting excellence in various sectors.
Spirit Athletics Gems is located at 7450 Reindeer Trail, near Huebner and Bandera Roads, making it accessible for families across the city.
What is the SA Picks 2025 Awards?
The SA Picks 2025 Awards recognize outstanding local businesses in San Antonio as determined by community voting.
How many categories were included in the SA Picks voting process?
The voting process included more than 100 categories.
Who was awarded the Best Seafood Restaurant?
Sea Island Shrimp House was named the Best Seafood Restaurant.
What recognition did Spirit Athletics Gems receive?
Spirit Athletics Gems was recognized as the Best Cheer and Gymnastics Business.
Who sponsored the SA Picks 2025 Awards?
The awards were sponsored by Gamez Law Firm.
| Business Name | Award Category |
|---|---|
| Sea Island Shrimp House | Best Seafood Restaurant |
| Gino’s Deli | Best Sandwich Shop |
| Spirit Athletics Gems | Best Cheer and Gymnastics Business |
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Announcement | SA Picks 2025 winners announced | Community Voting |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spurs Edge Out Heat in Preseason Matchup
Texas High School Football Season Kicks Off
Scotiabank Opens Major Regional Office in Dallas
Mavericks vs Spurs: 2025-26 Home Opener Announcement
Voting Open for Best Happy Hour Deals in San Antonio
New Adventure World Set to Open in Arlington
Surge in Creator Tour Ticket Sales in San Antonio
Brush Fire Causes Evacuations in Kaanapali, Maui
8 Best Construction Project Management Software Picks for San Antonio
San Antonio Hosts Spooky Summer Events for Families
Additional Resources
- KSAT: Best Sandwich Shop 2025
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT: Best Cheer/Gymnastics Business 2025
- Google Search: SA Picks 2025
- KSAT: Best Businesses in SA Picks 2025
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Local Businesses
- KSAT: Best Restaurants in San Antonio 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- KSAT: SA Picks 2025 Finalists
- Google News: San Antonio Business Awards
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
