To be eligible for a Thousand Oaks BRP Award, a business must be:

• Commercially located (“brick and mortar”) within the City of Thousand Oaks (Home-based businesses are not eligible for this recognition program)

• A for-profit business (Nonprofit organizations are not eligible for this recognition program)

• Have five (5) or more employees

• In good standing with the City (No outstanding taxes or fees)

• Not a previous recipient of a Thousand Oaks BRP Award

To be considered for this recognition, a nominee must demonstrate accomplishments relating to one or more of the following areas:

• Longevity in the City: The business has operated within the City for ten (10) or more consecutive years.

• Business growth: The business shows substantial growth in the City (e.g., number of employees, revenue, investment attraction, additional locations, etc.)

• Unique community benefit, product or service: The business offers a community benefit, product or service that uniquely adds to the City’s overall economic vibrancy or exquisite character.

• Environmental sustainability leadership: The business has voluntarily developed new or adopted existing clean technology, practices or standards that measurably improve its environmental footprint in the City (e.g., reducing carbon emissions, water conservation, waste reduction, etc.). This could include current Ventura County Green Business Certification status.

• Contribution to Community Enrichment: The business details voluntary service on government and/or non-profit boards or committees serving Thousand Oaks residents, voluntary contributions to a community project in the form of hours or financial means, partnership with local university to provide internship/hiring opportunities to local talent, or other likeness.

Nominations are open to the public. Self nominations are accepted.  The online nomination form can be found here. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation of receipt.

Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis with specific submission deadlines to be considered for each quarter.  The deadlines for submission for each quarter are as follows:

• February 1st (for Q1)
• May 1st (for Q2)
• August 1st (for Q3)
• November 1st (for Q4)

Awardees will be selected by the City’s Economic Development staff with input from our partners at the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

Submissions that are not selected for recognition in the first quarter following submission will roll over into the next quarter’s competitive pool for award for reconsideration. Submissions will roll over a total of three (3) times. If recognition is still not attained after four (4) total quarters of consideration, the nominator will receive notification to update their submission for an additional four (4) quarters of reconsideration.

• Formal City Council recognition: Each quarter, the City Council will recognize the awardee selected for the quarter during a City Council meeting.
• The Award: The award will consist of a framed certificate acknowledging the business of the quarter. The awardee will also receive a decal to display in their business window indicating their awardee status.
• Written acknowledgements: The awardee will be recognized on the City’s Economic Development website and in its Economic Development Newsletter with a brief excerpt highlighting key reasons for selection. The Chamber of Commerce will also showcase awardees in its Weekly View publication and on their social media.
• State of the City Address acknowledgement: All four (4) awardees for the year will be highlighted once more during the Annual State of the City Address. 

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company

244 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd

In recent years, Thousand Oaks Boulevard has again become a hot spot for investment and renewal. New mixed-use developments, remodeled shopping centers and plazas, and a rich assortment of quality restaurants and other business establishments pepper this important corridor of economic activity in the City.  This is not by chance but a result of intentional efforts and collaboration between the City and our business community to ultimately enhance our ability to meet a shared goal of greater economic vibrancy and prosperity citywide.   

Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. (named after the tallest point in the City) was one of the businesses on the forefront of bringing a new vision to life on Thousand Oaks Boulevard. When its owners – local graduates of Thousand Oaks High School—brought their concept to transform an old furniture store into a bustling brewery and pizzeria, some doubted its feasibility and viability. The owners remained resolute, working diligently with City staff and opening their doors in 2019. 

Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. hard work paid off, quickly becoming a local favorite as well as a destination for visitors. Delicious beers, woodfire pizza options, and a bonus ice cream counter are a win for the wanting palate. Tarantula Hill’s open layout and large front patio spotlights activity at the restaurant, captivating the attention of the passerby and beckoning them to stop in and cheers their newest friends. The ambience offers a versatile sense of place great for all customers. Whether you are out for happy hour, reminiscing with old friends, looking to meet new people, impressing a first date, having a meal with family, celebrating a milestone or accomplishment, or simply just enjoy people watching, Tarantula Hill provides an environment for good memory-making.   

Tarantula Hill’s business achievements have been exceptional, but it only captures part of their story and their success.  

The ownership’s commitment to community involvement and enrichment is a cornerstone of their business identity. In November 2018, a terrible act of violence took place in the City resulting in 12 lives lost, including Sergeant Ron Helus. The event devastated our City. When Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. opened a few months after the tragedy it became a gathering place for the community to mourn and heal. Tarantula Hill also worked directly with the Helus family to create a unique beer to honor Sergeant Helus and raise money for charity.  

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for businesses. Tarantula Hill quickly engaged with local officials and adapted their operations to meet emergency measures taken to reduce the spread of the illness, keep its workers employed, and continue to serve residents their favorite menu items. Their early adoption of all tools available to businesses helped carry them through an incredibly difficult period for businesses, and ultimately helped them become a stronger and more resilient business.  

In short, Tarantula Hill’s visionary placemaking, commitment to community enrichment, and agility to adjust to technological and economic shifts has set an example for Thousand Oaks businesses. Please join us in congratulating Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. As our 4th Quarter 2022 Thousand Oaks Business Recognition Program award winner. If you have a chance, stop by Tarantula Hill and thank them for being a part of our Thousand Oaks community. 

The Latino Market

711 Thousand Oaks Blvd

In October 1991, Angel Sr. And Gina Ahumada opened the doors at 711 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. under the name “Latino Meat Market”. Their five children by their side, Angel Sr. and Gina, were proud to begin to fulfill their dream of sharing their favorite Latin American foods with their Thousand Oaks neighbors and the broader Conejo Valley.  

Angel Sr. and Gina took great care in partnering with suppliers and vendors to hand pick only the very best meats and produce. It didn’t take long before the store earned a strong regular customer base. Inspired and encouraged by customer support, the Ahumadas expanded operations to include a restaurant in 1993. This enabled them to not only provide the best ingredients for customers to make traditional dishes, now they could offer their beloved customers a place to gather, relax, and enjoy traditional dishes and unique family recipes made for them.  

Today, Angel Sr. and Gina’s dream lives on as “The Latino Market and Grill” with two of their children Michelle and Angel Jr. at the helm, assisted by 15-20 employees. What started in a single commercial space now spans across four units in 7 Oaks Plaza. Inside customers are greeted by colorful décor, welcomed with warm smiles, and kissed by the seductive aroma of Latin American cuisine.   

Walking through the doors of the Latino Market and Grill is a transportive experience. “For those needing a brief touchpoint with their Latin heritage, we provide a place of comfort and familiarity. For others who simply love Latin culture, foods and flavors, we provide a unique cultural experience right here in their own backyard. We welcome all,” Michelle says.   

When asked what she recommends most often to new customers, Michelle responds, “my favorite might be our Marinated Carne Asada with all the fixings. Our citrus marinades in general are just delicious!” Leaning in as if to share a secret, Michelle adds, “and with Christmas right around the corner, it’s not too early to start thinking about our Christmas Tamales.”   

Please join us in congratulating The Latino Market and Grill, our very first Thousand Oaks Business Recognition Program award winner. Consider stopping by in person and stepping into the Ahumada family’s living dream. Your tastebuds will thank you.