Top Business Honors Awarded at South Dakota Retailers Annual Conference

Steve Jurrens
Jan 15
2 min read

People receiving awards at the South Dakota Retailers Annual Conference. Smiling faces, varied attire, and visible signage highlighting the event.

Northeast Radio SD News - Pierre, SD - The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) has officially recognized the standout businesses of 2026, naming winners for its most prestigious annual honors. During the association’s conference in Pierre, awards were presented for Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and Community Service.

Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the SDRA, praised the recipients as benchmarks for the state’s business community. “We have young entrepreneurs keeping main street strong, a restaurant that is setting the standard in western South Dakota, and a business owner whose generosity is inspiring,” Sanderson said.

Two women smile and hold an award plaque reading "South Dakota Retailers 2023 Retailer of the Year." One wears a blue shirt; the other, red.

Retailer of the Year: Boston Shoes to Boots (Yankton)

The 2026 Retailer of the Year honor was awarded to Boston Shoes to Boots in Yankton. Owned by sisters Mandi Gause and Brennan Ewald since 2016, the downtown footwear store has undergone three expansions and a major building renovation. The store is a staple of downtown Yankton, recognized easily by its vintage light-up boot sign.

“We love retail. We love Yankton. And we are having so much fun doing business in our hometown!” said Ewald following the announcement.

Family of six smiling, two adults holding children. Man with award engraved “Retailers” in center. Colorful clothing, neutral background.

Restaurant of the Year: Tally’s Silver Spoon (Rapid City)

Tally’s Silver Spoon took home the Restaurant of the Year award for its impact on the culinary culture of Rapid City. Led by Proprietor and Master Chef Benjamin Klinkel, the restaurant has been a local favorite since 2009, known for its eclectic menu and commitment to fresh ingredients. Klinkel credited his team’s passion and ongoing experimentation for the restaurant’s success.

Man in a Dairy Queen shirt smiles with arms crossed inside a restaurant. Posters and menu screens visible in the background.

Community Service Award: Dairy Queen (Madison)

The Community Service Award was presented to the Madison Dairy Queen for its extraordinary philanthropic efforts. Under the leadership of owner DeLon Mork, the location has raised over $1 million for the Children’s Miracle Network over the past two decades—earning Madison the nickname “Miracle City USA.”

“It’s amazing and emotional,” Mork stated. “We’re so blessed to be in such a generous community that is so willing to help the kids and families in a time of need.”

The SDRA selects winners annually based on nominations submitted by members and the public, with a dedicated committee overseeing the final selection.