The following business proprietors were the 40-plus year recipients of the Achievement Awards in 2023.
American Doughnut Kitchen - Julie Boening
American Doughnut Kitchen (ADK) is an icon within an icon, nestled in Melbourne's beloved Queen Victoria Market since 1950. For more than 73 years, ADK has sold its sought-after hot jam doughnuts — made fresh every day from the original recipe — out of its 50s-era bus.
Co-founders and old school friends Arnold Bridges and David Christie built ADK from the chassis up, creating as much of a theatrical experience as the place to get some of the delicious doughnuts around.
Eyes On Optometrists - John Jalowicki
Eyes On Optometrists started its life under the name West End Optical in 1981 to provide local communities with superior eyecare. Since opening, they have relocated and expanded to locations throughout Melbourne, including in the heart of the city, as well as Warrandyte and The Mornington Peninsula.
Known for their first-class independent advice and advanced eyecare solutions, Eyes On Optometrists are celebrated for their highly personal approach to customers and curating optical services to suit individual needs.
J. O'Donnell Watchmaker and Jeweller - Michael William Archibald
For over a century, J. O'Donnell Watchmaker and Jeweller have been a trusted service in Melbourne for those with any clock, watch, or jewellery needs. Founded by John O'Donnell in 1923, the iconic Melbourne business was passed down to John's son, Brian O'Donnell, and remained in the family for 66 years before changing hands to Michael Archibald.
An experienced watchmaker, Michael has always successfully upheld the same high level of service cultivated by his predecessors, providing a professional service to every customer that walks through the door.
Queen's Harvest - Giovanni Tripodi
Specialty produce store Queen's Harvest was officially opened in 2018, but the business's connection with Queen Victoria Markets is built on a family history that runs far deeper. After arriving in Melbourne from Calabria, Italy, more than 60 years ago, Giovanni Tripodi's parents began selling fruit at Stall 26 in the A Shed, and to this day, it's not uncommon to find three generations of the Tripodi family behind the counter.
The store is a veritable treasure trove, with the market's most comprehensive range of fresh produce and a carefully curated collection of unique and specialty grocery items.
Whitlow - Leo McPhee
One of Melbourne's most highly acclaimed diamond setters and jewellery designers, Leo McPhee has worked for many of the world's leading jewellery retailers as well as running his own jewellery shop, Whitlow, in the Manchester Unity Building on Collins Street.
Leo sets the diamonds in the Grand Prix trophy each year and has had his pieces worn by many celebrities, including supermodel Linda Evangelista. But, as Leo explains, what makes him the most fulfilled is seeing the look of pleasure on a customer's face when he presents them with their beautiful, custom-made jewellery.