As part of the Texas Downtown Association President’s Awards Program, Buda-based Tavern on Main was listed as a finalist for best downtown business in a city with a population under 50,000.

The awards program recognizes outstanding projects, places and people of Texas downtowns, according to a press release. To be recognized, a business must be "an exceptional downtown business that positively promotes the downtown or commercial district as a destination for locals and tourists alike and actively participates in the revitalization efforts and supports downtown promotional events."

Celebrating her 5-year business anniversary, Owner Julie Renfro said she is honored her business was named in the award process.

"The thing that makes Tavern is community. It's the staff, the customers, the musicians, the town, and our fundraising partners," she said. "It's the place where new friends readily feel like old friends, where we recognize what we have in common and don't spend a lot of time worrying about our differences.”

One hundred and fifteen entries were submitted in 12 different categories from communities across the state. The Buda Main Street Program submitted a total of four applications including Downtowner of the Year for Karlyn Ellis; Best New Construction for Buda Bike Co. and Best Renovation for Re/Max Asset Realty.

The other finalist for the Best Downtown Business in the under 50,000 population category is Dorothy’s Fine Jewelry in Elgin.  Winners will be announced on November 8 at the President’s Awards Gala held in conjunction with the 2017 Texas Downtown Conference in McKinney.