Rochester Business Person of the Year took center stage on July 30, when our team traded aprons for evening wear and joined more than 300 members of the business community at the Hyatt Regency. The 42nd annual awards, hosted by the Small Business Council in partnership with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, brought leaders together to celebrate entrepreneurship and impact across the region.
It wasn’t a night where Farmhouse Table was serving food or coordinating an event. This time, we were there to celebrate something deeply personal: the recognition of our founder and owner, Sarah Hasenauer, as a finalist in the “More than 25 Employees” category.
A Milestone for Farmhouse Table at the Rochester Business Person of the Year
From the earliest days in our first kitchen on St. Paul Boulevard, Farmhouse Table has always been about more than meals. Our mission has been to build community through food — sourcing from New York State farms and artisans, serving with care, and creating moments that matter.
Seeing Sarah’s name called from the stage was a powerful reminder of how far that vision has come. What began as a small catering company has grown into a multifaceted business:
- Farmhouse Table Shop in Irondequoit, offering weekly dinners, baked goods, and curated provisions.
- Farmhouse Table Midtown Café in downtown Rochester, now in its second year as a hub for brunch, coffee, and Happy Hour.
- Catering and events that range from weddings to corporate gatherings, supported by a seasoned team who treat every occasion with pride.
- Event venues at Whipple Lane in Irondequoit and Midtown Café, welcoming everything from birthday celebrations to networking events.
Behind each of these ventures is a team of bakers, bartenders, cooks, servers, and coordinators who embody Sarah’s vision every day. Her recognition at the Chamber’s ceremony wasn’t just about individual leadership — it was about the collective work of everyone who has poured their energy into Farmhouse Table.
A Night of Gratitude at the Rochester Business Person of the Year Awards
While the awards ceremony highlighted business excellence across the region, our focus was on gratitude — for our team, for our customers, and for the community that has believed in us from the start.
Looking around the ballroom that evening, surrounded by inspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders, we couldn’t help but feel energized for the future. Rochester thrives because of the passion and resilience of its small businesses, and we’re proud to be part of that story.
Why Rochester Business Person of the Year Recognition Matters
Running a small business is both rewarding and demanding. Growth brings challenges, and success often means late nights, early mornings, and constant problem-solving. For Farmhouse Table, the last few years have brought plenty of all three — expanding catering operations, opening new spaces, and building our retail presence downtown.
Recognition at the Business Person of the Year Awards was validation that those efforts make a difference. It underscored that Farmhouse Table isn’t just feeding people — we’re helping to shape a vibrant local economy, support farmers and makers, and create opportunities for hospitality professionals.
We were especially moved by the way the Chamber and the Small Business Council shined a light on businesses of every size and industry. From tech to retail, finance to food, the finalists demonstrated that Rochester’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well.
Looking Ahead After the Rochester Business Person of the Year
For us, this recognition isn’t a finish line — it’s fuel for what comes next. In the months ahead, we’ll be:
- Bringing new seasonal dishes to both the Shop and the Café.
- Hosting weddings, corporate events, and community celebrations across our venues.
- Partnering with organizations that share our values of local sourcing and community building.
- Continuing to support the Rochester Americans as their official catering partner, keeping players fueled during the season.
Through it all, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done: putting people first. Whether you’re stopping by for a pastry, booking us for a wedding, or joining us for brunch downtown, you’re part of the Farmhouse Table story.
Thank You from Farmhouse Table at the Rochester Business Person of the Year
To our staff: your dedication makes recognition like this possible. To our customers: your loyalty allows us to keep growing. And to the Chamber and Small Business Council: thank you for honoring small businesses and giving us a platform to celebrate together.
Sarah may have been the one named as a finalist, but the truth is this honor belongs to everyone who has built, supported, and believed in Farmhouse Table.
We left the Hyatt that evening proud, grateful, and excited for what’s ahead. And we’re still smiling.