Last year, around this time, California Governor Gavin Newsom named May as the state’s Small Business Month. So as we enter the second annual commemoration, Yelp has listed the top 100 local businesses in the U.S. (why limit it to California…). We’re talking everything from restaurants to roofers.

Speaking of business categories, the list itself is organized into verticals to make it digestible. These include broad headings like Auto, Beauty, and Food (see the full list below). And as you may imagine, top businesses were chosen based on various performance indicators on Yelp (full methodology here).

Broadly speaking, Yelp considered independent businesses – excluding multi-location franchises – that have a maximum of three locations These businesses were evaluated against criteria such as reviews volume. And it only included one business per state per category to keep the list geo-diverse.

“Local businesses are more than just places to shop and dine,” Yelp Small Business Expert Emily Washcovick tells Localogy Insider. “They bring people together, reflect the unique character of our neighborhoods, and serve as trusted partners in everyday life.”

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The New Face of SMBs

So what were the highlights? Standouts include  Seliga Shoes in St. Louis, run by a fourth-generation shoe specialist who understands foot mechanics better than any algorithm. Elsewhere on the list is  Hippie Hounds Grooming in Lynnwood, Washington, which brings lots of personality to pet grooming.

So what were commonalities and success factors throughout the list? One trend we noticed is niche focus: we’re seeing several businesses like Wildlings Toy Boutique in Phoenix, which curates heirloom-quality toys for Phoenix families. As noted, there’s also a bit of eclecticism throughout the list.

Many of these businesses also embody the attributes of the “new face of SMBs'” which we discussed on stage with Yelp’s Jim Chapelle at Localogy’s L25 event in March. Those traits include being fire-tested after a pandemic, digitally native, and on top of their social, search & SEO game.

But more than those tactical and executional advantages, these businesses also represent the heartbeat of the U.S. economy. In that sense, the list offers a sort of cross-section of today’s small business. It’s a mix of quirky and utilitarian products & services that serve their respective towns.

“From reliable mechanics and welcoming fitness studios to family-friendly destinations and beloved shops, Yelp is proud to help people discover and support the small businesses that enrich the places we call home,” said Washcovick. “Our annual Top 100 Local Businesses list celebrates the dedication and impact of entrepreneurs, from longtime staples to rising newcomers, who provide outstanding quality, service, and meaningful community connection.”

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The Full Slate

In closing, we’ll show rather than tell by leaving you with the full list for your Wednesday perusal. And try to visit one of these SMBs if you’re nearby…

Home & Auto Services

•2 Guys Construction, Chicago, Illinois

•Anthem Automotive, Atlanta, Georgia

• Bob Lee’s Tire Company, Saint Petersburg, Florida

• CityTech HVAC & Appliance Repair, New York, New York

• Cold Comfort HVAC Services, Rockville, Maryland

• EZ-Brakes, Irvine, California

• Ezdashcam, Tempe, Arizona

• Gage’s Handyman Services, Columbus, Ohio (area)

• JB Plumbing and Heating, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Kama’aina Handyman, Honolulu, Hawaii

• Loyal Handyman, Chicago, Illinois

• Master Yury, Aurora, Colorado

• Paddock Imports, Denver, Colorado

• Pest Brothers, Miami Lakes, Florida

• Poweron Appliance Repair, Los Angeles, California

• Quality Discount Tire And Auto, Kensington, Maryland

• Quality Handyman Services, Henderson, Nevada (area)

• Squeaky Brakes LV, Las Vegas, Nevada

• T.B.I. Lawn Care Professionals, Springfield, Virginia

• Two Brothers Water Heater Repair, Seattle, Washington

• 1022 Cafe & Gelateria, Oceanside, California

• Bella’s Bagels, Colorado Springs, Colorado

• Belle’s Bread, Columbus, Ohio

• Gas Coffee, Coppell, Texas

• GetRight’s Bakery & Plant Shop, Wheat Ridge, Colorado

• Guava Artisanal Latin Bakery, Fairfax, Virginia

• HOLE – Hot Doughnuts and Fresh Coffee, Asheville, North Carolina

• Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream, Coral Springs, Florida

• Makua Banana Bread, Haleiwa, Hawaii

• Medzo Gelato Bar, Tacoma, Washington

• Mr. Meowski’s Sourdough, St. Charles, Missouri

• Olmo, New Haven, Connecticut

• Parfé Diem, Salt Lake City, Utah

• Rose Ave Bakery, Washington, District of Columbia

• Seaview Biscuit Company, Seaview, Washington

• Sesame Donuts, Tempe, Arizona

• Sweet Oven Bakery, Sacramento, California

• Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen, Kahului, Hawaii

• The Coffee Builders, Phoenix, Arizona

• Twisted Gyros, Hillsboro, Oregon

• Al Weiss Men’s Clothing, Los Angeles, California

• An Unlikely Story, Plainville, Massachusetts

• Book Club Bar, New York, New York

• Book Loft of German Village, Columbus, Ohio

• Chapter Book Lounge, Noblesville, Indiana

• Cosmic Fluff, Las Vegas, Nevada

• E Shaver Bookseller, Savannah, Georgia

• Flyleaf, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

• Laine Honolulu, Honolulu, Hawaii

• Leather Surgeons, Doylestown, Pennsylvania

• Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe, Madison, Wisconsin

• My Mama’s Books Records Cafe, Dania Beach, Florida

• OnQueStyle, Corona Del Mar, California

• Parnassus Books, Nashville, Tennessee

• Powell’s City of Books, Portland, Oregon

• Rough Draft Bar & Books, Kingston, New York

• Seliga Shoes, St. Louis, Missouri

• Vintage Bookstore And Wine Bar, Austin, Texas

• Wildlings Toy Boutique, Phoenix, Arizona

• Willow Canyon Outdoor, Kanab, Utah