Paddy's Coffee House Wins Small Business Award

can now add one more feather to its hat — outstanding small business of the year from District 10, the area represented by State Sen. Majority Leader Ellen Corbett that stretches from San Leandro to Fremont.

Each year since 2000, the California Small Business Association has organized Small Business Day, a luncheon where state senators and assemblymembers honor one small business owner from their district.

This year, Corbett nominated coffee house owner Paddy Iyer for the award, saying Paddy's Coffee is a good representation of small business in the district.

"“I’m proud to present this award to Paddy Iyer, who has helped revitalize the local community in the Tri-City area,” Corbett said in a statement. “Paddy’s Coffee House has served as an important social gathering spot that engages local citizens. Paddy’s exemplifies the great spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and community involvement that is at the heart of California’s small businesses.”

Iyer said he was surprised when he learned Corbett had nominated his business, as he always is when Paddy's has received such praise in the eight years since it opened. He has also been recognized by the Union City Chamber of Commerce and by Alberto Torrico when he represented the 20th Assembly District.

He and his staff only open their doors and provide a welcoming space for people to come, Iyer said, but he admitted that Paddy's does do a lot for the community and there's a certain vibe and culture about the place that keeps people coming back.

"It's not about me. It's about everybody," Iyer said. "The people who walk in the door. This is for you all."