"The Pony has all the traits that makes a business successful," Valdez said. "Creativity helped them create a niche in the community. They took a risk, and with optimism, and confidence, have built their business into one that a lot of people in the community cannot do without."
Submitted nominations for the popular coffee shop were read to the crowd.
"The Pony Expresso is more than just a place to grab a great cup of coffee or delicious wrap, it's a gathering place for people of all ages. Old-timers stop in for a chat and cappuccinos, Dolores high school students rush over at lunch for the healthy sandwiches and words of encouragement from staff."
The business on the main drag (795 Railroad Ave.) has become a mainstay for all walks of life.
"Tired moms know that at the end of the day, they can recharge their batteries," Valdez said. "In a town like ours, businesses like the Pony Expresso are what maintain our unique quaintness. They are a huge part of why we chose to live here. In this day and age of big business and mass-produced food and beverages, it is a rare treat to walk into a place and be greeted by name. It is special to know the owners know how you like your coffee, your favorite bagel or pastry. Going to the Pony, you are always treated like a member of the family."
Another nominator stated, "They are amazing with customer service, they connect with every customer that walks through the door. They are actively involved in every aspect of the community, whether in need or in celebration. They go out of their way to participate in community and school activities. They are not just another business in Dolores, they are Dolores family."
"We are very happy to have the honor," Looper said. "We came in 2010, but had to leave because we could not find work. It broke our hearts, but we knew that down the road, we would come back because we just loved it here. We can't begin to tell you how much we love the kids here. They are a big part of our business and are the future of our town. We do our best to pump them up with positive attitude, and we plan to be here for many years to come."
The coffee shop with a drive-through opened in 2012. The couple remodeled the brick building into a comfortable spot. Teresa is a skilled cook and baker, offering home-made pastries, hearty burritos, daily lunch specials, and made-from-scratch bagels.
"I saw there were no fresh bagels in the area, so I learned how to make them," she said.
The crush of people in the morning turns Mark into a blur as he races back and forth from the counter to the drive-through.
"I learned the coffee trade in Europe, making hundreds of cappuccinos per day at a shop on the Rhine River," he said. "Europeans come in often, and love it when I make it in their style - extra strong, half-and-half instead of milk for cappuccinos."
The couple has hired baristas, and ramp up staff in the summer.
"We probably get 70 percent of our business from the drive-through," Looper said.
Customers can take a break and sit down inside or on an patio outside, furnished with newspaper racks. The patio is dog-friendly too.
Besides being a cook, Howell is also a landscape and wildlife photographer. Her prints and postcards are available in the shop at reasonable prices.
The Pony Expresso is open seven days a week.