GARDINER — An awards ceremony recognized the success of five city businesses last week.

Board President Nick Alberding said his group recognized an impressive group of businesses at the Gardiner Board of Trade annual awards event held at the E.J. Prescott office building Tuesday.

“These businesses all contribute to Gardiner’s economy and the board is pleased to provide them some well deserved recognition,” Alberding said.

Pasta’z Restaurant received the New Business of the Year Award. Tony and Roxane Genovese opened Pasta’z at 304 Water St. in July 2009.

Pasta’z menu features family recipes from northern Italy and southern France. Before opening the downtown restaurant, they renovated the dining room and kitchen to create a relaxing restaurant atmosphere.

Tony Genovese, whose dream was to open a restaurant, thought it was great to be recognized.

“I want to thank my customers and the board for choosing us,” Genovese said. “Come on in and have some fresh pasta. I’m making ravioli right now.”

Roxane Genovese makes all the desserts, including tiramisu, creme brule, cannoli and chocolate mousse. The restaurant is a family business with two of their sons, Marcello and Nick, working alongside their parents.

The other businesses are the Maine Technology Institute, winner of the Technology Business of the Year Award; MaineGeneral Alzheimer’s Care Center, receiver of the President’s Award; Sweet Love and Baxter Tea Company, the Director’s Award; and Mike’s Water Street Grill, the Cobbossee Award.

Mike’s Water Street Grill is owned by chef Shawn O’Conner. The establishment at 463 Water St. opened in 2009 and was named in honor of O’Conner’s brother, Mike O’Conner, who died from pancreatic cancer.

Shawn O’Conner said he holds fundraisers for breast and pancreatic cancer throughout the year as well as supporting other local programs, including youth hockey and Gardiner Main Street.

Sponsors for Tuesday’s award ceremony were Pine State Beverage Company, Gosline-Murchie Agency, Kennebec Savings Bank, Savings Bank of Maine, Central Maine Pyrotechnics and E.J. Prescott.

Mechele Cooper — 623-3811, ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com