State Senator Lea Webb presents the New York State Senate Empire Award to the Lost Dog Cafe and Lounge for their impact on the community.

The Lost Dog Cafe has been in Binghamton for 30 years, providing a commitment to good food and a good restaurant atmosphere.

Co-owners Elizabeth Hughes and Mary McKenna are also Binghamton natives, who chose to reinvest back into the community with their small business.

The award commends Lost Dog Cafe for becoming a staple of the community and is the State Senate’s highest honor for businesses that demonstrate excellence in fostering community, supporting local arts, and creating spaces that feel like home.

Webb said, "This has been a place where other businesses look to in our community as models and to add a proverbial cherry on top. This is owned by two of our own right here in Binghamton, who have chosen to not only stay here but to start and continue a small business here, which we know are small businesses, are the economic driver and backbone of our community. "

Webb also noted the Co-owners part in creating Binghamton Restaurant Week.