Urge Gastropub Named Small Biz of the Year

Rancho Bernardo's Urge Gastropub has been named the 77th Assembly District's 2013 Small Business of the Year for its "commitment to customer service and business ethics, as well as longstanding support of the community."

“I am proud to recognize Urge as an outstanding business that has offered the residents of Rancho Bernardo and the surrounding communities a truly unique dining experience,” Assemblyman Brian Maienschein said in an announcement. “Urge is a great place to spend time with family and friends, and I appreciate their commitment to the community."

Urge's owners, Grant Tondro, Zak Higson and Nate Higson, were set to be recognized at The California Small Business Association’s Small Business Day on Monday at the Sacramento Convention Center.

According to the announcement, Urge has donated more than $50,000 in gift cards and goods to Rancho Bernardo and Poway charities, including Home Aid San Diego, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Rancho Bernardo High School youth organizations.

“The owners of Urge have done extraordinary work to prove that they are not only leaders in customer service, but also in community service," Maienschein said. "I congratulate them as Urge approaches its three-year anniversary, and I wish them continued success for many years to come.”

The 77th Assembly District includes Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, 4S Ranch, Poway and several other nearby communities.