Tommyknocker’s Cornish Pasty, at 711 Water St., in downtown Port Townsend, received 11 Readers’ Choice awards this year, the most of any other.

It won first place for best employers and best business owners (Thomas Skipper), as well as for best vegetarian meal, best lunch special, best desserts and best waitress (Amy Taylor).

Tommyknocker’s also won second place for best cook and/or chef (Nikki Skipper) and best chowder and/or soup, as well as third place for best restaurant and best seafood.

Co-owners Thomas and Nikki Skipper cited their 25-plus years of combined experience, traveling the world and working in “the best restaurants, from Manhattan to Manila,” but they agreed their culinary careers both began with “a simple love of cooking and sharing meals.”

Thomas Skipper said that “initial spark ignited a creative fire that continues to burn brightly.” The restaurant strives to source “the freshest, highest-quality local ingredients” from organic suppliers such as Red Dog Farm and to provide a “unique” menu ranging from traditional Cornish pasties to vegan and gluten-free choices, inspired by the couple’s extended families.

“It reflects a constant pursuit of innovative flavors that elevates every dish,” said Skipper, who also touted their daily specials, kid-friendly options and wide selection of choices as being designed to “appeal to everyone.”

Skipper recalled a number of fun stunts they’ve trotted out to build their business, from a “town crier” on their rooftop, to sports promotions and social media engagement. But much of the success, he said, should be credited to the team of employees they’ve cultivated. He compared them to a family, “where everyone cares deeply about each other, and the success of the restaurant as a whole.”

Thomas noted that he and Nikki “poured our hearts” into maintaining the restaurant, especially during the pandemic, “staying open when many others closed, even through equipment breakdowns and emergencies.”

Thomas noted Nikki’s national chef award as “a testament to her talent, and our commitment to quality.”

He also stressed the dedication their team has to the surrounding community, through contributions to charitable causes and food donations, as well as their wedding and special event catering, and their support for local beer, wine and cider suppliers.

“Looking back at our journey in Port Townsend, I’m so grateful for the support of our landlord, Vicki Dohrmann, who helped us tremendously during those early, challenging pandemic days,” Skipper said. “I’m also proud of the strides we’ve made in menu innovation, enhancing our customer experience, deepening our community ties and embracing sustainable practices.”

The Skippers advised anyone interested in following in their footsteps to “gain diverse experience, relentlessly hone your skills, build a team you can trust, nurture your passion and be patient,” because “success takes time and unwavering dedication.”

More than any awards or accolades, Thomas Skipper said he cherishes “the countless hours we’ve shared, the bonds we’ve forged with our incredible staff and the loyalty of our amazing customers.” He also expressed “immeasurable gratitude” to the Port Townsend community for embracing Tommyknocker’s as strongly as they have.