Ellettsville, Indiana – The town of Ellettsville is riding a wave of joy this fall, thanks to one small business that’s been spreading sunshine since the day it opened. The Hawaiian Hoosier Snack & Gifts has been named the 2025 Chamber Award of Excellence (Small Business) winner by the Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce, earning praise for its community spirit, creativity, and the unmistakable warmth that defines its “Aloha-meets-Hoosier” charm.
The honor was presented during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner on Tuesday, October 28, a night that brought together business owners, civic leaders, and residents to celebrate the best of Ellettsville’s thriving local scene. Among the applause and laughter, it was clear that The Hawaiian Hoosier has become much more than a snack shop—it’s a place where people gather, connect, and leave a little happier than when they arrived.
The business was nominated by Tracy Young of Century 21 Scheetz, who praised owners Stacie and Matt Marotta for creating a space filled with positive energy and genuine community care. Since opening its doors in downtown Ellettsville, The Hawaiian Hoosier has become a fixture of local life, offering a taste of the islands with a Hoosier twist. The shop is known for its bright tropical decor, playful snacks, and signature events like the Live Aloha Kids Club, which brings families together through creativity, culture, and fun.
“This award means the world to us,” said owner Stacie Marotta during the ceremony. “When we opened The Hawaiian Hoosier, our goal was to bring people together with the intent to create joy, share food made with love, and celebrate community. Ellettsville has embraced us in such a beautiful way, and we’re honored to give that same love back.”
The Chamber Award of Excellence is given each year to a small business that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and outstanding service to the Ellettsville community. Recipients are selected for their ability to make a lasting impact—not just through economic success, but by embodying the spirit of kindness and connection that defines the town.
Other award winners were also recognized during the evening, including Kenny Williams, who received the Spirit of Maurice E. Endwright Award, Danielle Butler, honored as Educator of the Year, and Hometown IGA, which took home the Large Business Award of Excellence.
Together, the honorees reflected a cross-section of the local community—individuals and organizations working to make Ellettsville stronger and more vibrant.
To capture the energy of the event, Edgewood Middle School’s media students filmed a highlight video featuring interviews and moments from the celebration, giving residents a chance to relive the excitement. The video is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udO4n2KkCmY.
The evening’s celebration was made possible through the support of local sponsors including Smithville, Peoples State Bank, McDonald’s, and The Hawaiian Hoosier itself. Their partnership helped create an event that perfectly reflected Ellettsville’s values—community, connection, and pride in small businesses that make a big difference.
For the Marottas, the award is a reminder of how far their dream has come and how deeply their business has touched the lives of those around them. With their signature mix of island flavor and hometown heart, The Hawaiian Hoosier continues to bring people together—one shaved ice, one smile, and one act of Aloha at a time.
