The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is an annual award that recognizes the innovation, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of our state’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. Ellensburg’s Jeannie Bayles was named 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year for her hard work not only as a small business owner but in supporting her community.

After years of working in restaurants, including helping her mom open traditional Korean restaurants in Colorado, Jeannie Bayles recognized an opportunity to complement Ellensburg’s growing food scene with something uniquely her own—an experience that felt both creative and comforting, rooted in personal history and community connection.

That vision led to the opening of The Early Bird, a welcoming all-day brunch eatery that quickly became a local favorite. After opening on Water Street in 2018, The Early Bird quickly outgrew its space and moved to Main Street. The new building fueled Jeannie’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit, and looking to maximize her space with a complementary concept, Jeannie opened The Night Owl in an auxiliary space within the building in 2023. The second bird is moody, elevated, and designed for the evening crowd, featuring a handcrafted cocktail menu by Jeannie’s trusted general manager Mike Wooldridge.

Jeannie’s two distinct businesses bookend the day in downtown Ellensburg—comforting brunches at The Early Bird and creative cocktails at The Night Owl. But what makes them special isn’t just the food or drink. It’s the way she invites her team into every part of the process. From cross-training to recipe contributions, her staff feel seen, valued, and heard. Her leadership has fostered a culture of mutual respect and shared investment in the downtown experience, which contributes to strong retention and a sense of ownership. Jeannie is building businesses that reflects the character of Ellensburg itself—collaborative, warm, creative, and proud of its people.

“By trusting her team, sharing ownership of ideas, and leading with humility, Jeannie has created a workplace culture that is rare and remarkable. Her restaurants have become launchpads for young professionals, creative thinkers, and emerging leaders,” said Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “Jeannie also proves that downtown revitalization isn’t just structural—it’s emotional. It’s about creating places people feel connected to, return to, and talk about.” Durham personally presented the Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Jeannie Bayles, who was in attendance.