For the tenth year in a row, the Whitewater community selected its favorite locations across the city and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus through the Royal Purple’s Best of Whitewater survey.
Beyond naming winners across 45 categories, the 2026 Best of Whitewater Survey reflects both change and consistency in the community. Some results point to shifting tastes, while others highlight businesses that continue to draw steady support.
The second most voted category in the survey was “Best Pizza,” with 117 responses. Domino’s Pizza placed third, Rosa’s Pizza placed second and Topper’s Pizza won the category. These results highlight the community’s shift from local to chain pizza. Over the past few years, local pizzerias such as Gus’ Pizza Palace, La Piazza Pizzeria and Rosa’s Pizza dominated, but this year chains took two of the top three spots.
Two businesses and a fraternity earned recognition across multiple categories, reinforcing their presence in the community. Despite closing its bakery operations in late 2025, The Sweet Spot won the “Best Bakery/Dessert” category and the “Best Coffee & Tea.” For a different kind of drink, Pumpers & Mitchells won the “Best Made Drinks” and “Best Bar.”
On the UW-Whitewater side of the survey, Phi Delta Theta won “Best Interfraternity Council Member” and “Who Had The Best Greek-Sponsored Event.” These repeat wins point to continued support across various areas of campus and community life, as voters returned to the same names across categories.
While the Best of Whitewater survey highlighted broader trends in the community, individual experiences ultimately shaped each vote.
Out of the 15 options in the “Best Housing Property” category, DLK Enterprises won the category with 42.4% of votes. As a housing provider, DLK Enterprises plays a role in residents’ day-to-day lives beyond a typical service-based business. To be named “best” in a category carries a different weight for the company.
“Providing housing, especially for students, is a responsibility that goes far beyond offering a service,” DLK Enterprises Business Manager Stephanie Goettl said. “Unlike a meal or a night out, a lease represents a long-term commitment and we recognize that students begin and end each day in the homes they rent from us. Creating a true sense of ‘home’ means more than addressing maintenance issues. It’s about supporting the overall living experience.”
For local businesses, these individual votes translate into engagement with members of the community. Owners of The Fuzzy Pig, winners of the “Best Gift Shop” category, commented on the award’s impact.
“Hopefully receiving this award will attract new students and staff to our business,” owners Dan and Pam Kraus said. “We are always open to new ideas and input on what new items customers would like us to carry.”
As the Best of Whitewater survey closed, the results showed how residents engage with and shape the future of the community.
“We strive to provide the best possible experience for our residents while understanding that being ‘the best’ is not a fixed destination,” Goettl said. “We are grateful for the recognition this year, but we view it as motivation to keep improving.”
