• The Gaslamp Quarter Association nominated Alexander Salazar Fine Art for its Business Improvement District (BID) Business of the Year. The gallery at 640 Broadway celebrated its first anniversary in March. The association cited Salazar’s quick evolution from a small display gallery to a large, space with areas for in-house artists and auctions. The association was also impressed with Salazar’s regular usage of the space to assist local charities with fundraisers and to showcase all levels of artistic talent, incuding students and non-traditional artisans. The San Diego Chamber of Commerce will honor each of the BID?Business of the Year nominees from the varied communities that make up San Diego’s BID?Council at their Small Business Awards Luncheon and Business Exchange on June 8 at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center. One BID Business will also be selected from all of the nominees as an overall winner. • Denver-based Smashburger will sizzle into downtown San Diego with the opening of its fourth San Diego location on May 27 at 801 Market St. The restaurant chain plans to open a total of seven locations in the county over the coming year. “We are very excited to open our downtown Smashburger location,” said San Diego franchise co-owner David Whisenhunt. “The downtown community will now be able to take advantage of the better burger experience throughout the baseball season and into the summer. ” • Design firm Neil Alan Designs opened a new studio and showroom in the heart of downtown San Diego, while expanding to increase its ability to donate to charity. In addition to regular professional design services, the business has announced it will provide free design consulting for several downtown transitional housing groups and will make monetary donations to San Diego Habitat for Humanity, the international nonprofit that builds houses for people in need. “My design firm is all about home,” said owner Neil Alan. “Everyone has a right to live comfortably, to enjoy the comforts and warmth that home brings. Our firm is the perfect partner for San Diego Habitat for Humanity and people who are building better lives.” The design firm’s new location is at 1353 Sixth Ave., (619) 825-8128.