BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS
PUBLISHER’S NOTE For the last four years, BayouLife Magazine has published our Bayou Buzz Awards, or “Buzzys” as we like to call them. This year we opened our nominations to the public for the first time, and collected submission for the voting process. We acknowledge that there are so many amazing businesses in our area, but our Bayou Buzz awards focus on those businesses that are locally owned. We know that this list is not all encompassing, and we hope to continue to grow this special publication in the coming years. The Bayou Buzz awards is our way of celebrating those business owners who took risks and were successful at developing businesses that have made an impact in our community. Our nominees were voted on by the public, and from that list, our readers and friends were asked to vote for their favorites. In the following pages, you will find the top 3 finalists in each category with the winner listed at the top. We hope that our readers will use this insert as a resource for finding some of the most endeared businesses in our region. We also want to ask you to make sure to buy local. Right now, more than ever, our local businesses need your help to make it through this pandemic. Many are relying on the next few months to help pull them through the shut down that closed or reduced capacity in businesses across Northeast Louisiana. Let’s pull together and bring our support back to the 318. Thank you to all those that participated in this year’s Bayou Buzz awards and congratulations to our finalists.
CASSIE LIVINGSTON Publisher, BayouLife Magazine
INDEX BODY BEAUTY AND BRAWN... 3 BAYOU BUNGALOW... 6 FAVORITE FARE... 9 LOCAL STORES AND SHOPS... 15 LOCAL LIVING... 17 LAGNIAPPE... 22
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BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN Whether you are looking for a personal trainer to help reach your fitness goals or a stylist to fix your “do,” we’ve got the best of the best listed below. This group of finalists encompass our readers’ choices for body, beauty and brawn.
BEST HAIR SALON: WINNER: RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA FINALISTS: RUMO’S BARBER SHOP, BEAUTY BAR
BEST HAIR STYLIST/COLORIST: WINNER: ASHLEY ALES, MERAKI STUDIO FINALISTS: MADI VIOLA, RUMO’S BARBER SHOP REBECKA BROWN, GENTLEMEN’S BARBER SHOP
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN BEST MANI/PEDI: WINNER: V.I.P. NAIL BAR FINALISTS: DYNASTY NAILS, NAIL TECH
BEST WAXING: WINNER: BRITTANY DYE FINALISTS: SPA NOUVELLE; HILARY DANS OF RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA
BEST DAY SPA: WINNER: SPA NOUVELLE FINALISTS: SPA BELLA, NEW BEGINNINGS
BEST MEDI SPA: WINNER: THE WOMAN’S CLINIC FINALISTS: NEW BEGINNINGS, HOPKINS DERMATOLOGY
BEST FACIAL: WINNER: WENDY NEWSOM, SPA NOUVELLE FINALISTS: EMORY BECKHAM, NEW BEGINNINGS JENNIFER BROWN, HOPKINS DERMATOLOGY
BEST SUNLESS TANNING: WINNER: HOT SPOT FINALISTS: SPA NOUVELLE, SOUTHERN SPRAY TANS
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BEST EYEBROW SERVICES: WINNER: VICTORIA ALEXANDER FINALISTS: TERRA COLVIN, TERRA KNOWS BROWS CHELSEA PYLANT ADAMS, GENTLEMEN’S BARBER SHOP
BEST EYELASH SERVICES: WINNER: JODI GAUMNITZ, THE LASH ROOM FINALISTS: SARAH CATHERINE JOHNSON, DEFINE LASH EMORY BECKHAM, NEW BEGINNINGS
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST: WINNER: MARY BETH DICKERSON, SPA NOUVELLE FINALISTS: TIED ANA LOPEZ HALE, SPA NOUVELLE AND DAWN MILLER, SPA BELLA, CANDI BROOKS, THE PARLOR HOUSE
BEST FITNESS TRAINER: WINNER: TAYLOR JOPLING, TRIBE31 TRAINING FINALISTS: CESAR CAMACHO, INFIT GYM BONNIE HAY, ANYTIME FITNESS
BEST YOGA STUDIO: WINNER: BLUE SKY YOGA FINALISTS: THE WELLNESS CENTER HALF MOON STUDIO
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN BEST ATHLETIC CENTER/GYM: WINNER: THE WELLNESS CENTER FINALISTS: ANYTIME FITNESS MONROE, MONROE ATHLETIC CENTER
BEST PILATES STUDIO: WINNER: BLUE SKY YOGA FINALISTS: THE PILATES ROOM, BON TEMPS PILATES
BAYOU BUNGALOW Home is where the heart is and the finalists in these categories definitely have our love. From the very best in furniture options, to the guys with the green thumb, our Bayou Bungalow winners celebrate the best in home décor and more.
BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES: WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW OUTDOOR, THE PATIO PLACE
BEST HOME ACCESSORIES: WINNER: PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY FINALISTS: THE MUFFIN TIN, LAUREN ROEBUCK
BEST HARDWARE & DESIGN MATERIAL: WINNER: T.P. OUTDOORS FINALISTS: PEARCE LUMBER, RUSSELL-MOORE LUMBER
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BEST GARDEN SHOP: WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART FINALISTS: SAMMY’S PLANT WORLD, O’NEAL’S FARM AND GARDEN
BEST HVAC/HEATING AND AIR: WINNER: GILLEY’S HEATING AND COOLING FINALISTS: AIR SERVICE PROFESSIONALS, ALBRITTON SERVICE CO.
BEST ELECTRICIAN: WINNER: COPELAND’S ELECTRIC CO. FINALISTS: NORTH LOUISIANA ELECTRICAL JUSTIN MILLER OF A&M ELECTRIC
BEST FURNITURE STORE: WINNER: SLEEPY HOLLOW FINALISTS: PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY, BURNEY’S FURNITURE
BEST PLUMBER: WINNER: KELLY PLUMBING FINALISTS: MARK JOHNSON PLUMBING, ALL PLUMBING
BEST COUNTERTOPS: WINNER: TWIN CITY GRANITE FINALISTS: KIM’S FLOOR DECOR, J&J STONE
BAYOU BUNGALOW BEST CUSTOM CABINETS: WINNER: MAYO CUSTOM CABINETS FINALISTS: WOODLANDS CUSTOM CABINETS, KEY MILLWORK AND SUPPLY
BEST PEST CONTROL: WINNER: BAYOU MOSQUITO AND PEST MANAGEMENT FINALISTS: REDD PEST CONTROL, RUSTON EXTERMINATING
BEST TREE REMOVAL SERVICE: WINNER: CAJUN TREE CUTTERS FINALISTS: MUNHOLLAND TREE SERVICE, KIRKLAND KUTTERS
BEST PAINTER: WINNER: TODD MCGUFFEE FINALISTS: DONNIE SELLERS, WAYNE MOORE
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECORATORS: WINNER: LAUREN ROEBUCK FINALISTS: TAYLOR BENNETT JAN STRICKLAND, STRICKLAND INTERIORS
BEST FLOORING: WINNER: JE DUPUY/LINCOLN FLOORING FINALISTS: KIM’S FLOOR DECOR, JOE BANKS DRYWALL AND ACOUSTICS
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BEST HOME CLEANING: WINNER: KELSEY KLEAN FINALISTS: PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES OF NELA SERVICE MASTERS RESTORE OF NELA
BEST HOME BUILDER: WINNER: HOLYFIELD CONSTRUCTION FINALISTS: TIED BRACO CONSTRUCTION AND RAFAEL LARA CONSTRUCTION BLUE HERON HOMES
BEST YARD CARE: WINNER: NORTHPRO LANDSCAPING AND LAWNCARE FINALISTS: NORTHEAST LAWN SERVICE MILETELLO LANDSCAPING
FAVORITE FARE Louisiana is known for delicious food, and our Favorite Fare category recognizes the best in the industry. From your favorite mixologist to the best burger in town – we’ve got you covered when it comes to these nom, nom, nominees.
BEST BAR FOR BEER: WINNER: FLYING TIGER BREWERY FINALISTS: 2DUDES BREW & QUE ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE
FAVORITE FARE
BEST BARTENDER: WINNER: JOSHUA COLSON DOE’S EAT PLACE FINALISTS: BRAD SHOWS, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE WESLEY WINNON
BEST BAR TO WATCH A GAME: WINNER: 2DUDES BREW & QUE FINALISTS: FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL, THE DAWG HOUSE SPORTS GRILL
BEST PLACE FOR A CRAFT COCKTAIL: WINNER: 2DUDES BREW & QUE FINALISTS: DOE’S EAT PLACE, PLANTER’S GASTROPUB
BEST WINE SELECTION: WINNER: LANDRY’S VINEYARDS FINALISTS: TONORE’S WINE CELLAR, DOE’S EAT PLACE
BEST STEAK: WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO. 1, BEAU VINES
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BEST CRAWFISH: WINNER: CRAWFISH CITY FINALISTS: CORMIER’S, RIVERSIDE CRAWFISH
BEST GUMBO: WINNER: MOHAWK TAVERN FINALISTS: TRAPP’S, PONCHATOULAS RESTAURANT
BEST POBOY: WINNER: MAGIC GRILL FINALISTS: RAY’S PEGE, CATFISH CHARLIE’S
BEST PIZZA WINNER: JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE FINALISTS: UTILITY BREWING CO., ROTOLO’S CRAFT AND CRUST
BEST TACO JOINT: WINNER: IRON CACTUS FINALISTS: AVOCADO’S, TACO BANDIDO
BEST MARGARITA: WINNER: IRON CACTUS FINALISTS: AVOCADO’S, EL PASO MEXICAN GRILL
FAVORITE FARE BEST FRENCH FRIES: WINNER: MAGIC GRILL FINALISTS: DAQ’S WINGS & GRILL, FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL
BEST FRIED CHICKEN: WINNER: BIG MOMMA’S FINE FOODS FINALISTS: MEL’S CAJUN FRIED CHICKEN & CATFISH, MAGIC GRILL
BEST ASIAN: WINNER: RAWZ CAFE FINALISTS: RAW RESTAURANT, RONIN STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI
BEST BURGER: WINNER: THE BURGER GRIND FINALISTS: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE, THE CREAMERY MONROE
BEST BREAKFAST: WINNER: LEA’S OF LECOMPTE FINALISTS: LATIN FOOD, THE COFFEE BEAN
BEST BBQ JOINT: WINNER: 2DUDES BREW & QUE FINALISTS: PODNUH’S BBQ, DANKEN TRAIL BAR-B-QUE
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BEST COFFEE: WINNER: LATIN FOOD FINALISTS: RAILWAY COFFEE, THE COFFEE BEAN
BEST ITALIAN: WINNER: GENUSA’S RESTAURANT FINALISTS: MILANO’S ITALIAN GRILL, GENO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
BEST BRUNCH: WINNER: RESTAURANT COTTON FINALISTS: THE COFFEE BEAN, PORTICO RESTAURANT & BAR, MONROE
BEST SEAFOOD: WINNER: CATFISH CHARLIE’S FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO. 1, TIED MOHAWK TAVERN AND TRAPP’S
BEST SANDWICHES: WINNER: DAILY PRESS FINALISTS: SUNDOWN TAVERN, NOT JUST PIE
BEST SWEET TREATS: WINNER: UPTOWN DOWNTOWN FINALISTS: NOT JUST PIE, ALBRITTON’S CAKE SHOP
FAVORITE FARE BEST VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS FINALISTS: RAWZ CAFE, GROWN AND GRAZED
BEST HEALTHY FOOD: WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS FINALISTS: DAILY HARVEST, FIESTA NUTRITION CENTER
BEST GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS: WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS FINALISTS: BUTTER A LOUISIANA BAKERY, GROWN AND GRAZED
BEST FOOD TRUCK: WINNER: CASTER AND CHICORY FINALISTS: FAYE’S FAT BURGER, BAD WOLF BBQ
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BEST DONUTS: WINNER: BESTZ DONUTS FINALISTS: HASKELL DONUTS, DAYLIGHT DONUTS
BEST LOCALLY OWNED CHAIN RESTAURANT: WINNER: CHICK-FIL-A FINALISTS: CHICKEN SALAD CHICK, NEWK’S EATERY
LOCAL STORES & SHOPS Our local retailers are top notch, offering Northeast Louisiana residents the best shopping around. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or something outdoors, these local stores and shops have it all..
BEST EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE AND OPTICAL: WINNER: HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER FINALISTS: DILLINGHAM OPTICAL, FAMILY EYE CARE
BEST ANTIQUE STORE: WINNER: COTTON PORT ANTIQUE MALL FINALISTS: TRENTON STREET ANTIQUES, TRADITIONS ON TRENTON
BEST GIFT SHOP: WINNER: THE MUFFIN TIN FINALISTS: THE RUSTIQUE GATOR, TWO MOMS BATH BOMBS
LOCAL STORES & SHOPS BEST JEWELRY STORE: WINNER: RANDY SMITH JEWELERS FINALISTS: HOLLIS & CO., FLAIR MONROE
BEST ATHLETIC WEAR: WINNER: FLEET FEET MONROE FINALISTS: CARA’S BOUTIQUE, H. MICKEL SPORTS
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: WINNER: THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE FINALISTS: CARA’S BOUTIQUE, HOT TOT’S CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE: WINNER: RIVER OUTFITTERS FINALISTS: SIMMON’S SPORTING GOODS, PATTON’S WESTERN WEAR
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BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING: WINNER: CARA’S BOUTIQUE FINALISTS: HERRINGSTONE’S, THE BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE
BEST SHOE SELECTION: WINNER: BEEHIVE OUTLET FINALISTS: CARA’S BOUTIQUE, HERRINGSTONE’S
BEST SPORTING GOODS: WINNER: T.P. OUTDOORS FINALISTS: SIMMON’S SPORTING GOODS, HONEY HOLE TACKLE SHOP
LOCAL LIVING Our Local Living nominees offer the best services in Northeast Louisiana. Whether you’re looking for a realtor or need a caterer for your next big party, these businesses are the cream of the crop.
BEST DAYCARE/CHILDCARE: WINNER: CLAIBORNE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FINALISTS: JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD, MISS DEE’S
BEST GYMNASTICS/TUMBLING: WINNER: BAYOU GYMNASTICS FINALISTS: TOTALLY TUMBLING, POWERHOUSE TUMBLE AND CHEER
LOCAL LIVING
BEST FLORAL SHOP: WINNER: VEE’S FLOWERS FINALISTS: 2 CRAZY GIRLS, FINE FOLKS
BEST TAILOR/ALTERATIONS: WINNER: SHIRLEY’S ALTERATIONS FINALISTS: CAROLYN’S SEWING, THE CLEANERS OF RUSTON
BEST CAR WASH: WINNER: ROCKETFAST CAR WASH FINALISTS: CAR WASH WEST, HAPPY DAYS CAR WASH
BEST CATERER: WINNER: THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY FINALISTS: 2DUDES BREW & QUE, GATOR GIRLS CATERING AND EATERY
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BEST PET GROOMER: WINNER: HAPPY TAILS FINALISTS: DKS GROOMING, PAWS AND CLAWS
BEST PET BOARDER: WINNER: HAPPY TAILS FINALISTS: MORRIS VETERINARY HOSPITAL COOPER VETERINARY HOSPITAL
BEST VET CLINIC: WINNER: COOPER VETERINARY HOSPITAL FINALISTS: MORRIS VETERINARY HOSPITAL, ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST MONROE
BEST DRY CLEANER: WINNER: D&D DRY CLEANERS FINALISTS: WEIL CLEANERS, THE CLEANERS OF RUSTON
BEST AUTO DEALER: WINNER: JIM TAYLOR FINALISTS: CAR TOWN, KARL MALONE TOYOTA OF RUSTON
BEST BANK: WINNER: ORIGIN BANK FINALISTS: CROSS KEYS BANK, BANCORP SOUTH
LOCAL LIVING BEST CREDIT UNION: WINNER: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FINALISTS: CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION LA CAPITAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
BEST PHARMACY: WINNER: ARON’S PHARMACY FINALISTS: COMMUNITY PHARMACY, WALTZ PHARMACY
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER: WINNER: DARREN OGLESBY FINALISTS: KEN FLETCHER, KELLY BRANTLEY
BEST ACCOUNTANT/CPA: WINNER: TASHIA HINES FINALISTS: DAVID COLE, DEBBIE TAKEWELL
BEST TITLE COMPANY: WINNER: NORTH DELTA TITLE COMPANY FINALISTS: BAYOU DESIARD TITLE COMPANY, DURRETT LAW AND TITLE
BEST DENTAL OFFICE: WINNER: NELA DENTAL FINALISTS: PEACHTREE DENTAL, APPLE DENTAL
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BEST ORTHODONTIST: WINNER: CAPLES & ROBINSON ORTHODONTICS FINALISTS: HUMMEL ORTHODONTICS, TURPIN ORTHODONTICS
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT: WINNER: HARRISON LILLY, KELLER WILLIAMS FINALISTS: HEATHER GUILLOT, VANGUARD REALTY ANNA EARL ROMERO, CYPRESS STATE REALTY
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY: WINNER: MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY FINALISTS: NORTH LOUISIANA ORTHOPAEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC GLORY THERAPY
BEST MECHANIC: WINNER: WALPOLE TIRE AND SERVICE FINALISTS: FRANK NETTLES AUTOMOTIVE, RICKY CULP’S AUTOMOTIVE
BEST DANCE STUDIO: WINNER: LINDA LAVENDER SCHOOL OF DANCE FINALISTS: MISSY CRAIN SCHOOL OF DANCE, A TIME TO DANCE
BEST YOUTH SUMMER CAMP/PROGRAM: WINNER: CAMP CHI-YO-CA FINALISTS: MEDCAMPS, KING’S CAMP
BEST LAW OFFICE: WINNER: CUMMINS & FITTS FINALISTS: DURRETT LAW, CREED AND CREED
BEST INSURANCE AGENT: WINNER: BLAKE WHEELIS FINALISTS: LAURA WOOD, PEGGY SULLIVAN
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER: WINNER: ANGELA GROCE, UNVEILED RADIANCE FINALISTS: ALBRITTON PHOTOGRAPHY, KYLA BRANCH
BEST CHIROPRACTOR: WINNER: GG GRANT, SHELL CHIROPRACTIC FINALISTS: TRAXLER CHIROPRACTIC MICHAEL HARVEY, MONROE CHIROPRACTIC
LAGNIAPPE These categories represent some of the best products and people in the area. We love following our finalists on Instagram and always look forward to visiting our local art galleries.
BEST INSTAGRAMMER: WINNER: VICTORIA BIRCH @victoriabirch1 FINALISTS: TAYLOR BENNETT @taylor.a.bennett KEMPER BLOCK BAUGH @joandkemp
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BEST ART GALLERY: WINNER: BIEDENHARN MUSEUM FINALISTS: MASUR MUSEUM RUSTON ARTISANS
BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL: WINNER: STACI ALBRITTON MITCHELL FINALISTS: RONNY WALKER, MICHAEL ECHOLS
BEST LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND: WINNER: MIKE MCKENZIE BAND FINALISTS: JORDAN SHEPPARD AND THE CYPRESS KNEES JOSH MADDEN
BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDDOS: WINNER: KIROLI PARK FINALISTS: SPARTAN ADVENTURE PARK, LINCOLN PARISH PARK
BEST LOCAL PRODUCT: WINNER: MR. P’S TEES FINALISTS: LANDRY VINEYARDS, FLYING TIGER BEER
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