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look inside to find out who won best...
2012 READERS’ CHOICE
winners
Columbia Heights • Fridley
2 Sun Readers’ Choice – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – www.MinnLocal.com
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Thank You, Readers! You voted and we listened. Hundreds of our readers took time to vote for their favorite community businesses. Everything from the best teacher to the best travel agency, and everything in between. Today, the results are in. Check out all the winners inside or go online at minnlocal.com
Thank You! For Voting Us #1 For Two Years In A Row! BEST Eyewear BEST Eye Care Doctor BEST Eye Glass Store In Columbia Heights, Fridley and Moundsview, New Brighton
EYE CARE CENTER www.eyecarecenters.net
FRIDLEY , MN • 763-574-0075 MAPLEWOOD , MN • 651-777-3555
CMYK
www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – Sun Readers’ Choice
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Best Oil Change Goodyear - St. Louis Park
Best Accounting Firm Obermeier & Farni
Best Tax Preparation Kordiak
Best Tire Store Discount Tire
Best Bank US Bank
Education
Best Towing Company Bobby & Steve's
Best Credit Union Financial One
Best Business School Opus College of Business University of St. Thomas
Best Truck Dealership Maplewood Toyota
Best Financial Planner Travis Amiot - Edward Jones
Best College Rasmussen College
Best Used Car Dealer David's Auto
Best Insurance Agent Amy Wakem - State Farm Insurance
Best Gas Station Holiday
Best Montessori School Step By Step Montessori School
Banking & Financial
Best Insurance Company State Farm Insurance
Best Import Car Dealership Carlson Toyota
Best Accountant/CPA Al Bratten
Best Preschool Little Lights Preschool St. John the Baptist
Automotive Best Auto Body Shop Northpost Auto Body Best Auto Repair Shop Johnson Automotive Best Car Wash Perfect 10 Car Wash Best Domestic Car Dealership Friendly Chevrolet
Best Investment Firm QA3 Financial
Category Continues
Thank You for Voting Us
Best Jewelry Store! READERS’ CHOICE
READERS’ CHOICE
www.MinnLocal.com
www.MinnLocal.com
Awards
Awards
From the classic beauty of diamonds and platinum to customdesigned unique jewelry, Innsbruck Jewelers in New Brighton offers timeless treasures with unparalleled service.
2030 Silver Lake Road NW • New Brighton, MN 55112 651-636-0106 • www.InnsbruckJewelers.com Store Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-6pm • Tues & Thurs 10am-8pm • Sat 10am-4pm
3
Thank You for voting us #1
B E S T R O O F I N G C O M PA N Y ! • Blaine
• Golden Valley
• Spring Lake Park
• Mounds View
• Columbia Heights
• New Brighton
• Fridley
• Robbinsdale
READERS’ CHOICE
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
763.441.4488 | www.chubaco.com 19276 Vernon St. N.W., #100 | Elk River, MN 55330 | Lic #BC628158
4 Sun Readers’ Choice – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – www.MinnLocal.com
Education Continued
Food & Drink
Best Principal Sue Clausen - St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Best Asian Asia Chow Mein
Best Private School Totino Grace
Best Bakery Heights Bakery
Best Public School Fridley High School
Best Barbecue Mr. BBQ
Best Teacher Miss Mary Ann Dircks St. John the Baptist Preschool
Best Beer/Bar Shortstop
Best University St. Mary's University
Best Breakfast French Meadow Bakery and Cafe Best Brunch Granite City Food & Brewery
Celebrating over 60 years of serving older adults
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Best Buffet Big Marina
Best Ethnic Holy Land
Best Candy Store Lynn's Cake & Candy
Best Family Dining Sarn's Grill
Best Catering Fabulous Catering
Best Hamburger Albert's Grill
Best Cup Of Coffee Bru House
Best Happy Hour Tugg's
Best Deli Kramarczuk East European Deli
Best Health Food Store Fresh & Natural Foods
Best Desserts Panederia Bakery
Best Ice Cream/Yogurt Grandpa's Ice Cream
Best Dinner Acapulco
Category Continues
We have the perfect setting for your special Valentine. Taking reservations now.
Best Romantic Restaurant Voted #1 for 2011 & 2012!
Blaine/Spring Lake Park and Columbia Heights/Fridley.
READERS’ CHOICE
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
Assisted Living - Columbia Heights Retirement Community - Columbia Heights Assisted Living Community - Fridley Retirement Community - Fridley
e
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
T hank You!!
Since 1952, Crest View Senior Communities has been a faith based not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving older adults, with services including: Senior Housing, Assisted Living & Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Short Term Rehab & Home Health Care
(763) 782-1601
www.crestviewcares.org
6161 Highway 65 NE Fridley, MN 763-398-0088 shorewoodgrill.com
www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – Sun Readers’ Choice
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Food & Drink Continued
Best Italian Amici - NE Minneapolis Best Liquor Store Top Valu Liquor Best Locally Owned Grocery Store Bob's Produce Ranch Best Lunch The Himalayan Best Margarita La Casita Best Meat Market Ready Meats
Best Mexican La Casita
Best Supermarket Cub Foods
Best Fitness Center Lifetime Fitness - Fridley
Best Pizza Tasty Pizza
Best Sushi Kikugawa
Best Hair Jon Charles Salon
Best Popcorn Showplace Icon - Bacon
Best Wine/Bar MGM Wine & Spirits
Best Manicure/Pedicure Tiffany Nails
Best Romantic Restaurant Shorewood
Health & Beauty
Best Massage Therapy Hart Lake Massage
Best Seafood Oceanaire
Best Acupuncture Noah F. - NE Community Acupuncture
Best Personal Trainer Jody Quesnell
Best Sports Bar Joe Diamonds
Best Aesthetic Center Aveda Institute
Best Spa Shannon Aleczander
Best Steakhouse Capital Grill
Best Colorist Heather - Jon Charles Salon
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Category Continues
Columbia Heights/Fridley for voting us
“Best Casino Gaming”
6 Sun Readers’ Choice – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – www.MinnLocal.com
Health & Beauty Continued
Best Stylist Beth Pollard - Shannon Alexander Salon & Spa Best Tanning Tan I Am
Home & Garden Best Air Duct Cleaning Aspen-air Best Antique Store Hopkins Antique Mall Best Appliance Store Appliance Smart
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Best Art Gallery Fat Cat Studio
Best Fireplace Store Rivercity Furnace
Best Home Improvement Store Menards
Best Arts & Crafts Store Michael's
Best Flooring Store Bob's Flooring Outlet
Best Hot Tub Store Swimming Hole
Best Cabinet/Countertop Company Ponters Woodcraft
Best Furniture Store Alco Furniture
Best Interior Design Emerald Interior Design
Best Carpet Cleaning Geek Steam
Best Gutter Company Northside Siding
Best Landscaping & Garden Center Chenoweth Floral
Best Concrete Company Concept Design Concrete
Best Handyman Rick Schellenberg
Best Landscaping Services All Metro Lawn & Snow
Best Deck Company Allways Constructions
Best Hardware Store Fratallone's Ace Hardware
Best Lawn Care Service All American Outdoor Services, LLC
Best Electrician Karl Woods
Best Heating & Air Company Marsh Heating & Air
You don’t want a college that’s just average, you want one that’s
Superior
Category Continues
Thank you for voting us #1! BEST REMODELING COMPANY
READERS’ CHOICE
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
• Blaine • Spring Lake Park • Columbia Heights • Fridley • Crystal
• Golden Valley • Mounds View • New Brighton • New Hope • Robbinsdale
COMPLETE INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REMODELING
Windows • Insulation • Additions • Bathrooms
Midwinter Preview Saturday, January 28th register at uwsuper.edu/preview
uwsuper.edu
Winner of the 2012 Readers’ Choice Award in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Lakeville, Mounds View/New Brighton and St.Louis Park Thank you for the votes!
LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED • LIC #CR317269 Over 30 Years Experience!
763-574-9769 www.customremod.com
www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – Sun Readers’ Choice
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Locations:
Home & Garden Continued
Best Light Store Creative Lighting Best Paint Store Sherwin-Williams Best Pest Control Bee There Best Plumbing Company Geno's Sewer & Drain Best Pool Store Swimming Hole
Best Roofing Company The Chuba Company Best Siding Company Western Construction Best Vacuum Store Electorlux Best Window Company Renewal by Andersen Best Window Cover Store The Little Blind Spot
can Best Mexai nt Restaur
READERS’ CHOICE
Awards
Columbia Heights
5085 Central Ave NE 763-571-7784
Roseville
1925 Perimeter Road 651-287-4055
in February! Coon Rapids Opening 8955 Springbrook Dr
www.MinnLocal.com
Thank you Columbia Heights & Fridley voters!
Specials 1/2 price Margaritas Every Tuesday 99¢ Tacos every Wed. night
(after 7)
Kids Eat Free Sundays (with adult purchase)
Best Remodeling Company Custom Home Remodeling
Happy Hour every day from 3-6
Best Residential Painting Company A Fresh Look
Late Night specials after 9pm
HEALTH NOTIFICATION Are you hard of hearing?
5 DAYS ONLY Field Trial is Available Jan 30 - Feb 3 Call Now, Appointment Times Are Limited.
A major name brand hearing aid provider wishes to field test a remarkable new digital hearing instrument in the area. This offer is free of charge and you are under no obligation. These revolutionary 100% Digital instruments use the latest technology to comfortably, and almost invisibly, help you hear more clearly. This technology improves speech understanding while reducing background noise. If you wish to participate, you will be required to have your hearing tested in our office FREE OF CHARGE to determine candidacy and report your results with the hearing instruments each week for a three week period. At the end of this period, you may purchase your instrument, if you so desire, at a reduced charge. Otherwise, there is no charge whatsoever for participating in this field test. Special testing will be done to determine the increased benefits of this technology. Benefits of hearing aids vary by type and degree of hearing loss, noise environment, accuracy of hearing test, and proper fit. This is a wonderful opportunity to determine if hearing help is available for your hearing loss while you evaluate your performance with this technology.
Blooomington 5127 West 98th St. 952-835-4661
Coon Rapids 2003 NW Northdale Blvd 763-755-0690
Burnsville 13755 Nicollet Ave S. 952-898-1966
Plymouth 12805 Hwy 55 763-553-9097
THANK YOU for voting us the BEST HEARING CENTER in the following cities.... READERS’ CHOICE
Awards
• Blaine/Spring Lake Park • Brooklyn Center • Brooklyn Park • Columbia Heights/Fridley
• Crystal • Eagan • Edina • Excelisor/Shorewood
• Hopkins • Lakeville • Mounds View/New Brighton • New Hope
• Robbinsdale • St. Louis Park • Wayzata/Orono/Long Lake
www.MinnLocal.com
CMYK
7
8 Sun Readers’ Choice – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – www.MinnLocal.com
Medical Best Allergist Fridley Medical Center Best Chiropractor Dr. Lori Pottebaum - Art District Chiropractic Best Clinic Fridley Medical Center Best Dentist Office Ascent Familt Dental Best Dermatologist Dr. Tan & Alexia Knapp - Health Partners
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Best Doctor Dr. Chris Antolok - Silver Lake Clinic - St Anthony Best Emergency Room Unity Hospital Best Hearing Center Beltone Best Hospital Unity Hospital Best OB/GYN Generations Women's Clinic Shoreview Best Ophthalmologist/ Eye Care Doctor Eye Care Center
Best Optometrist/Eye Glass Store Eye Care Center
Best Urgent Care Clinic Fridley Medical Center
Best Orthodontist Dr. Veyda
Other Shopping / Services
Best Orthopedic Surgeon Twin Cities Orthopedics - Fridley Best Pediatrician Dr. Cederberg - Health Partners Como Clinic Best Pharmacy Walgreen's Best Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nelson - Minnesota Optalmic
Best Book Store Barnes & Noble Best Camera Store West Photo Best Childcare Little Voyageurs Montessori School Best Florist Schaaf Floral Category Continues
Thank You! COLUMBIA HEIGHTS & FRIDLEY FOR YOUR 2012 VOTE FOR READERS’ CHOICE
BEST CREDIT UNION
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
READERS’ CHOICE
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
763.404.7600 843 40th Ave NE Columbia Heights BLAINE 763-789-0700
COON RAPIDS 763-755-8900
10210 Baltimore Street Northeast Blaine, MN 55449-6049
11465 Robinson Dr NW # 100 Coon Rapids, MN 55433
www.FinancialOneCU.com
Voted #1 Two Years in a Row! Best Locally Owned Grocery Store Blaine/Spring Lake Park • Columbia Heights/Fridley
Thank You! READERS’ CHOICE
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
BoB’s 14TH ANNUAL SUPER SPECIAL MEAT SALE! Coming February 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th!
7620 University Ave, Fridley, MN (University & Osborne Rd)
(763) 571-6620 • www.bobsproduce.com
www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – Sun Readers’ Choice
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Other Shopping/Services Continued
Best Funeral Home Miller Funeral Home Best Gift Shop Bachman's
Best Moving Company Barrett
Best Theatre/Play House Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
Best Retirement Community Crestviewqon 42ns
Best Pet Store Pet Smart
Real Estate
Best Senior Apartments Bonfill Crossing
Best Photographer Sarah Whiting Photographic
Best Hotel/Motel Opus Radisson Best Kennel/Boarding Facility Stone Mountain Pet Lodge Best Lawyer/Attorney D. Clay Taylor Best Limo/Car Service VIP
Best Tattoo Parlor Electric Dragonland Best Taxi Eco Cab Best Toy/Hobby Store Michael's Best Veterinary Clinic Apache Animal Clinic
Best Assisted Living Crestview on 42nd
Best Title Company Land Title
Best Mortgage Lender Bill Schweitz - Advisors Mortgage
Recreation
Best New Home Builder Brickner Builders
Best Bicycle Shop Fridley Heights Cyclery
Best Real Estate Agent Alex Francis - Edina Realty
Best Boat Dealer Hitching Post
Best Real Estate Company Edina Realty
Category Continues
THE BOYS ARE BACK!
Presented by
“Best Theatres/Play House 2012”! Thanks Readers…Dinner’s On Us! February 16–March 15,Tue-Thu Eve only Mention promo code: SUN
9
“Screamingly funny! Entirely enchanting, utterly entertaining, awesome!” —New York Post
800-362-3515
952-934-1525 W W W . C H A N H A S S E N D T . C O M
10 Sun Readers’ Choice – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – www.MinnLocal.com
Recreation Continued
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
Best Indoor Water Park Shoreview Community Center
Best Place To Hear Live Music Aster Café
Religion
Best Driving Range Braemar Golf Course
Best Martial Arts Bob Mehus Kung Fu Hopkins Park & Rec
Best Recreational Vehicle Dealer Hiltop Trailer Sales
Best Church Choir/Music Program St. Timothy's Lutheran Church Dan
Best Golf Course Meadowbrook
Best Motorcycle Dealer Hitching Post
Best Golf Equipment Nice Shots Custom
Best Outdoor Water Park Jim Lupient Waterpark
Best Gymnastics Mini-Hops Gymnastics
Best Place For Children's Party Eagle's Nest
Best Hockey Equipment Store Dave's Sport Shop
Best Place To Bowl Brunswick Zone
Best Dance Studio The Dance Xchange
Best Ski/Snowboard Store Hot Spot Best Sporting Goods Store Gander Mountain Best Summer Camp Three Rivers Park District
Best Pastor Father Skluzacek - St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Best Place of Worship St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Best Travel Agency Zemke Travel
THANK YOU for voting us
NUMBER ONE READERS’ READERS’READERS READERS TWO YEARS CHOICE CHOICE
Thank You! FOR VOTING US #1 IN HEATING & COOLING!
in a row!
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
IMMEDIAT E INSTALLA TIONS!
“LENNOX’ HIGH-EFFICIENCY HVAC SYSTEMS LET YOU SAVE MONEY AND STILL LIVE COMFORTABLY.” So go ahead, get comfortable. 6248 Lakeland Ave N. Brooklyn Park, MN • 763-536-0667 www.marshheating.com • 24 HOUR - 7 DAYS A WEEK SERVICE
FRIDLEY MEDICAL CENTER 763-785-4500 ROSEVILLE MEDICAL CENTER 763-785-4300 BLAINE MEDICAL CENTER 763-785-4200
www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – Sun Readers’ Choice
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
get a FREE GIFT! with a new voluntary subscription donation to the Sun Newspaper.
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www.minnlocal.com SUN NEWSPAPERS • 10917 VALLEY VIEW ROAD • EDEN PRAIRIE 55344 • 952-392-6860 • www.MinnLocal.com
11
12 Sun Readers’ Choice – Thursday, January 26, 2012 – www.MinnLocal.com
In the Community, With the Community, For the Community
2 FREE TICKETS Style & Fashion Best Baby/Infant Store Babies R Us Best Bridal Shop David's Bridal Best Consignment Store Unique Thrift Store Best Dry Cleaners Plaza Cleaners Best Eyeware Eye Care Center
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Best Men's Clothing Store Joseph A Banks
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Best Shoe Store Kohl's Best Shopping Center Mall of America Best Specialty Clothing Store Heimes Haberdasherie Best Tailor Adair Taylor - Roseville
With a NEW 1 year subscription! While supplies last. I currently get the Sun Newspaper in my home and would like to show my support with a Voluntary Subscription Donation. One Year Voluntary ____ $26.95 I live in an apartment, condo or home outside the carrier coverage area and would like to receive the paper through a one year Mail Subscription. One Year Mail ____ $87.00 Name: ___________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ City: ________________________________ Zip: ______________ Phone: (_______)______________________ ____ VISA/MC/AMEX: _________________________________ Exp Date: ______/_______ Sec # _________ You may also enclose a check. No refunds with promotion. Not valid with other offers or on renewals. Offer ends January 31, 2012. SEALIFE
Best Women's Clothing Store Hot Mama
Best Jewelry Store Innsbruck Jewelers
10917 VALLEY VIEW ROAD • EDEN PRAIRIE 55344
Thank You for voting Friendly Chevrolet the Sun Newspaper’s 2011 “Best Domestic Car Dealership”
Thank you for voting us #1! BEST WINDOW COMPANY
in Fridley, Columbia Heights, Blaine and Spring Lake Park.
READERS’ CHOICE
Awards www.MinnLocal.com
Roseville Showroom 1920 County Road C Roseville, MN 55113
Minnesota’s #1 Chevy Dealer 14 Years The Friendly That Made Fridley Famous.
1-866-801-4230
FRIENDLYCHEV.COM 763.786.6100 2 miles north of 694 on 65 in Fridley
CMYK
MN: BC130983 / WI: 266951
www.renewalbyandersen.com