BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS
PUBLISHER’S NOTE For the last five years, BayouLife Magazine has published our Bayou Buzz Awards, or “Buzzys” as we like to call them. This was the second year to open our nominations to the public, and collect 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 and operated. 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 continue to make it through the pandemic recovery. Thank you to all those that participated in this year’s Bayou Buzz awards and congratulations to our finalists and winners.
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 DAY SPA: WINNER: SPA NOUVELLE FINALISTS: SPA BELLA, RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA
BEST MEDI SPA: WINNER: THE WOMAN’S CLINIC FINALISTS: HOPKINS DERMATOLOGY/MD MINERALS NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN BEST HAIR SALON: WINNER: RUMO’S BARBER SHOP FINALISTS: RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA, MERAKI STUDIO
BEST HAIR STYLIST/COLORIST: WINNER: RAMI GAUBERT-VERUCCHI, RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA FINALISTS: ASHLEY ALES BAILES, MERAKI STUDIO LESLEY BOYD, THE PARLOR HOUSE
BEST NAIL SALON: WINNER: V.I.P. NAIL BAR FINALISTS: DYNASTY NAILS, SPA BELLA
BEST WAXING: WINNER: BRITTANY DYE, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO FINALISTS: SPA NOUVELLE; KALLIE BIBLE, SPA BELLA
BEST FACIAL: WINNER: WENDY NEWSOM, SPA NOUVELLE FINALISTS: BRITTANY SULLIVAN, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO KALLIE BIBLE, SPA BELLA
BEST SUNLESS TANNING: WINNER: GLEAUX GIRL FINALISTS: SPA BELLA; BRITTANY SULLIVAN, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO
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BEST EYEBROW SERVICES: WINNER: BRITTANY DYE, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO FINALISTS: SPA BELLA; TERRA COLVIN, TERRA KNOWS BROWS
BEST EYELASH SERVICES: WINNER: KALLIE BIBLE, SPA BELLA FINALISTS: TIFFANY WILKS, DEFINE LASH CO. SHENA MOLINA, MERAKI STUDIO
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST: WINNER: ANA HALE, SPA NOUVELLE FINALISTS: MARY BETH DICKERSON, SPA NOUVELLE KYLIE FLOWERS, SPA BELLA
BEST FITNESS TRAINER: WINNER: TAYLOR JOPLING, TRIBE31 TRAINING FINALISTS: ASJA JORDAN; BONNIE HAY, ANYTIME FITNESS
BEST YOGA STUDIO: WINNER: BLUE SKY YOGA FINALISTS: TRIBE31 TRAINING, THE WELLNESS CENTER
BEST ATHLETIC CENTER/GYM: WINNER: MONROE ATHLETIC CENTER FINALISTS: THE WELLNESS CENTER, TRIBE31 TRAINING
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN BEST PILATES STUDIO: WINNER: MONROE ATHLETIC CENTER 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: THE PATIO PLACE, SLEEPY HOLLOW OUTDOOR
BEST HOME ACCESSORIES: WINNER: THE RUSTIQUE GATOR FINALISTS: PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY, THE MUFFIN TIN
BEST HARDWARE & DESIGN MATERIAL: WINNER: T.P. OUTDOORS FINALISTS: RUSSELL-MOORE LUMBER, P&M HARDWARE
BEST GARDEN SHOP: WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART FINALISTS: SAMMY’S PLANT WORLD, O’NEAL’S FARM AND GARDEN
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BEST HVAC/HEATING AND AIR: WINNER: GILLEY’S HEATING AND COOLING FINALISTS: AIR SERVICE PROFESSIONALS, ALBRITTON SERVICE CO.
BEST ELECTRICIAN: WINNER: COPELAND ELECTRIC CO. FINALISTS: TWIN CITY ELECTRIC, FOX FAMILY ELECTRIC, LLC
BEST FURNITURE STORE: WINNER: IVAN SMITH FURNITURE FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW, WALSWORTH & COMPANY
BEST PLUMBER: WINNER: KELLY PLUMBING FINALISTS: MARK JOHNSON PLUMBING, ALL PLUMBING
BEST COUNTERTOPS: WINNER: TWIN CITY GRANITE FINALISTS: FLOORWORKS, OTWELL FLOORING CO.
BEST CUSTOM CABINETS: WINNER: MAYO CUSTOM CABINETS FINALISTS: WEST OUACHITA CABINETS, KEY MILLWORK AND SUPPLY
BAYOU BUNGALOW BEST PEST CONTROL: WINNER: REDD PEST CONTROL FINALISTS: BAYOU MOSQUITO AND PEST MANAGEMENT ANDERSON PEST CONTROL
BEST TREE REMOVAL SERVICE: WINNER: CAJUN TREE CUTTERS FINALISTS: KIRKLAND KUTTERS, MUNHOLLAND TREE SERVICE
BEST PAINTER: WINNER: TODD MCGUFFEE FINALISTS: DONNIE SELLERS, BROWN’S PAINTING
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECORATORS: WINNER: LAUREN ROEBUCK DESIGNS FINALISTS: TAYLOR BENNETT; JAN STRICKLAND, STRICKLAND INTERIORS
BEST FLOORING: WINNER: JE DUPUY/LINCOLN FLOORING FINALISTS: KIM’S FLOOR DECOR, OTWELL FLOORING CO.
BEST HOME CLEANING: WINNER: KELSEY KLEAN FINALISTS: DELTA DEEP CLEAN PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES OF NELA
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BEST HOME BUILDER: WINNER: HOLYFIELD CONSTRUCTION FINALISTS: 318 CONSTRUCTION, RAFAEL LARA CONSTRUCTION
BEST YARD CARE: WINNER: JAKE LILLY’S LAWNCARE AND LANDSCAPING FINALISTS: NORTHPRO LANDSCAPING AND LAWNCARE MYM LAWN SERVICE
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: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE, 2DUDES BREW & QUE
BEST PLACE FOR A CRAFT COCKTAIL: WINNER: PARISH RESTAURANT FINALISTS: 2DUDES BREW & QUE, PLANTER’S GASTROPUB
BEST WINE SELECTION: WINNER: LANDRY VINEYARDS FINALISTS: GENUSA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, TONORE’S WINE CELLAR
FAVORITE FARE BEST BARTENDER: WINNER: TIED JOSH COLSON, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE AND SYDNEY RHINEHART, PLANTER’S GASTROPUB FINALISTS: CHLOE ISHEE, THE HUB BRAD SHOWS, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE
BEST BAR TO WATCH A GAME: WINNER: 2DUDES BREW & QUE FINALISTS: FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL, PORTICO RESTAURANT AND BAR
BEST STEAK: WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO. 1, BEAU VINES
BEST CRAWFISH: WINNER: CRAWFISH CITY FINALISTS: CORMIER’S RESTAURANT, RIVERSIDE CONEY ISLAND
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BEST GUMBO: WINNER: TRAPP’S FINALISTS: MOHAWK TAVERN, WAREHOUSE NO. 1
BEST POBOY: WINNER: MAGIC GRILL FINALISTS: RAY’S PEGE, TRAPP’S
BEST PIZZA WINNER: JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE FINALISTS: REVIVAL PIZZA CO., UTILITY BREWING CO.
BEST TACO JOINT: WINNER: IRON CACTUS FINALISTS: TACO BANDIDO, AVOCADO’S
BEST MARGARITA: WINNER: IRON CACTUS FINALISTS: EL PASO MEXICAN GRILL, AVOCADO’S
BEST FRENCH FRIES: WINNER: MAGIC GRILL FINALISTS: DAQ’S WINGS & GRILL, CATAHOULA’S
FAVORITE FARE BEST FRIED CHICKEN: WINNER: BIG MOMMA’S FINE FOODS FINALISTS: MAGIC GRILL, MEL’S CAJUN FRIED CHICKEN & CATFISH
BEST ASIAN: WINNER: RAW RESTAURANT FINALISTS: BASIL THAI & SUSHI BAR, JADE GARDEN
BEST BURGER: WINNER: THE BURGER GRIND FINALISTS: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE, THE CREAMERY MONROE
BEST BREAKFAST: WINNER: LEA’S OF LECOMPTE FINALISTS: ALEX LATIN FOOD, BELLE’S OLE SOUTH DINER
BEST BBQ JOINT: WINNER: 2DUDES BREW & QUE FINALISTS: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE, DANKEN TRAIL BAR-B-QUE
BEST COFFEE: WINNER: ALEX LATIN FOOD FINALISTS: STANDARD COFFEE CO., CC’S COFFEE
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BEST ITALIAN: WINNER: GENUSA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT FINALISTS: MILANO’S ITALIAN GRILL, LUNA PIENA ITALIAN BISTRO
BEST BRUNCH: WINNER: RESTAURANT COTTON FINALISTS: TRIO’S DINING, LEA’S OF LECOMPTE
BEST SEAFOOD: WINNER: WAREHOUSE NO. 1 FINALISTS: CATFISH CHARLIE’S, TRAPP’S
BEST SANDWICHES: WINNER: CHICKEN SALAD CHICK FINALISTS: NEWK’S, DAILY PRESS
BEST SWEET TREATS: WINNER: SMALLCAKES FINALISTS: BUTTER BAKERY, UPTOWN DOWNTOWN
BEST VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: WINNER: NEWK’S FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, BUTTER BAKERY
FAVORITE FARE BEST HEALTHY FOOD: WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS FINALISTS: NEWK’S, FIESTA NUTRITION CENTER
BEST GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS: WINNER: BUTTER BAKERY FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, CHICKEN SALAD CHICK
BEST FOOD TRUCK: WINNER: CASTER AND CHICORY FINALISTS: BAD WOLF BBQ, FAY’S FAT BURGER & GRILL
BEST DONUTS: WINNER: BESTZ DONUTS FINALISTS: DONUT PALACE, HASKELL DONUTS
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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: TRADITIONS ON TRENTON, FROG’S FLEA MARKET
BEST GIFT SHOP: WINNER: THE RUSTIQUE GATOR FINALISTS: THE MUFFIN TIN, JUST PEACHY
BEST JEWELRY STORE: WINNER: HOLLIS & CO. FINALISTS: RANDY SMITH JEWELERS, MARTY AND MARK’S JEWELRY
LOCAL STORES & SHOPS BEST ATHLETIC WEAR: WINNER: FLEET FEET MONROE FINALISTS: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE, H. MICKEL SPORTS
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: WINNER: THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE FINALISTS: FIRST GLIMPSE, LITTLE BLUE KID’S BOUTIQUE
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE: WINNER: RIVER OUTFITTERS FINALISTS: SIMMON’S SPORTING GOODS, HONEY HOLE TACKLE SHOP
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING: WINNER: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE
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FINALISTS: CARA’S BOUTIQUE, HERRINGSTONE’S
BEST SHOE SELECTION: WINNER: CARA’S BOUTIQUE FINALISTS: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE, FLEET FEET MONROE
BEST SPORTING GOODS: WINNER: SIMMON’S SPORTING GOODS FINALISTS: T.P. OUTDOOR, 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: FIRST WEST, THE PLAYHOWSE LEARNING CENTER
BEST GYMNASTICS/TUMBLING: WINNER: BAYOU GYMNASTICS FINALISTS: TOTALLY TUMBLING, POWERHOUSE TUMBLE AND CHEER
BEST FLORAL SHOP: WINNER: VEE’S FLOWERS FINALISTS: PETALS AND PEARLS, ALL OCCASIONS
LOCAL LIVING
BEST TAILOR/ALTERATIONS: WINNER: SHIRLEY’S ALTERATIONS FINALISTS: CAROLYN’S SEWING, JOSE’S TAILOR SHOP
BEST CAR WASH: WINNER: ROCKETFAST CAR WASH FINALISTS: CAR WASH WEST, DREAM WASH EXPRESS
BEST CATERER: WINNER: THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY FINALISTS: 2DUDES BREW & QUE, GATOR GIRLS CATERING AND EATERY
BEST PET GROOMER: WINNER: DKS MOBILE GROOMING FINALISTS: HAPPY TAILS, DOGGIE STYLE GROOMING
BEST PET BOARDER: WINNER: HAPPY TAILS FINALISTS: COOPER VETERINARY HOSPITAL, MORRIS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
BEST VET CLINIC: WINNER: COOPER VETERINARY HOSPITAL FINALISTS: MORRIS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST MONROE
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BEST DRY CLEANER: WINNER: D&D DRY CLEANERS FINALISTS: THURMANIZE CLEANERS, THE CLEANERS OF RUSTON
BEST AUTO DEALER: WINNER: JIM TAYLOR AUTO GROUP FINALISTS: RYAN AUTO GROUP, CAR TOWN
BEST BANK: WINNER: ORIGIN BANK FINALISTS: CROSS KEYS BANK, PROGRESSIVE BANK
BEST CREDIT UNION: WINNER: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FINALISTS: CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MONROE TELCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
BEST PHARMACY: WINNER: ARON’S PHARMACY FINALISTS: COMMUNITY PHARMACY, MR. DISCOUNT DRUGS
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER: WINNER: DARREN OGLESBY FINALISTS: KEN FLETCHER, NIC TRAPPEY
LOCAL LIVING BEST ACCOUNTANT/CPA: WINNER: DAVID COLE FINALISTS: TASHIA HINES, 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: MATTHEW TURPIN FAMILY DENTISTRY, DISTRICT DENTAL
BEST ORTHODONTIST: WINNER: CAPLES & ROBINSON ORTHODONTICS FINALISTS: TURPIN ORTHODONTICS, HUMMEL ORTHODONTICS
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BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT: WINNER: HARRISON LILLY, THLT REALTY FINALISTS: HEATHER GUILLOT, VANGUARD REALTY ANNA EARL ROMERO, CYPRESS STATE REALTY
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY: WINNER: MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY FINALISTS: GLORY THERAPY NORTH LOUISIANA ORTHOPAEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC
BEST MECHANIC: WINNER: WALPOLE TIRE AND SERVICE FINALISTS: FRANK NETTLES AUTOMOTIVE, ISAAC NEWTON
BEST DANCE STUDIO: WINNER: LINDA LAVENDER SCHOOL OF DANCE FINALISTS: MISSY CRAIN SCHOOL OF DANCE DBK DANCE AND PERFORMING ARTS
BEST YOUTH SUMMER CAMP/PROGRAM: WINNER: CAMP CHI-YO-CA FINALISTS: MEDCAMPS, SEEKER SPRINGS
BEST LAW OFFICE: WINNER: CUMMINS & FITTS FINALISTS: CREED AND CREED, DURRETT LAW
BEST INSURANCE AGENT: WINNER: BLAKE WHEELIS, STATE FARM FINALISTS: LAURA WOOD, STATE FARM; PEGGY SULLIVAN, STATE FARM
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER: WINNER: ANGELA SHOEMAKER, UNVEILED RADIANCE FINALISTS: DESIRAE GOODING, KELLY MOORE
BEST CHIROPRACTOR: WINNER: GG GRANT, SHELL CHIROPRACTIC FINALISTS: THE JOINT, TRAXLER 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: SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF @legitsadierob FINALISTS: MONROE-WEST MONROE CONVENTION AND VISITOR’S BUREAU @discovermonroewestmonroe BRECK + VALE CLOTHING @bvclothingco
BEST ART GALLERY: WINNER: BIEDENHARN MUSEUM FINALISTS: MASUR MUSEUM, THREE THREADS
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BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL: WINNER: FRIDAY ELLIS FINALISTS: JULIA LETLOW, STACI ALBRITTON MITCHELL
BEST LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND: WINNER: MIKE MCKENZIE BAND FINALISTS: JORDAN SHEPPARD AND THE CYPRESS KNEES JOSH MADDEN
BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDDOS: WINNER: SURGE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER FINALISTS: KIROLI PARK, LOUISIANA PURCHASE GARDENS AND ZOO
BEST LOCAL PRODUCT: WINNER: MR. P’S TEES FINALISTS: FLYING TIGER BEER, TWO WARRIORS MEADERY
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