BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS
PUBLISHER’S NOTE For the last six years, BayouLife Magazine has published the Bayou Buzz Awards, or “Buzzys” as we like to call them. Nominations were open to the public, where the top ten were selected to be voted on. 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. 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. Thank you to all those that participated in this year’s Bayou Buzz awards and congratulations to our nominees, 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
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 BELLA FINALISTS: SPA NOUVELLE, NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA
BEST MEDI SPA: WINNER: SPA BELLA FINALISTS: ANNA STEPHENS AESTHETICS, THE WOMAN’S CLINIC
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN BEST HAIR SALON: WINNER: RUMO’S BARBER SHOP FINALISTS: MERAKI STUDIO, RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA
BEST HAIR STYLIST/COLORIST: WINNER: RUSSELL MOORE, RUMO’S BARBER SHOP FINALISTS: ASHLEY ALES BAILES, MERAKI STUDIO SHEA EMERY, THE ALLEY SALON
BEST NAIL SALON: WINNER: V.I.P. NAIL BAR FINALISTS: DYNASTY NAILS, ALLURE NAILS & SPA
BEST WAXING: WINNER: BRITTANY DYE, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO FINALISTS: SPA BELLA, NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA
BEST FACIAL: WINNER: BRITTANY SULLIVAN, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO FINALISTS: KALLIE BIBLE, SPA BELLA WENDY NEWSOM, SPA NOUVELLE
BEST SUNLESS TANNING: WINNER: BRITTANY SULLIVAN, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO FINALISTS: KALLIE BIBLE, SPA BELLA; MAGNOLIAS & LACE BOUTIQUE
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BEST EYEBROW SERVICES: WINNER: BRITTANY DYE, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO FINALISTS: V.I.P. NAIL BAR, VICTORIA ALEXANDER
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST: WINNER: KYLIE FLOWERS, SPA BELLA FINALISTS: ANA HALE, SPA NOUVELLE CANDI BROOKS, THE PARLOR HOUSE
BEST EYELASH SERVICES: WINNER: BRITTANY DYE, BEAUTY & SKIN STUDIO FINALISTS: KHADIJA WILLIAMS, THE LASH ROOM
BEST YOGA STUDIO: WINNER: BLUE SKY YOGA FINALISTS: TRIBE31 TRAINING, PURE DRIP
BEST FITNESS TRAINER: WINNER: ASJA JORDAN FINALISTS: CESAR CAMACHO, INFIT GYM TAYLOR JOPLING, TRIBE31 TRAINING
BEST ATHLETIC CENTER/GYM: WINNER: THE WELLNESS CENTER FINALISTS: TRIBE31 TRAINING, MONROE ATHLETIC CLUB
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN BEST PILATES STUDIO: WINNER: TRIBE31 TRAINING FINALISTS: THE WELLNESS CENTER, MONROE ATHLETIC CENTER
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 thumbs, 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
BEST HOME ACCESSORIES: WINNER: WALSWORTH & COMPANY FINALISTS: LAUREN ROEBUCK DESIGNS, GYPSY SOUL
BEST HARDWARE & DESIGN MATERIAL: WINNER: T.P. OUTDOORS FINALISTS: RUSSELL-MOORE LUMBER, PEARCE LUMBER
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: 318 HEAT & AIR, JEROMY PRUITT HEATING & COOLING
BEST ELECTRICIAN: WINNER: COPELAND ELECTRIC CO. FINALISTS: FOX FAMILY ELECTRIC, NORTH LOUISIANA ELECTRICAL
BEST FURNITURE STORE: WINNER: IVAN SMITH FURNITURE FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW, LAUREN ROEBUCK DESIGNS
BEST PLUMBER: WINNER: KELLY PLUMBING FINALISTS: MARK JOHNSON PLUMBING, ALL PLUMBING
BEST COUNTERTOPS: WINNER: TIED KIM’S FLOOR DECOR, TWIN CITY GRANITE FINALISTS: OTWELL FLOORING CO., J&J STONE
BEST CUSTOM CABINETS: WINNER: WEST OUACHITA CABINETS FINALISTS: MAYO CUSTOM CABINETS, WOODLANDS CUSTOM CABINETS
BAYOU BUNGALOW BEST PEST CONTROL: WINNER: REDD PEST CONTROL FINALISTS: BAYOU MOSQUITO AND PEST MANAGEMENT RUSTON EXTERMINATING
BEST TREE REMOVAL SERVICE: WINNER: CAJUN TREE CUTTERS FINALISTS: KIRKLAND KUTTERS, MUNHOLLAND TREE SERVICE
BEST PAINTER: WINNER: BROWN’S PAINTING FINALISTS: TODD MCGUFFEE, TROY HART
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECORATORS: WINNER: LAUREN ROEBUCK DESIGNS FINALISTS: JAN STRICKLAND, TAYLOR BENNETT
BEST FLOORING: WINNER: KIM’S FLOOR DECOR FINALISTS: JE DUPUY/LINCOLN FLOORING, OTWELL FLOORING CO.
BEST HOME CLEANING: WINNER: KELSEY KLEAN FINALISTS: PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES OF NELA DUST BUNNIES CLEANING SERVICES
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BEST HOME BUILDER: WINNER: 318 CONSTRUCTION FINALISTS: HOLYFIELD CONSTRUCTION, HEARD CONSTRUCTION
BEST YARD CARE: WINNER: JAKE LILLY’S LAWNCARE AND LANDSCAPING FINALISTS: BAYOU LAWN CARE NORTHPRO LANDSCAPING AND LAWNCARE
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 HEART BREWERY FINALISTS: FLYING TIGER BREWERY, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE
BEST PLACE FOR A CRAFT COCKTAIL: WINNER: PARISH RESTAURANT FINALISTS: DOE’S EAT PLACE, CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH AND OYSTER BAR
BEST WINE SELECTION: WINNER: LANDRY VINEYARDS FINALISTS: GENUSA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, DOE’S EAT PLACE
FAVORITE FARE BEST BARTENDER: WINNER: KAYLA MICHIELS, MIRO’S FINALISTS: BRAD SHOWS, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE ADAM HODGE, PARISH RESTAURANT
BEST BAR TO WATCH A GAME: WINNER: 2DUDES BREW & QUE FINALISTS: FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR
BEST STEAK: WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO. 1, BEAU VINES
BEST CRAWFISH: WINNER: CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR FINALISTS: CRAWFISH CITY, CORMIER’S
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BEST GUMBO: WINNER: TRAPP’S FINALISTS: MOHAWK TAVERN, PONCHATOULAS
BEST POBOY: WINNER: MAGIC GRILL FINALISTS: RAY’S PEGE, TRAPP’S
BEST PIZZA WINNER: JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY, REVIVAL PIZZA CO.
BEST TACO JOINT: WINNER: IRON CACTUS FINALISTS: TACO BANDIDO, AVOCADO’S
BEST MARGARITA: WINNER: IRON CACTUS FINALISTS: AVOCADO’S, DON CHUY MEXICAN BAR & GRILL
BEST FRENCH FRIES: WINNER: DAQ’S WINGS & GRILL FINALISTS: MAGIC GRILL, CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR
FAVORITE FARE BEST FRIED CHICKEN: WINNER: BIG MOMMA’S FINE FOODS FINALISTS: MAGIC GRILL, MEL’S CAJUN FRIED CHICKEN & CATFISH
BEST ASIAN: WINNER: RAWZ CAFE FINALISTS: RONIN STEAK HOUSE & SUSHI, BASIL THAI & SUSHI BAR
BEST BURGER: WINNER: THE BURGER GRIND FINALISTS: THE CREAMERY, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB AND CAFE
BEST BREAKFAST: WINNER: DELTA BISCUIT CO. FINALISTS: ALEX LATIN FOOD, LEA’S OF LECOMPTE
BEST BBQ JOINT: WINNER: 2DUDES BREW & QUE FINALISTS: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE, DANKEN TRAIL BAR-B-QUE
BEST COFFEE: WINNER: ALEX LATIN FOOD FINALISTS: CORNER COFFEEHOUSE, RAILWAY COFFEE
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BEST ITALIAN: WINNER: GENUSA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT FINALISTS: ROMA’S ITALIAN BISTRO, MILANO’S ITALIAN GRILL
BEST BRUNCH: WINNER: DELTA BISCUIT CO. FINALISTS: RESTAURANT COTTON, TRIO’S DINING
BEST SEAFOOD: WINNER: WAREHOUSE NO. 1 FINALISTS: CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR, CATFISH CHARLIE’S
BEST SANDWICHES: WINNER: DAILY PRESS FINALISTS: MAGIC GRILL, JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE
BEST BAKERY FOR SWEETS: WINNER: BUTTER, A LOUISIANA BAKERY FINALISTS: UPTOWN DOWNTOWN, ALBRITTON’S CAKE HOUSE
BEST VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: WINNER: BUTTER, A LOUISIANA BAKERY FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, GROWN & GRAZED
FAVORITE FARE BEST HEALTHY FOOD: WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS FINALISTS: DAILY HARVEST, THE COFFEE BEAN
BEST GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS: WINNER: BUTTER, A LOUISIANA BAKERY FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, DAILY HARVEST
BEST FOOD TRUCK: WINNER: CASTER AND CHICORY FINALISTS: FAY’S FAT BURGER & GRILL, BAD WOLF BBQ
BEST DONUTS: WINNER: BESTZ DONUTS FINALISTS: HASKELL DONUTS, DAYLIGHT DONUTS
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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: A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING FINALISTS: SHOPPES AT COTTONPORT, FROG’S FLEA MARKET
BEST GIFT SHOP: WINNER: THE MUFFIN TIN FINALISTS: THE TRENTON HOUSE, WOODSTOCK HOME & GIFT
BEST ATHLETIC WEAR: WINNER: FLEET FEET MONROE FINALISTS: RIVER OUTFITTERS, CARA’S BOUTIQUE
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: WINNER: THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE FINALISTS: FIRST GLIMPSE, MR. P’S TEES
LOCAL STORES & SHOPS BEST JEWELRY STORE: WINNER: HOLLIS & COMPANY FINALISTS: RANDY SMITH JEWELERS, FLAIR FINE JEWELERS
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE: WINNER: PATTON’S DOWNTOWN FINALISTS: HONEY HOLE TACKLE SHOP, RIVER OUTFITTERS
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING: WINNER: CARA’S BOUTIQUE FINALISTS: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE, HERRINGSTONE’S
BEST SHOE SELECTION: WINNER: CARA’S BOUTIQUE FINALISTS: FLEET FEET MONROE, BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE
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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: THE PLAYHOWSE LEARNING CENTER, FIRST METHODIST MONROE
BEST FLORAL SHOP: WINNER: VEE’S FLOWERS FINALISTS: PETALS AND PEARLS, ALL OCCASIONS
BEST TAILOR/ALTERATIONS: WINNER: CAROLYN’S SEWING FINALISTS: SHIRLEY’S ALTERATIONS, JOSE’S TAILOR SHOP
BEST CAR WASH: WINNER: ROCKETFAST CAR WASH FINALISTS: CAR WASH WEST, TOMMY’S EXPRESS
LOCAL LIVING
BEST CATERER: WINNER: THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY FINALISTS: CHEF PAT NOLAN, JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE
BEST PET GROOMER: WINNER: DKS MOBILE GROOMING FINALISTS: DOGGIE STYLE GROOMING, SIT, STAY AND PLAY
BEST PET BOARDER: WINNER: TIED ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST MONROE, SIT, STAY AND PLAY FINALISTS: DOGGY DAYS, CORNER VET OF STERLINGTON
BEST VET CLINIC: WINNER: COOPER VETERINARY HOSPITAL FINALISTS: CORNER VET OF STERLINGTON, ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST MONROE
BEST DRY CLEANER: WINNER: D&D DRY CLEANERS FINALISTS: THE CLEANERS OF RUSTON, THURMANIZE CLEANERS
BEST AUTO DEALER: WINNER: JIM TAYLOR AUTO GROUP FINALISTS: KARL MALONE TOYOTA, CAR TOWN
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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 MORTGAGE LENDER: WINNER: JUSTIN UNDERWOOD, ORIGIN BANK FINALISTS: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SUSIE DARTLON, EAGLE BANK MORTGAGE
BEST PHARMACY: WINNER: ARON’S PHARMACY FINALISTS: COMMUNITY PHARMACY, MR. DISCOUNT DRUGS
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER: WINNER: DARREN OGLESBY FINALISTS: ARGENT FINANCIAL GROUP, ANDREW YARBROUGH
BEST ACCOUNTANT/CPA: WINNER: TASHIA HINES FINALISTS: DAVID COLE, DEBBIE TAKEWELL
LOCAL LIVING BEST TITLE COMPANY: WINNER: DURRETT LAW AND TITLE FINALISTS: BAYOU DESIARD TITLE COMPANY, NORTH LOUISIANA TITLE CO.
BEST DENTAL OFFICE: WINNER: NELA DENTAL FINALISTS: TROY BOSTICK, JOHNSTON DENTAL CARE, RUSTON
BEST ORTHODONTIST: WINNER: CAPLES & ROBINSON ORTHODONTICS FINALISTS: TURPIN ORTHODONTICS, KOGA ORTHODONTICS
BEST CHIROPRACTOR: WINNER: GG GRANT, SHELL CHIROPRACTIC FINALISTS: KYLE NIX, THE JOINT; SCOTT MARTINEZ, MARTINEZ CHIROPRACTIC
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT: WINNER: HARRISON LILLY, THLT REALTY FINALISTS: HANNAH GIVENS, FRENCH REALTY PAM JONES, LOUISIANA ORCHARD REALTY
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY: WINNER: MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY FINALISTS: JOHNSON PHYSICAL THERAPY NELA REHABILITATION
BEST MECHANIC: WINNER: WALPOLE TIRE AND SERVICE FINALISTS: RICKY CULP’S AUTO, MCJUNKIN’S AUTOMOTIVE
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 CH-YO-CA FINALISTS: MEDCAMPS OF LOUISIANA, SEEKER SPRINGS
BEST LAW OFFICE: WINNER: CUMMINS & FITTS FINALISTS: CREED AND CREED, DURRETT LAW
BEST INSURANCE AGENT: WINNER: BLAKE WHEELIS, STATE FARM FINALISTS: PEGGY SULLIVAN, STATE FARM; GREG MANLEY, STATE FARM
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER: WINNER: ANGELA SHOEMAKER, UNVEILED RADIANCE FINALISTS: DESIRAE GOODING, KELLY MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY
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: DISCOVER MONROE-WEST MONROE @discovermonroewestmonroe BRECK + VALE CLOTHING @bvclothingcompany
BEST ART GALLERY: WINNER: MASUR MUSEUM OF ART FINALISTS: THE COLLECTIVE OF RUSTON, ART ALLEY MARKETPLACE
BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL: WINNER: FRIDAY ELLIS FINALISTS: JULIA LETLOW, STACI ALBRITTON MITCHELL
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BEST LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND: WINNER: MIKE MCKENZIE BAND FINALISTS: JORDAN SHEPPARD AND THE CYPRESS KNEES CODE BLUE AND THE FLATLINERS
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: LANDRY VINEYARDS, FLYING TIGER BREWERY
BEST LOCALLY OWNED FRANCHISE: WINNER: CHICK-FIL-A FINALISTS: JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE, CHICKEN SALAD CHICK
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