2024 Best of Springfield Magazine

Page 1


YOUR VOTES ARE IN ....

JEREMY KELLEY Editor, Springfield News-Sun

For another year, you helped us determine the best in Springfield. We do the Best of Springfield contest together with the Greater Springfield Partnership to celebrate the great people, businesses and parts of life that make living and working here great. You responded even more strongly this year, with a wider variety of businesses, people and events nominated.

You might see a restaurant you haven’t been to yet and want to try. Or you might see a recommendation for a new plumber, roofer or someone who can help you with needs at home or in your businesses.

The most inspiring part about operating a contest like this is seeing the variety of places and people nominated, and I’ve even found several new places I want to try.

PHOTOGRAPHS:

Thank you for your help in making the Springfield area great and recognizing its wonderful resources.

If you have ideas for improving our contest or know of any person or business that should be recognized for what they’re doing for the area, contact me at jeremy.kelley@coxinc.com.

Geoff Justice
Jeremy Kelley and Kyle Nagel EDITING
Sharyn K. Boyle
Bill Lackey (unless otherwise noted)

‘BELIEVE’ IN OUR COMMUNITY, CELEBRATE THE BEST

The Greater Springfield Partnership team’s theme for this year is “Believe!”

We ripped it off from the popular comedy series “Ted Lasso,” a show about an American football coach hired to coach an English soccer team whose owner secretly wants the team to fail. This scenario should remind us how hard it is to be THE BEST of Springfield in our business, as a Chamber of Commerce and as a community trying to move forward in a very competitive environment.

Like Ted Lasso, we must “Believe” before we can move forward. ChatGPT says, “Belief can serve as a powerful catalyst for individuals, communities, or even entire societies to embark on new endeavors, overcome challenges, and strive for improvement. When people believe in a vision, goal, or collective purpose, it can inspire determination, resilience, and coordinated efforts to move forward.”

We must believe first that we can be THE BEST as a leader, as a community, and as a business community. All these things are inextricably tied together. One of the most interesting things a former chamber board chairman ever said to me was: “Over my long-standing time working with the chamber, sometimes we moved forward, and sometimes we didn’t.”

No one wants to be a part of going backwards, but each of us plays an important role in which direction we ultimately go.

As Ted Lasso laments to his team, we collectively choose whether we move forward or backward. We must believe we can be THE BEST to move in the direction we want to go. The good news for us is that even with the challenges facing our community today, we are moving forward!

Our community is becoming more vibrant. We have stakeholder alignment around the key areas we need to be working on together. Everyone is seated in the same boat and is rowing in the same direction.

Congratulations to you and your team for being THE BEST OF SPRINGFIELD, and for believing in the vision of us all working together to build a vibrant community that leads to a thriving business community. Onward!

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CLOSEST RACES

Some of our races in Best of Springfield came right down to the wire. Here’s a look at the 10 closest contests:

BEST APPETIZERS

■ Winner: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

BEST BAND

■ Winner: The Temps

BEST BARBERSHOP

■ Winner: Beards & Beaus

BEST COCKTAILS

■ Winner: Krazy Taco 937

BEST DESSERTS

■ Winner: Le Torte Dolci

BEST FOOD TRUCK

■ Winner: Blended By J

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

■ Winner: Veterans Park

BEST PIZZA

■ Winner: The Hickory Inn

BEST PLACE TO BUY WOMEN’S CLOTHES

■ Winner: Firefly Boutique

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER

■ Winner: Speakeasy Ramen

SPRINGFIELD NATIVE GRIFFIN HOUSE kicked off the Summer Arts Festival at Veterans Park Amphitheater on June 7. Veterans Park was named Best Live Music Venue this year. JEFF GUERINI

AROUND TOWN

Best Artist

■ First Place: Gary Blevins Art Gallery

■ Finalist: Molly Mattin

■ Finalist: Peter Hrinko

Best Attraction

■ First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

■ Finalist: The Heritage Center of Clark County - Clark County Historical Society and Museum

■ Finalist: Hartman Rock Garden

Best Band

■ First Place: The Temps

■ Finalist: Allison Road Band

■ Finalist: The Weekend Effect

Best Community Supporter

■ First Place: Ryan Ray, Clark County Food Critic

■ Finalist: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop

■ Finalist: Park National Bank

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A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY for the Gary Blevins Art Gallery at 145 W. High St. took place in September 2023. In 2024, Blevins was voted Best Artist in Best of Springfield voting. CONTRIBUTED

Best DJ

■ First Place: DJ Chill

■ Finalist: DJ EZ

■ Finalist: A Family Affair Productions

Best Employer

■ First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

■ Finalist: Springfield Masonic Community

■ Finalist: Klosterman Bakery

Best Place to Take Visitors

■ First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

■ Finalist: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

■ Finalist: COhatch Springfield

Best Place to Work

■ First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

■ Finalist: Springfield Masonic Community

■ Finalist: Park National Bank

Best Social Media Follow

■ First Place: Clark County Food Fiends

■ Finalist: The Temps

■ Finalist: Resolute 937

AROUND TOWN

AUTO

NOTABLE WINNERS

Eleven of the winners in this year’s Best of Springfield contest took the title in multiple categories. Here’s a look:

BLENDED BY J

■ Best Food Truck

■ Best Non-Brick-and-Mortar Business

BUSHNELL EVENT CENTER

■ Best Event Center

■ Best Wedding Venue

CASA DEL SABOR

■ Best Dine-In Restaurant

■ Best Lunch Spot

■ Best Mexican Food

■ Best Tacos

FIREFLY BOUTIQUE

■ Best Boutique

■ Best Place to Buy Women’s Clothes

FROSTY’S GOOD FOOD & FINE SPIRITS

■ Best Appetizers

■ Best New Business

LE TORTE DOLCI

■ Best Bakery

■ Best Desserts

MOTHER STEWART’S BREWING

■ Best Bar/Brewpub ■ Best Patio for Dining and Drinks

NORTH SPRING DENTAL

■ Best Customer Service

Best Dental Professional

SPEAKEASY RAMEN ■ Best Asian Food ■ Best Japanese Food/Sushi ■ Best Restaurant to take an Out-of-Towner

TODD, TOM AND TONY Rogers are carrying on their father’s legacy at Rogers Garage.

Best Auto Repair

■ First Place: Rogers Garage

■ Finalist: Hooten Automotive

■ Finalist: Brake Pros

Best Auto/Truck/ Motorcycle Dealer

■ First Place: Bill Marine Auto Center

■ Finalist: Jay North

■ Finalist: SVG Buick GMC in Springfield

Best Car Wash

■ First Place: Fast Lane Wash & Lube

■ Finalist: WhiteWater Express Car Wash

■ Finalist: Take 5 Car Wash

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Best Barbershop

■ First Place: Beards & Beaus

■ Finalist: East High Barber Co.

■ Finalist: Nice Cuts Barber Shop

Best Massage Therapists

■ First Place: Two Hands Kneaded Massage Therapy

■ Finalist: Massage Mama

■ Finalist: Studio 39

Best Place to Get a Manicure

■ First Place: Infinity Nail Spa

■ Finalist: Fridays Hair and Nail Boutique

■ Finalist: Studio B Salon & Spa

Best Salon/Spa

■ First Place: Studio B Salon & Spa

■ Finalist: Bombshell Beauty Parlor

■ Finalist: Studio 39

ARTIST TYLER ABSTON works on a mural on the side of Beards & Beaus barbershop at the intersection of West North Street and South Race Street in Springfield. Beards & Beaus was voted Best Barbershop.

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

FROSTY’S GOOD FOOD & FINE SPIRITS WAS VOTED BEST APPETIZERS AND BEST NEW BUSINESS.

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

FROSTY’S GAINING FOOTHOLD IN FOOD AND DINING SCENE

Kris Frost has spent half of his life in the restaurant industry. Twenty years ago, he started as a server and host, later pivoting to bartending and management. But his ambitions ran bigger.

“I always had a dream of running my own little place,” the 40-year-old Springfield resident said.

Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits, located at 2369 Upper Valley Pike, is the latest culmination of that dream.

FROSTY’S continued on 12

“We have a big heart for our customers,” said Kris Frost, owner of Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits on Upper Valley Pike.

The restaurant opened in April and has already captured community attention, winning Best New Business and Best Appetizers in the Best of Springfield contest while finishing as a finalist in six other categories.

With a menu that includes brick oven pizzas, craft burgers, salads and specialty cheesecakes, Frosty’s is combining what it calls upscale bar food with a patio, party room and live entertainment.

“We’re trying to keep it a fun, family atmosphere,” said Frost, the restaurant’s owner and operator, as well as a Shawnee High School graduate who was born and raised in Clark County.

Frost said that the restaurant already has regulars and also has attracted visitors of the former Hafle Winery, which was previously located at the site.

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

While some of the customers remain the same, the new Frosty’s is different. The biggest change is the constant availability of food and drinks, Frost said. The previous downtown site welcomed food trucks, but the crowd was much smaller if there wasn’t a band or other event.

Music and special events, however, remain a part of Frosty’s Good Food and Fine Spirits. Parties already have been booked for a new event

FROSTY’S GOOD FOOD & FINE SPIRITS, 2369 Upper Valley Pike, is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday; and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday. Pickup, delivery and online ordering are available.

and party room. Live entertainment, karaoke and a comedy show also have filled the calendar, and Ohio State football games are shown on large screens on the patio.

Frosty’s specialty pizzas are taking off, and the deluxe, meat-lovers and margherita varieties also are popular, Frost said. In addition, the menu includes a wide range of other options, including shareables (like buffalo chicken dip, fried pickle spears and nachos),

wings (traditional smoked or boneless) and sandwiches (including fried catfish po’boys, as well as Reubens and Cubans featuring the restaurant’s own smoked meats). A kids’ menu also is available.

“Everybody is starting to really love our burgers, too,” he said, adding that they are a blend of brisket, ribeye and sirloin.

The cocktail menu includes fall and cider options, and the restaurant also offers a large beer and wine list.

With its weekend specials and seasonal cocktails, the restaurant can display its creative side. But the goal is to keep the restaurant both simple and good, Frost said.

“All around, the concept was just making it the best place we could, keeping customers coming in and happy,” he said.

“We have a big heart for our customers. We love the support we’ve been getting.”

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

Best Appetizers

■ First Place: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

■ Finalist: Krazy Taco 937

■ Finalist: Speakeasy Ramen

Best Asian Food

■ First Place: Speakeasy Ramen

■ Finalist: Tasty Wok

■ Finalist: Golden Chopsticks

Best Bakery

■ First Place: Le Torte Dolci

■ Finalist: Schuler’s Bakery

■ Finalist: D. Sweets Cookies & Gifts

Best Bar/Brewpub

■ First Place: Mother Stewarts Brewing

■ Finalist: Mug & Jug Tavern

■ Finalist: O’Conners Irish Pub

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

Best BBQ

■ First Place: Rudy’s Smokehouse

■ Finalist: Christian Brothers Meat Company

■ Finalist: Poppy’s Smokehouse

Best Breakfast

■ First Place: Olympic Coney Island

■ Finalist: Ironworks Waffle Café

■ Finalist: The Ridgewood Café

Best Burger

■ First Place: The Ridgewood Café

■ Finalist: Under Pressure Mobile Kitchen

■ Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Best Caterer

■ First Place: All Seasons Catering by Chef Troy

■ Finalist: Carmae Catering

■ Finalist: Casa del Sabor

Best Chicken Sandwich

■ First Place: Chick-fil-A

■ Finalist: Under Pressure Mobile Kitchen

■ Finalist: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

Best Chocolates

■ First Place: The Peanut Shoppe

■ Finalist: Winans Coffee & Chocolate

■ Finalist: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop

Best Cocktails

■ First Place: Krazy Taco 937

■ Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

■ Finalist: Stella Bleu Bistro

Best Coffeehouse

■ First Place: Scout’s Café

■ Finalist: Coffee Expressions

■ Finalist: Winans Coffee & Chocolate

Best Cookies

■ First Place: D. Sweets Cookies & Gifts

■ Finalist: Kay’s Creations

■ Finalist: Le Torte Dolci

Best Desserts

■ First Place: Le Torte Dolci

■ Finalist: D. Sweets Cookies & Gifts

■ Finalist: C Marie’s Sweet Seductions

Best Dine-In Restaurant

■ First Place: Casa del Sabor

■ Finalist: Stella Bleu Bistro

■ Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Best Donuts

■ First Place: Schuler’s Bakery

■ Finalist: Le Torte Dolci

■ Finalist: Dunkers and Beans

Best Farmers Market Vendor

■ First Place: Honey Creek Farm

■ Finalist: Fat Hen Farmhouse

■ Finalist: Sage & Oak

Best Food Truck

■ First Place: Blended By J

■ Finalist: Poppy’s Smokehouse

■ Finalist: Under Pressure Mobile Kitchen

Best Ice Cream

■ First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

■ Finalist: Lee Ann’s Dairy Delight

■ Finalist: Kone Korner

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

CASA DEL SABOR: ‘THE MINUTE

It began with an empty building that was the site of several short-lived restaurants and two brothers from Marion, Ohio, who had a dream of continuing their family tradition of running their own restaurant.

A decade later, Armando and Isaac Soto have seen Casa del Sabor build a loyal customer base at 1200 Vester Ave. that has encouraged them to open an upcoming second location downtown. The combination of customer service and food has earned Casa del Sabor first-

place finishes in Best Mexican Food, Best Tacos, Best Dine-In Restaurant and Best Lunch Spot in this year’s Best of Springfield contest.

The Soto brothers chose the business name, which translates to home of flavor, to reflect what they wanted to bring — a combination of hospitality and a tasty variety of menu offerings.

“The minute you walk in our door, you’re home. Casa means home, and that’s how we want to treat our guests and with the consistency with our food,” Armando Soto said.

CASA continued on 18

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NOEMI SOTO, an employee of Casa del Sabor, is pictured with a Mexican pizza.
The dish features crispy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, refried beans and cheese and is topped with tomato sauce, chopped onion and tomato.

CASA continued from 17

The brothers grew up in the business, saying it’s in their blood. Although they lived in Marion, a family member told them about the vacant space with potential on Vester Avenue that had little consistency over the years. They opened in January 2014.

“I guess we like challenges,” Armando Soto said.

Isaac Soto said it all starts with the ingredients, drawing inspiration from the culture of the Mexican state of Jalisco, where the family’s roots are.

“We spent a lot of time building our menu, gathering so much to bring something different,” Isaac Soto said.

Another factor in their success is consistency. Their head cooks have been with the restaurant since its opening, and the rest of the staff is trained to make customer

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

service a priority.

“We’re thankful to Springfield and the team behind us as well,” Isaac Soto said. “We treat our employees well.”

The brothers have been active in the community, giving back by contributing to charitable causes with gift cards and food, and by being involved with various local schools.

While they could be content with their success, the Sotos are hungry to offer

CASA DEL SABOR at 1200 Vester Ave. has captured the Best Mexican Food title for the third consecutive year. Owners and brothers Issac Soto (left) and Armando Soto also are about to open a new downtown Springfield restaurant called Casa Centro.

more. In summer 2023, they took a chance on another site that had seen businesses come and go on the ground level of the Bushnell Building.

Casa Centro, or “home downtown” as Armando Soto calls it, will offer the principles that built their first business, but don’t expect Casa del Sabor 2.0. The new restaurant promises a different atmosphere with an emphasis on a craft kitchen and craft bar with a concentration on

mixology and purees made from fresh fruits.

The brothers have traveled to Mexico and throughout the U.S. to bring in flavors for what they call modern Mexican. Casa Centro is targeted for a soft opening in November.

Isaac Soto said they were blessed with how the community responded to the initial business. Customers encouraged them to take a chance on a downtown location, and the brothers have taken time developing that vision to make sure it’s done right.

Casa Centro will include a larger bar area, party room and an outdoor patio that will be located by one of Springfield’s modern landmarks — the Rose City mural. A new parking area will add convenience.

“We see Casa Centro as another option, something different, and the customers will notice,” Armando Soto said.

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

MOTHER STEWART’S BREWING at 102 W. Columbia St. was named Best Patio for Dining and Drinks. The craft brewery is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. TOM GILLIAM

Best Italian Food

■ First Place: Eatly

■ Finalist: Catanzaro’s Pizza & Subs

■ Finalist: Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Best Japanese Food/Sushi

■ First Place: Speakeasy Ramen

■ Finalist: Sake

■ Finalist: Sushi Hikari Moe

Best Lunch Spot

■ First Place: Casa del Sabor

■ Finalist: Mike And Rosy’s Deli

■ Finalist: Krazy Taco 937

Best Mexican Food

■ First Place: Casa del Sabor

■ Finalist: Los Mariachis

■ Finalist: Krazy Taco 937

Best Patio for Dining and Drinks

■ First Place: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

■ Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

■ Finalist: The Ridgewood Café

Best Pizza

■ First Place: The Hickory Inn

■ Finalist: Catanzaro’s Pizza & Subs

■ Finalist: The Villa Pizzeria

Best Restaurant to Take an Out-of-Towner

■ First Place: Speakeasy Ramen

■ Finalist: Stella Bleu Bistro

■ Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Best Tacos

■ First Place: Casa del Sabor

■ Finalist: Krazy Taco 937

■ Finalist: Chido’s Tacos

Best Wings

■ First Place: Bubby’s Chicken & Waffles

■ Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

■ Finalist: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

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HEALTH AND MEDICAL

Best Assisted Living/ Retirement/Rehab Facility

■ First Place: Springfield Masonic Community

■ Finalist: Aventura at Oakwood Village

■ Finalist: Villa Springfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Best Dental Professional

■ First Place: North Spring Dental: Ahmed Afshan DDS

■ Finalist: Springfield Smiles

■ Finalist: Leslie C. Pinson DDS

Best Health/Fitness Club

■ First Place: Springfield Health & Fitness

■ Finalist: Rival Jiu-Jitsu

■ Finalist: Resolute 937

Best Optometrist

■ First Place: Sight Vision Care

■ Finalist: Dasher Family Eye Care

■ Finalist: Shawnee Optical

Best Pharmacy

■ First Place: Carson’s Northridge Pharmacy

■ Finalist: Madison Avenue Pharmacy

■ Finalist: Harding Road Pharmacy

Best Physician/ Medical Specialist/ General Practitioner

■ First Place: Megan L. Miller APRN CNP Direct Primary Care

■ Finalist: Laura Thompson

■ Finalist: Alper Sarihan DO

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Best Contractor/ Construction Firm

■ First Place: Kapp Construction Inc

■ Finalist: Irwin Construction & Excavating

■ Finalist: Black Bear Roofing & Exteriors

Best Home Repair/ Remodeling

■ First Place: Dependable Roofing

■ Finalist: Jaimez R&R

■ Finalist: RC Construction and Home Improvement

Best Landscaper

■ First Place: Gillam Lawncare & Landscaping

■ Finalist: B & B Lawn & Property Maintenance

■ Finalist: NewView Property Maintenance and Hardscapes

Best Nursery/ Garden Center

■ First Place: Pendleton’s Produce

■ Finalist: Harmony Farm Market

■ Finalist: Meadow View Growers

Best Plumber

■ First Place: Dooley Service Pro

■ Finalist: Beedy Plumbing

■ Finalist: Mike Larson - Larson Plumbing

Best Roofing Company

■ First Place: Black Bear Roofing & Exteriors

■ Finalist: BCS Roofing & Solar

■ Finalist: Espinosa & Sons Roofing

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Best Animal Clinic/ Veterinarian

■ First Place: Northside Veterinary Clinic

■ Finalist: Mad River Veterinary Hospital

■ Finalist: VCA Northwood Animal Hospital

Best Bank/Credit Union

■ First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

■ Finalist: Park National Bank

■ Finalist: International Harvester Employee Credit Union

Best Customer Service

■ First Place: North Spring Dental

■ Finalist: Wright-Patt Credit Union

■ Finalist: Studio 39

Best Event Center

■ First Place: Bushnell Event Center

■ Finalist: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

■ Finalist: Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center

Best Financial Services Firm

■ First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

■ Finalist: Park National Bank

■ Finalist: Huntington National Bank

Best Insurance Agency

■ First Place: Elliott Insurance Agency

■ Finalist: Shelter Insurance - Sam Seibert

■ Finalist: Clingman Insurance

Best Local Photographer or Photo Studio

■ First Place: Cfrostphotography

■ Finalist: Loving Habits

Photography

■ Finalist: Simplicity Rose Photography

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

LISA BEHR, MANAGER OF THE BUSHNELL BANQUET CENTER, hangs pictures before an event. The banquet center, at 22 N. Fountain Ave., was voted Best Event Center and Best Wedding Venue. Call 937-324-2006 for details.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Best Marketing or Design Firm

■ First Place: Route 40 Signs

■ Finalist: Big Fish Local

■ Finalist: OpenEye Studios

Best New Business

■ First Place: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

■ Finalist: Field Kicks

■ Finalist: Studio 39

Best Non-Brickand-Mortar Business

■ First Place: Blended By J

■ Finalist: Briella’s Hot Dogs

■ Finalist: Honeysuckle Soap Co.

Best Pet Boarding Services

■ First Place: King Kennels

■ Finalist: Lucky Mutz Pet Resort

■ Finalist: Wags N Wiggles

Best Pet Grooming Services

■ First Place: Wet Your Whiskers

■ Finalist: Lucky Mutz Pet Resort

■ Finalist: King Kennels

Best Realtor/ Real Estate Office

■ First Place: Coldwell Banker Heritage

■ Finalist: Real Estate II

■ Finalist: Glasshouse Realty Group

Best Wedding Venue

■ First Place: Bushnell Event Center

■ Finalist: Simon Kenton Inn

■ Finalist: Whitetail Lodge

BLENDED BY J, owned by Jillian Tedeschi, offers açaí bowls topped with different fruits like strawberries, bananas or blueberries, as well as other toppings like granola, seeds, honey, peanut butter, chocolate and more. The food truck was named Best Non-Brick-and-Mortar Business this year.

RECREATION

Best Annual Festival

■ First Place: Springfield Summer Arts Festival

■ Finalist: South Vienna Corn Festival

■ Finalist: Happy Half Marathon

Best Bowling Alley

■ First Place: Northridge Lanes

■ Finalist: Victory Lanes

Best Live Music Venue

■ First Place: Veterans Park

■ Finalist: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

■ Finalist: The State Theater

Best Place for Kids Fun

■ First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

■ Finalist: USA Skate Center

■ Finalist: Building Block Play Studio

RETAIL

Best Bike Shop

■ First Place: Cyclotherapy

■ Finalist: Bicycle Stop

Best Boutique

■ First Place: Firefly Boutique

■ Finalist: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique

■ Finalist: Sugar Shelf Boutique

Best Florist

■ First Place: Schneider’s Florist & Flower Delivery

■ Finalist: Netts Floral Company

■ Finalist: Annabelle’s Blooms

FIREFLY BOUTIQUE at 28 N. Fountain Ave. was voted Best Boutique and Best Place to Buy Women’s Clothes. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Best Place for Home Decor

■ First Place: Hobby Lobby

■ Finalist: Bella’s Primitives

■ Finalist: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique

Best Place to Buy Springfield Gifts

■ First Place: Champion City Guide & Supply

■ Finalist: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique

■ Finalist: Field Kicks

Best Place to Buy Women’s Clothes

■ First Place: Firefly Boutique

■ Finalist: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique

■ Finalist: Cato Fashions

RETAIL

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