2022 Best of Springfield (OH) Magazine

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YOUR VOTES ARE IN ...

The newest set of Best of Spring field winners has been determined, and it’s time to celebrate them!

Springfield’s annual resident choice contest has determined winners in 50 categories that cover everything in the community, from dining to enter tainment and recreation to quality of life. There are businesses, individu als and community supporters who make this area great reflected in the 50 winners.

We’ve continued to grow our contest to include more facets of Springfield life, and the commu nity responded this year with more 100,000 votes.

This is the second year the Greater Springfield Partnership and Spring field New-Sun have partnered to pro mote the public vote, make sure the community members have their say and produce this special section.

In this section, you’ll find the full list of winners and placers with infor mation about the winners, features on notable champions and photos showing the great aspects of Spring field life.

Thank you for participating in this community contest, and we look forward to next year.

Our 50 Best of Springfield winners are a group that makes this community special. Here are some highlights from our set of winners this year:

There were eight winners that claimed the top spot in more than one category:

■ Ironworks Waffle Café (Best Breakfast, Best Brunch)

■ Mic’s Italian Restaurant (Best Chili, Best Italian Food)

■ Mother Stewart’s Brewing (Best Bar/ Brewpub, Best Place to take Visitors)

■ Scout’s Café (Best Coffeehouse, Best Customer Service)

■ Speakeasy Ramen (Best Asian Food, Best Restaurant to take an Out-ofTowner)

■ Station 1 (Best Bar Food, Best Wings/ Chicken)

■ Wright-Patt Credit Union (Best Employer, Best Financial Services Firm)

■ Young’s Jersey Dairy (Best Ice Cream, Best Place for Kids Fun)

■ Our closest category was Best Food Truck, where EAT took the title with 35.8% of the vote, just ahead of finalists Christian Brothers Meat Company and Chido’s Tacos.

Other notable winners in this year’s contest:

■ Continuing dominance, there are three winners this year who have won a category for six straight years: Hickory Inn for Best Pizza, Springfield Health & Fitness in Best Gym/Yoga Studio and Young’s Jersey Dairy in Best Place for Kids Fun.

■ The category with the most total votes was Best Coffeehouse with competition between Coffee Expressions, Scout’s Café and Winans Chocolates & Coffees. Scout’s Café took the title for the fourth time in the past five years.

■ The biggest runaway winner in a category was Mother Stewart’s Brewing in Best Bar Brewpub, with 72.7% of the vote.

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

BEST ASIAN FOOD

First Place: Speakeasy Ramen

After winning Best Lunch Spot last year and Best Dine-In Restaurant in 2020, Speakeasy Ramen won both Best Asian Food and Best Restaurant to take an Out-of-Towner and placed in three other categories this year.

Its menu changes fre quently with pan-Asian food and cocktails, plus it has music and a neighborhood feel. It regularly updates its fans on Instagram with what’s happening on the menu.

365 Ludlow Ave. 937-324-3722 speakeasyramen.com

Second Place: Hung Lung

1059 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-325-0438 www.hunglung springfield.com

Third Place: Tasty Wok

1986 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-505-3613

BEST ASSISTED LIVING/ RETIREMENT/ REHAB FACILITY

First Place: Forest Glen Health Campus

Forest Glen Health Campus, a Trilogy Senior Living Commu nity, is known for reg ularly adapting to keep its residents and clients safe and connected. Services include assisted living, long-term care, skilled nursing, The Legacy-Memory Care, transitional care, adult day services and inde pendent living villas.

Speakeasy Ramen was named Best Asian Food

an Out-of-Towner.

from 4

2150 Montego Drive 937-504-2756 www.forestglenhc.com

Second Place: Oakwood Village 1500 Villa Road 937-390-9000 www.facebook.com/ AventuraatOakwoodVil lage

Third Place: Springfield Masonic Community 7 Masonic Drive 937-525-3067 ohiomasonichome. org/smc

BEST AUTO REPAIR

First Place: Rogers Garage Rogers Garage has been a family-owned and operated facility in the Springfield area for

50 years. It offers the entire scope of services from tires and routine maintenance to complex repairs.

As the company says: “As your dealer replace ment, we utilize the lat est technology and diag nostic equipment to properly service, repair, and maintain all vehi cle makes and models … whether you have a 1955 classic or a 2017 hybrid.” 4040 Saint Paris Pike 937-399-2570 rogersgarage.com

Second Place: Hooten Automotive 2229 Larch St. 937-325-1116 www.hootenauto.com

Third Place: Zima Automotive 4800 Urbana Road 937-342-3911 zimaautomotive.com

Winners continued on 12

Rogers Garage services, repairs and maintains all vehicle makes and models.

IS ONE OF MY MAIN GOALS’

By Brett Turner Contributing Writer

Moving into an area already offering a num ber of restaurants and eateries can be uncer tain for a new business owner. Just months after opening at 45 N. Fountain Ave., Char lo’s Provisions and Eat ery had already earned its place.

Offering dine-in and carry-out options including a menu of American heritage foods along with a small market with sev eral items featuring an emphasis on locally grown and produced items, Charlo’s has almost immediately built a customer base. It has proven pop ular enough with cus tomers to have claimed 2022 Best of Spring field honors, includ ing first place Best New Business and second in Best Burger and Best Lunch Spot. Charlo’s owner Chad Drucken broad is already work ing to make things even better.

“It’s been good so far, better than we expected,” he said.

Charlo’s Provisions and Eatery earned first place as Best New Business and second place in Best Burger and Best Lunch Spot.

Already the owner of the popular local EAT food truck, Druck enbroad decided to try a brick-and-mor tar eatery. He noted the downtown revi talization, specifying the success of Winans Chocolates and Cof fees, which is across the street.

Charlo’s

Add in the townhouses a couple streets over and plans for more apart ment spaces, and he envi sioned Charlo’s serving in multiple ways. Drucken broad chose a new space attached to the Park at the 99 parking garage opposed to moving to a revamped space and com bined the names of his daughters — Charlotte and Logan — for the name.

Delays pushed the opening from spring back to summer, but that may have only heightened the anticipation as Charlo’s quickly found an audi ence.

“People love the food, the design, the service, the fresh flowers on the tables,” he said of the feedback. “Hospitality is one my main goals.”

Other popular items include the chicken salad club sandwich, shrimp and grits, slow-cooked brisket over mac and cheese and butcher’s cut steak.

Charlo’s is divided between the sit-down restaurant portion and the market. The lat ter offers meats, vegeta bles, milk, condiments and other items. Druck enbroad reached out to local vendors and strives to use Ohio-made products from within a 25-mile radius when pos sible.

He’ll be adding more retail as time goes on.

“We’re not Kroger, but we have what people can get to make dinner for the evening and we’re constantly getting in new items,” he said.

Druckenbroad also strives to offer something different. For instance,

he has one customer who buys all his Portugal sar dines, while Muddy Bites snacks are another pop ular item along with Honey Creek beef and chicken. He’d like to add cuts of meat, fish and other proteins for afford able prices in the future.

Even the Coca-Cola cooler provides a need. Druckenbroad had heard from people who work downtown that places to grab a quick pop were scarce, and Charlo’s has fulfilled that thirst.

In coming months, Charlo’s customers will find daily lunch specials and items like risotto added. Druckenbroad is also waiting on a license to sell alcohol.

He’s also listening to customer requests, including having more gluten-free options. An appetizer is in the works to meet that.

Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery is open in a space attached to the Park at the 99 parking garage.

Rob RobRue Kampman

‘JUST SOMETHING ABOUT THE ENERGY’

By Brett Turner Contributing Writer

Allison Road, founded a decade ago by Alli Sarven, per forms a range of coun try, classic rock, pop and original tunes and has found a renewed energy since reforming with a new lineup this past winter.

In that short time, Allison Road has stayed busy with a slate of concert appearances, and it has already gained enough of a fol lowing to be selected as Best Band in the 2022 Best of Spring field competition. Band leader Sarven, who is also the lead vocal ist and acoustic guitar ist, said Allison Road is about giving the audi ence a good time.

“It’s just music that appeals to everybody,” she said. “Now we have our sights set on big things. We’re deter mined to do well.”

Also a solo and duet performer, Sarven missed performing with a band and began recruiting for the resur rected Allison Road.

Sarven, a Kenton Ridge graduate, sought out several other Cou gar alumni to be in the current band, start ing with lead guitarist Parker Fulk, who sat in with the group’s previ ous incarnation.

They’re joined by bass guitarist Brandon Rinker and drummer Spencer Garrett, with

Allison Road was selected as Best Band in the 2022 Best of Springfield competition.

Shawnee grad Ryan Ste vens rounding out the group on rhythm guitar.

Fulk describes them as being like a Springfield super group.

“There’s just some thing about the energy of a full band, where every body is dancing and hav ing a good time,” Sarven said.

The new Allison Road played its first show in April. Besides steady gigs in the area, the group is also building a following in the Columbus area.

It has been a long jour ney for Sarven. Although “Allison Road” is the name of a song by alter native band The Gin Blos soms, Sarven was fasci nated as a child with shar ing her first name with an actual Allison Road in Mechanicsburg, and she

credits her dad for sug gesting the band name.

Sarven and Fulk describe an Allison Road set list like a jukebox with a lot of selections. It usu ally begins with a little country, Chris Stapleton’s “Parachute” is a popu lar tune. They then add in classic rock including “Zombie” by the Cran berries, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses and “Life in the Fast Lane” by The Eagles,

then dance music.

Sarven calls them comedians as well as musicians, getting very involved with the crowd, knowing that if the band is having fun, the crowd will too.

“Nobody wants to see a band and just stand around,” Fulk said.

Fulk said Sarven’s voice and the band’s energy are among the public’s compliments he’s heard, while she said his gui

tar-playing on songs like “Sweet Child” are a trib ute. Now the new Allison Road is rolling, it’s ready to go to another level.

The band recently fin ished runner-up at the Rt. 4 Farm Tour Battle of the Bands, and Allison Road Acoustic, a smaller ver sion of the group, is com peting for a slot to open for a major artist.

In between shows, Sar ven will spend time in Nashville writing new

music, and the group plans to record enough for an album or EP early next year.

Fulk said one of the best feelings is hearing the crowd sing to Allison Road’s original songs.

For fans of the original version of Allison Road, a reunion show will be Dec. 3 in Marysville.

“Now our eyes are on the prize. Our sets are tighter and we’re hun gry,” Sarven said.

Fulk said there’s a fam ily feel not just among the band members but within their own families and friends, who want to be involved one way or another, from helping set up the stage and sound, merchandise, song deci sions, and supporting as part of the audience.

“There is always a friend or family members at our shows. We want the audience to feel that too,” he said.

Springfield band Allison Road has spent the past several months performing all over the area, including at Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company.

ARTS FESTIVAL ‘HAS A LIFE OF ITS OWN’

By Brett Turner Contributing Writer

Some Springfield tra ditions never go out of style or lose popular ity. The Springfield Arts Council’s 56th annual Summer Arts Festival is a model of that consis tency.

After a year off in 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic and an abbreviated 2021 sea son, the admission-free festival went bigger than ever in 2022. The festival included a sev en-week schedule fea turing 31 acts and an estimated attendance of about 83,000; not being a ticketed event, festival organizers don’t have exact numbers.

The community not only responded by attending the shows but also named the festival the Best Local Event in the 2022 Best of Spring field competition, a title it has maintained four consecutive years.

Arts Council execu tive director Tim Rowe called the 2022 festival “incredibly successful” and to sustain an event that lasts six or more weeks for no cost in the current economic cli mate he credits com munity support. He receives calls as early as the Christmas season from people curious as to who will appear.

“This thing has a life of its own and has its own presence in this community,” said Rowe.

The Summer Arts Festival has maintained the title of Best Local Event for 4 consecutive years.

“We’re very proud of the festival. We’ve had lots of new events in Springfield over the last five years and there’s room for all of these.”

With 56 years of experi ence, there are things that will go right in running a festival, but always new challenges. One has been around since the festival began — Mother Nature. Rain and heat are always factors and were in 2022.

But this is where the festival was helped by its week-and-a-half exten sion. There was one total rainout; several shows were partly rained out or had attendance affected, and the extra nights made up for the potential loss of pass-the-hat donations as people left.

“Weather always affects attendance, but this really

helped balance us out and dug us out of a situa tion due to the rain,” said Rowe.

Humid temperatures nearing 100 degrees hurt the second week of the festival, including the Broadway in the Park presentation of “Pippin: The Musical” and other shows.

The festival still met its pass-the-hat goal of $60,000. It also generates

money from concession sales, sponsors, special festival events and other fundraisers throughout the year. Rowe said the special events had disap pointing returns, mostly due to inclement weather.

The Arts Council’s mis sion is to expose the com munity to various per forming arts, and the festival has a budget of about $350,000. Rowe said post-pandemic cost

increases are showing up. Often the public isn’t aware of what it takes to bring a show to them for free.

Many of the acts, especially the popular repeat performers, have increased their appear ance fees, many of which charge $25 to $35 a ticket at some venues. Rowe said a common miscon ception is the perform ers playing at the Veterans Park Amphitheater do so for free.

The performers often stay in town one to three nights and they get fed during their appearance and get travel expenses, all of which the Arts Council pays.

The acts that had the highest attendance in 2022 were all tribute acts and included Hotel Cal ifornia, Resurrection, ABBAMania, Material Girls, Shining Star and That Arena Rock Show.

Besides Arts Council staff, there is a small crew of about 20 and several volunteers, whose assis tance Rowe always appre ciates.

Rowe said he can see one day where the festi val may have to charge for shows, but not in the coming years. There’s the possibility of doing a handful of events that require ticket prices.

But he also thinks about those who may not be able to see such shows and doesn’t want to lose that special part of the experience.

“One of my favorite things about this festival is people can see live enter tainment for free,” he said. “There have always been challenges over the 56 years of presenting this festival and we’ve always met them as the commu nity and sponsors stepped up. We find ways to make it work.”

The Springfield Arts Council estimates more than 83,000 people attended the 2022 Summer Arts Festival.

Winners

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BEST AUTO/ TRUCK/ MOTORCYCLE DEALER

First Place: Bill Marine Honda

Bill Marine Honda has won Best Auto/ Truck/Motorcycle dealer for the third straight year.

The company offers new vehicles, preowned vehicles, a ser vice department and a parts department. As it tells its customers: “At our dealership, we have devoted ourselves to helping and serving our customers to the best of our ability. We believe the cars we offer are the highest quality and ideal for your life needs.”

579 E. North St. 888-720-0591 www.billmarine honda.com

Second Place: Jay North 501 E. Columbia St. 937-325-3748 www.usedcarsspring fieldoh.com

Third Place: SVG Buick GMC in Springfield 242 E. Columbia St. 937-504-2787 www.svgspringfield. com

BEST BAKERY

First Place: Le Torte Dolci

Le Torte Dolci is a repeat winner in Best Bakery and also placed this year in Best Donuts.

In 2018, Le Torte Dolci was born, filled with tasty foods made fresh daily in small batches using quality locally sourced ingre dients.

Le Torte Dolci bakes its pastries, breads and cakes fresh daily in small batches.

The company bakes its pastries, breads and cakes fresh daily in small batches to ensure the best taste and experience. 36B N. Fountain Ave. 937-617-2253 letortedolci.com

Second Place: Schuler’s Bakery 1911 S. Limestone St. and 2968 Derr Road 937-323-4900 www.schulersbakery. com

Third Place: D. Sweets, Cookies & Gifts 1605 E. Main St. 937-450-3502 dsweetscookiesand gifts.com

BEST BAND

First Place: Allison Road

The band describes itself like this: “Allison Road is female-fronted band that plays all of your favorite upbeat and current hits, as well as some classic rock, coun try, rock and pop to keep a good variety of genres in the mix! This band is sure to keep your danc ing shoes warm and your ears happy!” Members include: Alli Sarven (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Parker Fulk (lead guitar, backing vocals), Brandon Rinker (bass guitar, back ing vocals), Ryan Stevens (rhythm guitar, vocals) and Spencer Garrett (drums, backing vocals). allisarvenmusic@ gmail.com www.facebook.com/ AllisonRoadMusic

Winners continued

Lindsey Haerr picks some glazed donuts from a tray at Schuler’s Bakery in Springfield.

Second Place: American Landscape theamericanlandsca peband@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ TheAmericanLandsca peBand

Third Place: Matt Clarkson Band matt11clarkson@ gmail.com mattclarksonband. com

BEST BAR FOOD

First Place: Station 1

Station 1 has won Best Bar Food for the third straight year, and it also won Best Wings/ Chicken.

The menu includes pizza, wings, sand wiches, salads and more. Aside from the food, it offers more than 50 beers on tap with usual favorites and other microbrews. 325 Fountain Blvd. 937-324-3354 www.stationone springfield.com

Second Place: O’Conners Irish Pub 2200 N Limestone St. 937-717-6915 www.facebook.com/ pages/OConnors-IrishPub/133810413343466

Third Place: Bogeys At Rocky Lakes 3950 Springfield Xenia Road 937-322-3265 www.facebook.com/ bogeys.bar.grill

BEST BAR/ BREWPUB

First Place: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

This is the fourth straight win in Best Bar/ Brewpub for Mother

Winners

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Stewart’s Brewing, which also won Best Place to Take Visitors this year.

Located in a his toric warehouse in downtown Springfield, Mother Stewart’s Brew ing Company is a pro duction brewery and taproom with a gor geous outdoor patio. Home to year-round community events and live music, the brewery has established itself as a central gathering space for the city.

102 W. Columbia St. 937-717-0618

www.motherstewarts brewing.com

Second Place: Station 1

325 Fountain Blvd. 937-324-3354

www.stationone springfield.com

Third Place: O’Conners Irish Pub

2200 N Limestone St. 937-717-6915

www.facebook.com/ pages/OConnors-IrishPub/133810413343466

BEST BARBERSHOP

First Place: East High Barber Co.

East High Barber Co. was opened in 2017 by a former firefighter with the hopes of fostering brotherhood, camarade rie and relaxation in the city.

The old-school feel includes old-fashioned clippers and hair prod uct bottles along with sports memorabilia to make the visit a com plete experience. It also offers reduced prices for military, firefighters and police.

2429 East High St.

Winners continued on 18

Mother Stewart’s Brewing won Best Bar/Brewpub for the fourth straight year.

Winners

937-215-0804 easthighbarberco.com

Second Place: Beards & Beaus 601 W. North St. 937-505-1035 www.facebook.com/ BeardsnBeaus

Third Place: Freshthe barbershop 18 W. Main St. 937-605-1388 www.freshthebarber shop.com

BEST BBQ

First Place: Rudy’s Smokehouse Rudy’s Smokehouse has won Best BBQ for the third straight year. Meats at Rudy’s Smokehouse are smoked “low and slow” in the Old Hickory Pit Smok ers to bring out all the great flavor and ten derness. They make all side dishes at Rudy’s to ensure a zesty, fresh accompaniment to your meal. Suggested meal: A full slab of ribs, corn bread and collard greens with a cold refreshing Pepsi to wash it down. 2222 S. Limestone St. 937-324-0884 www.rudyssmoke house.com

Second Place: Christian Brothers Meat Company 937-604-9943; www. facebook.com/Christian BrosMeatCompany

Third Place: All Seasons Catering by Chef Troy 1928 Mitchell Blvd. 937-505-1452 www.facebook.com/ trwheat17

BEST BREAKFAST

First Place: Ironworks Waffle Café

Ironworks is a repeat

winner in Best Break fast while also winning Best Brunch. Aside from Springfield’s historic metal industry, the “iron” in Ironworks also refers to the use of a waffle iron and serves to illustrate the personal history of co-founders Marcy Nes selroade and her daugh ter Ellie Morgan.

During Marcy’s mid dle adulthood and Ellie’s childhood, their fam ily spent several years abroad in Europe, and the waffles of Bel gium and the Nether lands permanently cap tured their hearts. Marcy and Ellie are passionate about bringing the expe rience of European waf fles to their hometown of Springfield.

101 S. Fountain Ave. 937-412-0200 ironworkswafflecafe. com

Second Place: Olympic Coney Island 2039 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-505-6377 www.olympicconeyis landspringfield.com

Third Place: Mundy’s Diner 920 Selma Road 937-717-1726 www.face book.com/profile. php?id=100032283897083

BEST BRUNCH

First Place: Ironworks Waffle Café

Ironworks is a dual winner this year in Best Breakfast and Best Brunch.

The menu follows the restaurant’s theme of celebrating and sup porting Springfield with names like The Davey Moore, The Johnny Lytle and The Lenski.

101 S. Fountain Ave. 937-412-0200 ironworkswafflecafe. com

Meats at Rudy’s Smokehouse are smoked

slow” in the Old Hickory Pit Smokers.

Second Place: Simon Kenton Inn 4690 Urbana Road 937-399-9950 simonkentoninn.com

Third Place: Mundy’s Diner 920 Selma Road 937-717-1726 www.face book.com/profile. php?id=100032283897083

BEST BURGER

First Place: The Ridgewood Café

The Ridgewood Café has jumped from second to the top spot in Best Burger this year. That’s among the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offered, which include all of your favorites. But the burger shines, with a mix of traditional tastes and some specialties, including the Beyond Burger, the 100% plantbased burger served with pico de gallo, and the Straw Hat Burger, which is covered in Gouda Guinness beer cheese and frizzled onions. 1647 N. Plum St. 937-390-1119 www.facebook.com/ RidgewoodCafeSpring field

Second Place: Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery 45 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-1066 www.facebook.com/ eatatcharlos

Third Place: Stella Bleu Bistro 20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 www.stellableubistro. com

Youngstown wrote of vis iting Mic’s Italian Restau rant: “The chili was won derful!” That’s just one part of the restaurant that makes house-made meals fresh with specials and daily soups. It also has a history in Spring field that stretches back to the late 1980s. 2384 Mechanicsburg Road 937-399-5074 www.face book.com/pages/ Mics-Italian-Restau rant/118756931472973

Second Place: The Ridgewood Café

1647 N. Plum St. 937-390-1119 www.facebook.com/ RidgewoodCafeSpring field

Third Place: Olympic Coney Island 2039 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-505-6377 www.olympicconeyis landspringfield.com

BEST CHINESE FOOD

First Place: Golden Chopsticks

Golden Chopsticks has returned to the winner’s position it held in 2020 after finishing in second place last year.

As the restaurant says: “Our Chinese restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high qual ity fresh ingredients.” 2973 Derr Road 937-390-7818 www.goldenchop sticksohio.com

Second Place: Hung Lung

1059 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-325-0438; www. hunglungonline.com

BEST CHILI

First Place: Mic’s Italian Restaurant One visitor from

Third Place: Tasty Wok 1986 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-505-3613

Ironworks Waffle Café is a dual winner this year in the Best Breakfast and Best Brunch categories.

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BEST CHOCOLATES

First Place: Winans Chocolates & Coffees

Winans has won other categories in the past, but this is the first time it has been on top of Best Chocolates.

The company notes on its website that Max Winans opened Winans Carriage House Candies with his brother, Dick, in a historic carriage house in October 1961. They made hardtack and hand-dipped chocolates, and the company grew from there.

1402 N. Limestone St. and 32 N. Fountain Ave. 937-917-8276 and 937717-0268

www.winanscandies.

Second Place: The Peanut Shoppe 1576 E. Main St. 937-323-2591

ohiopeanutshoppe.com

Third Place: Smith’s Market

1540 Moorefield Road 937-342-1136

BEST COCKTAIL

First Place: The Market Bar

The Market Bar has repeated as the winner in Best Cocktail.

Two friends with simi lar music taste and appre ciation of art decided to open The Market Bar in 2020 to give Springfield a new downtown hangout space.

It features handcrafted cocktails and live enter tainment.

While drinking up to a dozen different cocktail

Winners continued on 22

Sheila

Winners

choices, visitors expe rience music options including local acts and other unique things to do.

101 S. Fountain Ave. www.themarketbar. live

Second Place: Speakeasy Ramen 365 Ludlow Ave. 937-324-3722 speakeasyramen.com

Third Place: Stella Bleu Bistro 20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 www.stellableubistro. com

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

First Place: Scout’s Café Scout’s has now won Best Coffeehouse for four of the past five years. It offers a mix of tradi tional favorites with spe cialties for people of all tastes. The tastes mix with the atmosphere to make for a unique Springfield experience, including the regular string of food trucks that fill the schedule for food offerings.

1399 Moorefield Road 937-505-0660 www.facebook.com/ scoutscafe

Second Place: Coffee Expressions 1111 N. Plum St., Suite 1 937-323-5282 www.coffeeexpres sionsspringfield.com

Third Place: Winans Chocolates & Coffees

1402 N. Limestone St. and 32 N. Fountain Ave. 937-917-8276 and 937717-0268 www.winanscandies. com

BEST CONTRACTOR/ CONSTRUCTION FIRM

First Place: Kapp Construction Inc. Kapp Construction has won Best Contactor/Con struction Firm in four of the past five contests. It was founded in 1985 to “deliver quality projects that exceed customer expectations and create the greatest value for the construction consumer.”

The company’s ser vices include design/ build, general contract ing, construction man agement, renovation/ remodeling and mainte nance and service con tracts.

29 Mt. Vernon Ave. 937-324-0134 kappconstruction.com

Second Place: Beedy Plumbing

2200 Southbury St. 937-605-0177 www.facebook.com/ beedyplumbing

Third Place: Berger Construction Services 50 Walnut Road, Med way 937-727-4515 www.buildberger.com

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

First Place: Scout’s Café

Scout’s has annually been a competitor in Best Customer Service, including wins in 2018 and 2020.

The business regularly gets involved in commu nity activities with people committed to Springfield.

The cafe is operated by a group of Springfield families looking to invest in the area, which bene fits all residents.

1399 Moorefield Road 937-505-0660 www.facebook.com/ scoutscafe

Second Place: Winans Chocolates & Coffees

1402 N. Limestone St. and 32 N. Fountain Ave. 937-917-8276 and 937717-0268

www.winanscandies. com

Third Place: Park National Bank 40 S. Limestone St. 937-324-6873

parknationalbank. com/location/spring field-downtown-office

BEST DENTAL PROFESSIONAL

First Place: North Spring Dental North Spring Dental takes the crown in Best Dental Professional for the fourth time in the past five years.

Services include gen eral dentistry, ortho dontic dentistry, cos metic dentistry and pediatric dentistry. The leadership and staff are well-known for getting involved in community groups and activities, including the Spring field Youth Symphony, the Westcott House Foundation, the Spring field Arts Council and more.

4937 Middle Urbana Road 937-399-3800 northspringdental. com

Second Place: Springfield Smiles

1980 Kingsgate Road, Suite A 937-390-3077 www.springfield smilesdds.com

Third Place: Cochran Family Dentistry: Kevin P. Cochran, DDS 253 Hampton Place 937-399-9777 kevincochrandental. com

Scout’s Café has the Best Customer Service, according to voters in this year’s Best of Springfield contest.

BEST DINE-IN RESTAURANT

First Place: Stella Bleu Bistro

Stella Bleu Bistro won the award for Best New Business in 2019 and has continued to shine since, with a second straight crown in Best Dine-In Restaurant. With space in the historic Bushnell Building, the restaurant has a casual fine-dining experience with weekly specials. The patio with live music available just adds to the ambience. 20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 www.stellableubistro. com

Second Place: Cecil and Lime 227 E. Cecil St.

937-322-7950 www.cecilandlime. com

Third Place: Speakeasy Ramen 365 Ludlow Ave. 937-324-3722 speakeasyramen.com

BEST DONUTS

First Place: Schuler’s Bakery, Inc.

Schuler’s, which racked up its second straight win in Best Donuts, began operation in 1937 and has served generations in Spring field with a wide selec tion of sweet treats. With a story that has grown up along with the city, it offers more than five dozen options for donuts, pastries, cakes, cookies, brownies and more.

It remains Springfield’s “Home of Homemade.” 1911 S. Limestone St. and 2968 Derr Road 937-323-4900 www.schulersbakery. com

Second Place: Le Torte Dolci 36B N. Fountain Ave. 937-617-2253 letortedolci.com

Third Place: Dunkin’ 1931 S. Limestone St. Phone: 937-505-3949 www.dunkindonuts. com

BEST DJ

First Place: DJ Chill

It’s a fifth straight win as Best DJ for DJ Chill. DJ Chill offers Not So Loud silent parties with silent disco, photo booths and DJ service for three

parties in one. Services include “Wedding, Silent Disco, Mobile/Video DJ, entertaining clients and guests with genres rang ing from country, hip hop, dance, pop and radio music, to oldies.” 937-631-0986 www.facebook.com/ iamvdjchill

Second Place: DJ House 937-450-1124 thehouse-experience. com

Third Place: DJ Mike Reelz 937-631-2919 www.facebook. com/people/DJ-MikeReelz/100076335683980

BEST EMPLOYER

First Place: WrightPatt Credit Union Wright-Patt Credit

Union has been in the running for Best Employer for years, with a win in 2020 and a thirdplace finish last year. The branch on North Bechtle Avenue offers a variety of services with a team that our voting has shown is dedicated to the business and to the city. 2097 N. Bechtle Ave. 800-762-0047 www.wpcu.coop

Second Place: Park National Bank 40 S. Limestone St. 937-324-6873

parknationalbank. com/location/spring field-downtown-office

Third Place: Springfield Regional Medical Center

100 Medical Center Dr. 937-523-1000

Winners

Winners

www.mercy.com/loca tions/hospitals/spring field/springfield-medi cal-center

BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR

First Place: Gracie Bakes Cakes & More

Gracie Bakes Cakes & More offers cakes, cup cakes, cookies, oatmeal cream pies and more and has been involved in the farmers market for the first time this year.

Gracie Hemphill started baking about 10 years ago as a hobby, and that grew into the busi ness. She works full-time as a health planner for the Clark County Health Department, and her love for bringing joy to people’s lives by baking has helped through the challenging times of the pandemic. When Gra cie’s best friend moved back to Springfield, she encouraged Gracie to start selling her treats at the farmers market. Graciebakesspring field@gmail.com

Second Place: On the Rise 4177 Dialton Road 937-964-1402 ontherisefarm.org

Third Place: Annabelle’s Blooms 937-360-9280 www.facebook.com/ AnnabellesBlooms

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRM (BANK, INSURANCE, INVESTMENTS)

First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

Wright-Patt Credit Union, which has a third straight win in Best Finan cial Services Firm, offers financial services to indi

viduals, families and busi nesses, including check ing and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, loans and retirement solutions. It has also been consistently involved in community sponsorships, getting involved with non profit organizations in the communities it serves, including Springfield. 2097 N. Bechtle Ave. 800-762-0047 www.wpcu.coop

Second Place: Park National Bank 40 S. Limestone St. 937-324-6873 parknationalbank. com/location/spring field-downtown-office

Third Place: NCF Savings Bank Multiple locations www.ncfsb.com

BEST FOOD TRUCK

First Place: EAT

This perennial favorite in Springfield is always serving a menu that matches the season and the weather. Made from scratch, those meals are served throughout the area, including brewer ies, festivals and more. Keep up with the food truck on Facebook to see where they will be next. 937-605-3417 EATfoodtruck@gmail. com www.facebook.com/ EverythingAlwaysTasty

Second Place: Christian Brothers Meat Company 937-604-9943 www.facebook.com/ ChristianBrosMeatCom pany

Third Place: Chido’s Tacos 937-521-9280 chidowonstacos@ gmail.com www.facebook.com/ chidowonstacos

BEST FLORIST

First Place: Schneider’s Florist & Flower Delivery Schneider’s Flo rist, which has a fourth straight win as Best Flo rist, is a family-owned and operated business and offers a variety of services : floral arrange ments, weddings, funeral designs, fruit baskets, gift baskets and more. The business describes itself this way: “Because all of our customers are important, our profes sional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why we always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect.”

633 N. Limestone 937-323-4634 www.springfieldohio florist.com

Second Place: Netts Floral Comany 1017 Pine St. 937-323-4101

www.nettsfloral.com

Third Place: Annabelle’s Blooms 937-360-9280

www.facebook.com/ AnnabellesBlooms

BEST GYM / YOGA STUDIO

First Place: Springfield Health & Fitness

For the sixth straight time, Springfield Health & Wellness has won Best Gym/Yoga Studio. The business takes pride in having the space and equipment available for anyone who wants to get in shape or improve their performance. Offerings include boxing fitness, fit ness classes, powerlifting, body building and sports enhancement , weight loss and general health work. 202 N. Limestone St. 937-325-9770 springfieldhealthand fitness.com

Schneider’s Florist earned its fourth straight win as Best Florist.

continued

Second Place: Sunflower Yoga 120 S. Center St. 937-450-7280 www.sunfloweryogas pringfield.com

Third Place: Champion City CrossFit

1105 Upper Valley Pike 937-504-9226

championcitycross fit.com

BEST HISTORIC LANDMARK

First Place: The Heritage Center of Clark County

The Heritage Center of Clark County has regu larly been in contention for Best Historic Land mark, and this year it took the title. The Her

itage Center was origi nally Springfield’s City Hall and Marketplace, a municipal building con structed in 1890 and held city offices, a coun cil chamber, an opera house and a farmers’ market. 17 S. Fountain Ave. 937-324-0657 heritage.center

Second Place: Westcott House 85 South Greenmount Ave. 937-327-9291 www.westcotthouse. org

Third Place: Hartman Rock Garden 1905 Russell Ave. info@hartmanrocks. org hartmanrocks.org

BEST ICE CREAM

First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy Young’s has won in the only two years of the category’s existence. Young’s famously makes its own ice cream right on site and identifies a flavor of the week to pro vide plenty of variety.

Here’s how they describe their process: Ice cream is made 5 to 10 gallons per batch, add ing flavors throughout, before freezing it imme diately as one of the key steps. The finished prod uct is then moved to the store freezers, where it’s finally ready to serve. 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs 937-325-0629 youngsdairy.com

Second Place: Kone Korner 3709 St Paris Pike

937-390-2663 www.facebook.com/ konekornerspringfiel dohio

Third Place: Hershey Ice Cream Springfield 1538 Moorefield Road 937-342-1136 www.facebook.com/ hersheyicecreamspring field

BEST LANDSCAPER

First Place: Gillam Lawncare & Landscaping Gillam Lawncare & Landscaping makes it five wins in the past six years in Best Land scaper.

As the company describes itself: “If you are looking to beautify your home with new land scape and/or patio/hard scape, we can develop your ideas into a creative,

one-of-a-kind design that will meet your desire, but not exceed your budget. Our clients know that we will provide the best solu tions for a more beautiful environment.”

8885 Old Columbus Road, South Vienna 937-568-0072

gillamlawncare.com

Second Place: So-Low Cuts Landscaping 4646 Eastridge Ave. 937-925-1516 www.solowcutsland scaping.com

Third Place: NewView Property Maintenance and Hardscapes 2400 Mechanicsburg Road 937-717-0861

www.facebook.com/ newviewpm

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

First Place: Mic’s Italian Restaurant

Mic’s jumps to top spot this year after finish ing in third place in the past two years. The Ital ian offerings include all the favorites like lasagna, chicken parmesan, spa ghetti, baked ziti and rav ioli, among many others. The other thing you’ll like is the cost, with rea sonably priced meals and plenty of atmosphere to make you enjoy the trip. 2384 Mechanicsburg Road 937-399-5074 www.facebook.com/ pages/Mics-Italian-Restau rant/118756931472973

Second Place: Fratelli’s 42 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-9387 fratellisoh.com

Third Place: Salato Deli 40 N. Fountain Ave. 937-342-3938 salatodeli.com

BEST LOCAL EVENT

First Place: Summer Arts Festival

Few things define the Springfield calendar like the Summer Arts Festival. The 2022 event was the 56th, and it was back in full force after a can cellation because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and a shortened event in 2021. The 31 acts in 2022 made up the biggest lineup in years, which brought back a key piece of Springfield life. 937-324-2712 www.spring fieldartscouncil.org

Second Place: Food Truck Rally 800-757-1677 springfieldfoodtruck. com

Third Place: Holiday in the City jkelly@greaterspring field.com 937-521-1945 www.facebook.com/ holidayinthecityspfld

BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER OR PHOTO STUDIO

First Place: Leithauser Photography

Operating for more than 20 years, Leithauser Photogra phy offers options that are both in studio and on location. From high school senior photos to weddings to photos that will help businesses pro mote themselves, they work with clients to find the best option that works.

Most of all, Leithauser works to find the unique personality that can come out in each of their sessions. 15 Kramer Road 937-322-2212 www.leithauserphoto. com

Second Place: Village Photography 53 Club House Drive, South Charleston 937-215-6001 www.myvillagepho tography.com

Third Place: Trina Jones Photography trinajonesphotogra phy@gmail.com 937-284-1845 www.facebook.com/ trinajonesphotography

BEST LUNCH SPOT

First Place: COhatch Springfield

Just a few years into its existence in Springfield, COhatch has become a go-to spot for dining and other parts of Spring field life.

For all types of tastes, vendors include Iron

works Waffle Café, Crust & Company, the Painted Pepper, Hikari Moe Sushi and more for a great lunch experi ence at one of the most unique spaces in the city.

101 S. Fountain Ave. contact@cohatch.com springfield.cohatch. com

Second Place: Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery

45 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-1066 www.facebook.com/ eatatcharlos

Third Place: Speakeasy Ramen

365 Ludlow Ave. 937-324-3722 speakeasyramen.com

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

First Place: Casa del Sabor

Casa del Sabor has been a finalist for years in Best Mexican Food, and this is its time to break out with a win. The restaurant remains family-owned, as it was when it was opened in January by two brothers and their family. Their focus is on good food and friendly service to make the restaurant one of the best in the Spring field area.

1200 Vester Ave. 937-342-9441 www.casadelsabor mexicanrestaurant.com

Second Place: Los Mariachis

1815 E. Main St. 937-324-2066 mymariachisoh.com

Third Place: El Toro

2100 S. Limestone St. and 1781 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-325-7898 and 937342-9015

www.eltorobarand grill.com

Mic’s

BEST NEW BUSINESS

First Place: Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery

Charlo’s opened in July looking to provide American “heritage” style cooking, featuring an array of classic dishes and sandwiches, includ ing shrimp and catfish po’ boys to hamburgers.

The location also showcases a small market, including locally sourced meat products, fresh vegetables, hot sauces and honey. The restaurant side of things also tries to source some ingredients locally or regionally as well.

45 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-1066 www.facebook.com/ eatatcharlos

Second Place: Firefly Boutique

28 N. Fountain Ave. (937) 505-6061 www.fireflybou tiqueoh.com

Third Place: Salon Culture

1093 Upper Valley Pike 866-476-3241 shopsalonculture.com

BEST PHYSICIAN/ MEDICAL SPECIALIST/ GENERAL PRACTITIONER

First Place: Dr. Alper Sarihan, DO

Sarihan, who has won this category for the second straight year, was educated locally, graduating from Spring field North High School and Wittenberg Uni versity before earn ing his medical degree

from Kirksville Col lege of Osteopathic Medicine. He prac tices at Northside Fam ily Physicians, which he co-founded in 1998.

From his bio: “He is currently Board Certi fied in Family Medicine. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in the Clark County area with their three children, Alexander, Drew, and Jillian.” 280 Red Coach Drive 937-399-3010 www.northsidefp.com/ sarihan

Second Place: Dr. Stephen J. Oehlers, MD 2105 E. High St. 937-324-8200 www.mercy.com/finda-doctor/physicians/ste phen-j-oehlers/230142

Third Place: Dr. Thomas W. Ericksen, MD 1835 E. High St.,

Suite 3 937-328-9600

BEST PIZZA

First Place: Hickory Inn

It’s now six straight Best Pizza awards for Hickory Inn. A Spring field staple since it opened in 1947, patrons love the log cabin style and the selection of spe cialty pizzas.

From its website: “In keeping with the family ‘theme,’ the menu offers children’s selections, as well as sandwiches, soups and a variety of dinners and pizzas. At the cozy bar, patrons can enjoy a meal and watch a sporting event on the flat screen TV.”

652 N. Limestone St. 937-323-1779 www.thehickoryinn. com

Second Place: Station 1

325 Fountain Blvd. 937-324-3354 www.stationone springfield.com

Third Place: Mikey’s Pizza

406 W. Harding Road (937) 398-1700 www.facebook.com/ mikeyspizzeria

BEST PLACE FOR KIDS FUN

First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

Young’s is the Best Place for Kids Fun for the sixth year, and it’s only getting more fun. Some of the highlights include miniature golf, batting cages, barrel rides, driving range, a fast slide and more. Aside from the usual activities, Young’s offers special events

Winners continued on 28

throughout the year to give fami lies great times together. 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs 937-325-0629 youngsdairy.com

Second Place: Splash Zone Aquatic Center 300 Eagle City Road 937-324-7665 ntprd.org/splash-zone

Third Place: Behind The Curtain Dance Studio 2312 Northmoor Drive behindthecurtainds@aol. com www.behindthecurtaindan cestudio.com

BEST PLACE TO BUY SPRINGFIELD GIFTS

First Place: Champion City Guide & Supply

Champion City Guide & Sup ply capitalizes on Springfield’s rich history while creating a link to the area’s numerous heritage sites and tourism destinations. The custom-designed apparel is inspired by Springfield’s entre preneurial spirit and legend ary figures. Offerings include clothes, hats, stickers, koozies, prints, mugs and much more to help you celebrate Springfield and what makes it great. 36 C North Fountain Ave. 937-521-1948 championcitysupply.com

Second Place: Rose City Boutique 15 E. Ward St. 937-203-8220 shoprosecity.com

Third Place: Winans Chocolates & Coffees 1402 N. Limestone St. and 32 N. Fountain Ave. 937-917-8276 and 937-717-0268 www.winanscandies.com

Winners

BEST PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS

First Place: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

Mother Stewart’s Brewing jumped from third to first place in Best Place to take Visitors while also winning Best Bar/Brewpub this year.

Located in a historic warehouse in down town Springfield, Mother Stewart’s Brewing Com pany is a production brewery and taproom with a gorgeous outdoor patio. Home to yearround community events and live music, the brew ery has established itself as a central gathering space for the city.

102 W. Columbia St. 937-717-0618

www.motherstewarts brewing.com

Second Place: COhatch Springfield

101 S Fountain Ave. contact@cohatch.com springfield.cohatch. com

Third Place: The Heritage Center of Clark County 17 S. Fountain Ave. 937-324-0657 heritage.center

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER

First Place: Speakeasy Ramen

After winning Best Lunch Spot last year and Best Dine-In Restau rant in 2020, Speak easy Ramen won both Best Asian Food and Best Restaurant to take

an Out-of-Towner and placed in three other cat egories this year.

Its menu changes fre quently with pan-Asian food and cocktails, plus it has music and a neigh borhood feel. It regularly updates its fans on Ins tagram with what’s hap pening on the menu. 365 Ludlow Ave. 937-324-3722 speakeasyramen.com

Second Place: Stella Bleu Bistro 20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 www.stellableubistro. com

Third Place: Cecil and Lime 227 E. Cecil St. 937-322-7950 www.cecilandlime. com

BEST REALTOR/ REAL ESTATE OFFICE

First Place: Coldwell Banker Heritage

Coldwell Banker Her itage is back on top of a category it won in 2019 and 2020.

From the company’s description: “Locally owned and globally con nected, our philosophy is simple; honesty and integrity are the core of our success. We believe in being positive, profes sional and fun to provide better service to our cli ents and our community.” 331 Mount Vernon Ave. 937-322-0352 www.coldwellbanker. com

Second Place: Always Sunny Realty 1219 W. First St. 937-505-9233 alwayssunnyrealty.com

Third Place: Lagonda Creek Real Estate

2685 Derr Rd. 937-342-9995 www.lagondacreek. com

BEST SALON/SPA

First Place: Bombshell Beauty Parlor

Bombshell Beauty Par lor has been a finalist for multiple years and has now risen to the top spot in Best Salon/Spa.

The category was one of the closest in the entire contest. As the company tells its poten tial clients: “Modern hair and nail salon located in downtown Spring field Ohio. We are proud to have the best color ists and nail techs in the area!”

20 W. Columbia St. 937-460-7217 www.facebook.com/ BombshellBeautyPar lor937

Second Place: Studio B Salon & Spa 306 N. Limestone St. 937-460-7244 studiob.salon

Third Place: Salon Culture

1093 Upper Valley Pike 866-476-3241 shopsalonculture.com

BEST STEAK

First Place: Cecil and Lime

Cecil and Lime jumped from second place to the top spot in Best Steak this year.

Among the selection

of impressive entrees are filet mignon, ribeye and prime rib (on Fridays and Saturdays). They mix with offerings including rack of lamb, organic Scot tish salmon, jumbo pork chops and chicken mar sala, among others. 227 E. Cecil St. 937-322-7950 www.cecilandlime. com

Second Place: Stella Bleu Bistro

20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 www.stellableubistro. com

Third Place: Hickory Inn 652 N. Limestone St. 937-323-1779 www.thehickoryinn. com

BEST TATTOO ARTIST

First Place: Ian Lonsway

When Ian, friends and clients posted that he was a finalist in Best of Spring field, the comments came in thanking him for his work with examples, including an extensive Harry Potter tattoo and a

skeleton woman. He regularly gets tagged on social media by cli ents who share his work, which spans a huge vari ety of types, shapes and colors with lots of praise coming his way. www.facebook.com/ ian.lonsway1

Second Place: Chris Powell Tattoos 122 E. Main St. www.chrispowelltat toos.com

Third Place: Golden Peso Tattoo and Piercing 1588 E. Main St. 937-917-8418 www.facebook.com/ goldenpesotattooshop

BEST WINGS/ CHICKEN

First Place: Station 1 Station 1 jumped

from third place to the top spot this year in Best Wings/Chicken, and it also won Best Bar Food. The menu includes pizza, wings, sand wiches, salads and more. Aside from the food, it offers more than 50 beers on tap with usual favorites and other microbrews. 325 Fountain Blvd. 937-324-3354 www.stationone springfield.com

Second Place: Roosters

1720 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-717-5409 roosterswings.com

Third Place: Buffalo Wild Wings

1960 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-390-9464 www.buffalowild wings.com

Cecil and Lime was voted Best Steak.

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