December student choice awards

Brought to you by: The Collegian

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Eats BEST RESTAURANT

BEST MEXICAN

Dog House Grill

Casa Corona

At the Dog House Grill, a diverse clientele can be found.

From students, families, and business professionals, the Dog House Grill has a friendly environment for all.

The location has a full bar, outdoor seating, TVs, serves lunch, dinner and take-out. No reservations are needed. Dog House Grill is the ideal place to dine at to watch games, work on homework or just socialize and have some fun.

“The food is really good,” Fresno State senior Jimena Quezada said.

“I don’t eat burgers that often but I’ll eat the ones from Dog House Grill, Student Choice for "Best Restaurant is conveniently located near Fresno State.

here. The ABC Burger is my favorite.”

Quezada said she enjoys the atmosphere Dog House Grill has and appreciates the attentive customer service of the staff. “I like how the cashiers make conversation with me,” Quezada said.

Marcos Martinez, Fresno State senior, said he also dines at the restaurant with a group of friends usually after a long day of classes.

“I like that Dog House Grill is a sports bar,” Martinez said. “As a big sports fanatic it’s nice to have that entertainment.”

Photos by Roe Borunda/ The Collegian

When Fresno State students want authentic Mexican food the number one choice is Casa Corona. They offer a variety of food from breakfast meals to taco dinners.

Since 1999, the Casa Corona located at Cedar and Herndon has been enjoyed

by Valley residents and in recent years another location was added at Bullard and West.

Casa Corona offers dine-in and takeout services. When guest dine in, all meals are served with complementary chips and salsa. Soups, tacos, burritos and grilled foods are all highlighted on the menu which is available on Casa Corona’s website.

One thing that appeals to many students is Casa Corona’s happy hour.

During happy hour all appetizers are $2 off and drink specials.

“I love happy hour at Casa Corona.

The food is great I always get the grilled chicken quesadillas and I can not forget all the different flavors of margaritas they have,” Tish Hardiman, senior at Fresno State, said. “Great mexican food at great prices.”

BEST SEAFOOD Red Lobster Right down the street from Fresno State’s campus, Red Lobster has served as the ample spot for student seafood

BEST FAST FOOD In-N-Out In-N-Out Burger was chosen as the Favorite Fast Food Restaurant for the Student Choice Awards. Its simple menu, comprised of three burger varieties, french fries, fountain drinks and milkshakes, attracts a variety of customers, including Fresno State students.

In-N-Out has developed a loyal customer base, and has been rated as one of the top fast food restaurants in several customer satisfaction surveys.

Since opening its first restaurant in 1948, In-N-Out has expanded to 281 locations in the last 64 years.

Alex Pendley, a junior at Fresno State, is a regular customer at In-n-Out. “I go to In-N-Out for its cheap food and great-tasting menu. The staff is always friendly and the service is quick,” Pendley said.

The restaurant, founded by Harry and Esther Snyder, had a simple plan which still exists today: “Give customers the freshest, highest-quality foods you can buy and provide them with friendly service in a sparkling clean environment.”

It looks like Fresno State students agree, as they voted In-N-Out as their favorite fast food restaurant in Fresno.

BEST PIZZA Me-n-Ed's Me-n-Ed’s has been serving the Fresno community for 50 years with more than 20 locations. The secret to its success is simple, great pizza. Each handcrafted pizza is cooked to perfection in a firebrick oven and strictly follows the patent-protected recipes.

With so much experience and a perfected recipe, it’s no surprise that the Fresno State student community voted this local original as “Best Pizza.”

“I love Me-n-Ed’s pizza,” Tara McCombs, Fresno State junior said.

dining. Operating in Fresno since 1965, Red Lobster is a casual seafood dining chain, offering a wide variety of seafood, chicken, steaks and pastas, though is best known for featuring live Maine lobsters.

“We are thrilled that Fresno State chose us to be their favorite seafood experience,” said John Evans, general manager of Fresno’s Red Lobster restaurant.

While the company sees the chain as a “family restaurant,” students make up a large amount of clientele, especially on football game days.

Red Lobster welcomes the idea of college students with the addition of the chain’s 15 under $15, 15 new dishes all under the price of $15.

“We have plans that should have college students excited,” Evans said.

There are also future plans for a happy hour of sorts, promoting $5 appetizers as well as discounted drinks between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

This promotion is scheduled to end Dec. 12.

BEST SUSHI Wassabi From walking in to a whole room greeting “Wassabi!” to recognizing the wacky advertisements all over town, Wassabi - Off the Hook sushi has made itself known in Fresno.

With rolls which names are out of the ordinary and flirt with the line of appropriateness, such as “Climax,” “Booty-booty” and “Orgasmic,”

“I’ve been going there with my family for as long as I can remember. There is no other pizza like it. It is a Fresno staple.”

Me-n-Ed’s prides itself on being a “Neighborhood Pizza Parlor” with each individual location being family-oriented. Managers of each pizza parlor are known for establishing relationships within the community at neighborhood churches, clubs and schools. Me-n-Ed’s goal is to consistently satisfy customers through great family.

BEST ITALIAN Olive Garden Olive Garden opened its restaurant doors and received its first guests in 1982. The beautiful country of Italy inspired Olive Garden’s Tuscancountryside flavor and décor.

The Italian culture enthused the founders of Olive Garden to base its restaurant on the warm-heartedness, genuine hospitality and love for family that is shared in Italy.

Olive Garden’s commitment to serve fresh and delicious Italian food led to its award as Best Italian Restaurant in the Fresno State Student Choice Awards.

“The food is absolutely delicious,” Fresno State senior Kelli Muirheid said. “I love the atmosphere of Olive Garden as well. It truly makes you feel like you are in Italy.”

In 30 years, Olive Garden grew from serving friends and families in one restaurant to 750 restaurants nationwide.

The Italian culture has continued to help inspire Olive Garden to serve unique Italian food and award-winning wine.

Additionally, Olive Garden enjoys pleasing its customers by providing its recipes online, which allows each customer to make their very own delectable and Italian based dish in their own kitchen.

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Eats Wassabi made it to the top and was voted “Best Sushi” by Fresno State students.

“I know they appreciate it,” said Ngan Nguyen, a server at Wassabi. “They work really hard to get that title.”

The atmosphere of this establishment is aimed for a young crowd with the club-like ambiance and huge portions.

It’s known for the music and lights and a bar that always has a crowd.

“Working there is fun and it’s not like 'work,' to work there,” Nguyen said. “There are always large groups. The whole vibe and music, it’s kind of like a big party.”

The advertisements themselves stand out and don’t fail to make heads turn. The costume-like outfits with crazy scenarios like surgery on a fish can be found on billboards and buses all over Fresno.

Nguyen said Wassabi is attempting to expand and take over the market. This loud music and fun restaurant may be found in bigger cities and locations in the coming years.

BEST CHINESE Panda Express Panda Express has been serving up fresh gourmet Asian-inspired cuisine at Fresno State for the past 9 years.

Panda Express has 1,500 restaurants covering 42 States and Puerto Rico, but the students at Fresno State regard their favorite location as right

here on campus.

The chain offers a variety of Far East food such as the popular orange chicken, Beijing beef, Mandarin chicken and kung pao chicken.

Combination meals are served with fried rice, steamed rice, chow mein or mixed vegetables.

Newcomers are welcomed by the staff to try out the newest eat on the menu ‘Shanghai Angus Steak.’ The new addition features thick cut slices of juicy angus top sirloin marinated with Asian seasonings and wok-seared. Tossed in with the meat is crisp asparagus, freshly sliced mushrooms, and a zesty Asian steak sauce.

The associates at Panda Express thank the students for all their support and choosing Panda everyday.

“They love this recognition, it got them pretty pumped when it was mentioned, some were even ‘high five-ing’,” Adam Garza, manager of Panda Express said.

BEST THAI Thai Fusion Inspired by a fusion of Asian food favorites, Thai Fusion won the heart of Fresno State students and is the 2012 Student Choice Award winner for “Best Thai Food.”

Thai Fusion manager, Aaron Gossett, was thrilled about the award.

“It’s great – especially coming from the community.”

Since July 2006, Thai Fusion has been known for

Photo courtesy of Eddie's Bakery

Eddie's Bakery serves up a wide array of desserts including cakes, pastries and cupcakes.

its curry dishes, pad thai and pho and also offers Chinese and Japanese favorites on its menu.

Thai Fusion is an exciting dining experience that offers a full bar, happy hour, and karaoke and late-night dining until 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Although many customers are not students, Gossett encourages students to come out for good food and a great time.

“We have late-night dining and karaoke Thursday through Saturday – it’s a great place to be.”

BEST CHICKEN WINGS Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings was selected as Fresno State’s top chicken wing restaurant.

Built near the campus in 2010, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a variety of food but are most known for its wings, boneless or original, which can come in 16 different sauces and five different seasonings. With deals scattered throughout the week to help students eat and drink affordably, it’s no wonder that the restaurant is so popular.

“A lot of our clientele are students, but we also get a variety of other people that come into the restaurant as well including families and sports enthusiasts,” said Randy Hurst, manager of the restaurant.

“We are honored to be selected as the student’s choice for best wings and we will continue to work with State and provide a fun and entertaining place to hang out and watch sports,” he said.

If you haven’t been to Buffalo Wild Wings, the hours of operation from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Friday with tons of drink and food deals being offered during this time.

BEST BARBECUE Dog House Grill Driving down Shaw Avenue, the delicious barbecue aroma and gray smoke is not an unfamiliar scene.

Since 2004, Dog House Grill has been making mouths water and students crave the tri-tip and fries. While Fresno State students voted the food as “Best Barbecue,” it’s the atmosphere that makes the restaurant stand out.

“There’s a good atmosphere. There’s quality employees and it’s close to the campus,” said Matt Billingsley, general manager of Dog House Grill.

Billingsley has worked at Dog House Grill for nine years.

It’s a family-owned business, which his uncle owns. When his uncle heard the Save Mart Center was opening, he bought the land and started the process of opening it.

“We offer a good variety.

There’s a good chance you’ll see someone you know. It’s upbeat and always new crowds coming in and out,” Billingsley said. “There’s a better chance you’ll meet people here than other places.”

Billingsley’s personal favorite is the tri-tip sandwich.

“We feel happy and excited,” Billingsley said in regards to being voted best barbecue. “We appreciate all the support and business and will keep up the quality food.”

BEST FROZEN YOGURT Yogurtland Yogurtland has been apart of the Fresno community for a short time but has already made a large impact on students' stomachs. Close to celebrating its two-year anniversary on Dec. 8, YogurtlandFresno is honored that Fresno State students have chosen them as the “Best Frozen Yogurt.”

“We have been working

very hard for the past two years to get our name out there,” Ajay Hira, vice president of marketing, said. “We have reached out to the community, and it’s nice to see they have reached back. We are really flattered.”

What’s not to love with more than 50 flavors and an array of toppings?

“When I was a freshman, Yogurtland wasn’t an option, senior Liana Provost said.

“I’m glad they came to Fresno, because their flavors are awesome!”

To find out what new flavors are coming to Fresno, follow them on Twitter. @ Yogurtland_Fres provides information about upcoming flavors, employment opportunities and fundraising options for student organizations.

BEST BAKERY Eddie's Bakery In 1939, the Riedenauer family opened Eddie’s Bakery in downtown Fresno. Since then it was sold and is currently owned by Marc Wickliffe, a local restaurateur. Wickliffe strives to maintain the traditions and quality started by the Riedenauer family while adjusting to customers' everchanging needs.

"We are ecstatic to be Fresno State’s Bakery Winner,” Rachelle Wickliffe, co-owner, said. “This award is something that Eddie’s staff, friends, family and loyal patrons are all very proud of.

We work very hard to provide the best service and the best products, and we plan to be better and better every year."

Eddie's Bakery offers an assortment of cakes, pastries, cookies, individual desserts and lunch in the café where Peet’s coffee & espresso drinks are served.

Eddie's Bakery is a fun, casual atmosphere where students can grab breakfast and coffee on their way to class.

Eddie's Bakery is dedicated to providing a wide assortment of traditional and new products for customers to enjoy every day.

Drinks BEST BAR Swiggs Fresno State students chose Swiggs, located on the corner of Shaw Avenue and N 6th Street, as the “Best Bar” in Fresno.

Swiggs is a pub-themed restaurant which focuses on delivering gourmet food with a laid-back atmosphere.

“Everything is made from scratch. From our handformed burger patties, to our homemade wing sauces, we want to change the perception of ‘pub grub’,” Michael Jew, owner of Swiggs, said.

Its beer selections focus on locally crafted beers from Tioga Sequoia, Riley’s Brewery and Firestone Brewery. During its lunch, happy hour and dinner, the restaurant’s clientele ranges from students to office workers and families. At 10 p.m., Swiggs is turned into a pub, which attracts both students and young adults.

Students with a valid ID get access to their $5 wing special, $5 house salad, $6 stuffed cheese burger and fries or 10 percent off their regular menu items.

“We are honored that we have been able to provide an experience that Fresno State students deems is the "Best".

We hope to continue providing the awesome experience and expand our "Best" to include food as well,” Jew said.

BEST BARTENDER Garret McColl At age 20, Garrett McColl scored a job at the newest college hotspot, Swiggs Bar and Sports, hired as a bar-back on the Swiggs team before it even made its grand opening to the public.

“I literally helped put the place together along with some other coworkers – and its been two years of growing for all of us,” McColl said.

At this point, McColl never thought he would be a bartender, let alone be titled this years’ Student’s Choice for Best Bartender. McColl’s hardworking mentality and dedication to Swiggs earned him the higher position as soon as he turned 21.

This past year as a bartender has been an amazing experience for McColl.

“I love being able to create

a fun and exciting environment, which I feel represents the Swiggs mentality,” McColl said.

McColl estimates about 50-60 percent of the customers to be students but his encounters with all customers truly keeps him going. Being a person of sociable nature, meeting customers with so many different outlooks on life is what gives McColl complete employee satisfaction.

It is no wonder why McColl has been named “Best Bartender” and he is nothing but surprised and honored to be the recipient.

“I’m glad I can be part of our customers' experience.

It's fun turning a night into a memorable moment, the kind of experience that can only happen at Swiggs,” McColl said.

BEST MICROBREWERY

The Fresno State Winery as a selection of up to 22 different wines availablle for the community and students to enjoy.

State students will continue to come in and enjoy their quality food and handcrafted microbrews.

work our enology students put forth to craft world-class wines.”

BJ's Restaurant & Brewery

BEST WINERY

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Fresno State Winery

Starbucks

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery is honored for its award as Best Local Microbrewery in the Fresno State’s Student Choice Awards, said general manager Sean Madden.

BJ’s Restaurant first opened in Southern California in 1978 by two men who developed a delicious, successful and popular deep-dish pizza recipe. As the recipe’s popularity grew, so did the newly established business.

As six more BJ’s restaurants opened, one introduced a handcrafted beer enjoyed by many guests. The chain restaurant was then renamed to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery.

As the business grew and expanded throughout the U.S., additional beers were handcrafted and shared on the menu. Today, there are 125 restaurants nationwide.

“We are glad to see that newer generations are enjoying microbrews and not choosing the various domestic options that have held the market share for such a long time,” Madden said.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery strives to provide an extraordinary experience for its guests by connecting with each guest on every visit and ensuring a flawless execution of its service.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery hopes that Fresno

Fresno State is the only university in the country with a commercial winery that produces gold-medal-winning wines at affordable prices.

The Fresno State Winery has been harvesting and blending since the late 1950s. The wines crafted by students became more than an experiment but a profitable product when the Fresno State Winery went commercial in 1997.

The student labor and inexpensive cost of fruits from the Valley allow the winery to create high-quality wines at an affordable price. Depending on the season, the winery produces up to 22 different wines.

True to their mission, the most expensive bottle can be puchased for $19.95.

The winery’s primary retail outlet is the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market located on campus where students receive a special discount. The winery also reaches out to students living off campus and the community by distributing to local stores such as Vons, Save Mart Super Markets and Costco.

"We are so thrilled that Fresno State students are developing a taste for fine wine,” Joseph Joralemon, student-marketing assistant at the Fresno State Winery said.

“It is especially encouraging to know the greater student body appreciates all the

Swiggs pub-themed bar was voted the best by Fresno State students for the first Student Choice Awards.

Entering Fresno State Henry Madden Library’s second floor, the smell of fine roasted whole-bean coffee being brewed by the Starbucks baristas engulfs your senses. It is no surprise it was voted the Student’s Choice for the “Best Coffee Shop.”

Since 2009, Fresno State has had the pleasure of having its very own Starbucks café in the library.

Ricky Serano, assistant

manager of Fresno State’s Starbucks, said the café is one of the most high-traffic areas on campus for students.

“I am humbled,” Serano said in regards to being the top choice in the coffee shop section in the Student Choice Awards 2012, but he won’t take all the credit.

Before one was built in the library, the Starbucks coffee brand had already established a well-known reputation.

It started in 1971 when the first Starbucks in Seattle opened its doors. Since then, Starbucks has taken the world by storm. Starbucks is known for its freshly roasted wholebean coffee, welcoming environment and superb customer service.

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Entertainment and Shopping BEST WINTER VACATION SPOT

BEST BOUTIQUE Stella Laguna Beach

Lake Tahoe “My family goes to Lake Tahoe every year for Christmas,” said Jamie Moreno, Fresno State sophomore.

Like Moreno, many students will be taking the fivehour drive north to the largest and most beautiful alpine lake in North America, voted “Best Winter Vacation Spot” by Fresno State students.

One of the possible reasons Lake Tahoe is so popular is that it offers something for every kind of personality.

There is shopping and spas for those who are looking to relax, and recreational sports such as skiing or snowboarding for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

There are multiple resorts such as Donner Summit, Tahoe City, or Crystal Bay located in both North and South Tahoe where guests can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the nightlife.

Nov. 29 through Dec. 9, Heavenly Village located in South Lake Tahoe will be hosting “Winter Ignite” where guest can finally bring out their old skis and celebrate the new snow. This week-long event of wild parties, concerts, and giveaways is the perfect ending to a long semester.

Originally established in Southern California, Stella Laguna Beach has become a student favorite among Fresno boutiques.

BEST CASINO Table Mountain Casino Table Mountain Casino is celebrating its 25th birthday this year and what better way to celebrate it than getting recognized as the winner of the Student Choice Award for Best Casino?

“Table Mountain Rancheria is pleased to have been recognized with this inaugural award from the Fresno State community,” said Ron Goslin, president of Table Mountain Casino.

Located in Friant, only 15 minutes away from Fresno, students find 2,000 slot machines, 40 table games, 10 poker tables and a 700-seat

bingo hall very entertaining.

It is a convenient and more calm alternative to Las Vegas for the Fresno State students.

“Table Mountain Rancheria remains strongly committed to the health, education and safety of our Central Valley,” Goslin said.

Table Mountain Casino is not only a gaming organization, it also features various restaurants and celebrity performances for guests that are taking a break from gambling or just choose sit back and relax.

BEST MOVIE THEATER Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 and IMAX is a top entertainment attraction for people of all ages, including Fresno

State students who voted it “Best Movie Theater.” Fresno State senior, Leonel Barajas, said Edwards deserves the win.

“I feel very good about it because it’s the best movie theater in Fresno,” Barajas said. “I go there at least twice a month.”

Regal Entertainment Group operates the largest and most diverse theater circuit in the United States, with 6,607 screens in 521 theaters across 37 states and the District of Columbia. Edwards has the only IMAX experience available in Fresno and its surrounding counties.

Edwards is the place to be for movie-goers with a passion for the ultimate film experience and superior service.

“I love Edwards because they are super clean, their staff is really nice and of course their big screens and amazing stadium seating,” Barajas said.

Fresno State students awarded Stella Laguna Beach “Best Boutique” for the inaugural Student Choice Awards.

“We are thrilled! We focus on doing a lot of promotions with sororities and we’re just excited to be awarded ‘Best Boutique,” said Victoria Saulovich, owner and entrepreneur of Stella Laguna Beach.

“Stella” was established in 2008 in Southern California, before it began to flourish right here in Fresno with two locations. Saulovich says that a good majority of her customers are students and she recognized the desire for high fashion at affordable prices, which inspired Stella Laguna Beach.

“Fashion should be affordable for everyone, and it should not cost you an arm and a leg just to look cute and trendy,” Saulovich said.

Stella Laguna Beach is also excited that it is able to employ young women.

“I think we mentor young women and set a good example to go forth in business,” Saulovich said. “We’re really happy to offer a venue for such growth.”

For winning ‘Best Boutique,’ Stella Laguna Beach owner and entrepreneur Victoria Saulovich, is happy to offer Fresno State students a 15 percent discount when you mention “friends and family” in store.

BEST THRIFT SHOP Goodwill While you can count the number of Goodwill stores in the Fresno area on one hand, they still outnumber any other thrift store in town, undeniably making it the student choice for “Best Thrift Store,”

by Fresno State students.

“I always shop at Goodwill,” Lacy Herndon Fresno State junior said. “It’s the only way for me to have a summer and winter wardrobe without going deeper into debt.”

Goodwill was incorporated in the Valley in 1942.

The stores initially opened to help meet military needs during World War II, but today Goodwill serves people from a variety of backgrounds in the areas of job training and placement.

One third of the Goodwill Industries of San Joaquin Valley, Inc. are located in the Fresno/Clovis area.

“With as many locations as they have around town it’s easy to find what you’re looking for,” Herndon said.

Life & Style BEST GYM

live in metro cities.

Each store is set up with the environment where the hair stylist is able to work one-onone with each customer and discuss his or her hair preference.

So, “Come in and let’s amp up your style.”

Student Recreation Center Fresno State students voted the Fresno State Student Recreation Center (SRC) as the “Best Gym” for the Student Choice Award.

“I'm ecstatic that the students picked us as their choice to participate in our programs and services,” said Derek Walters, the director of SRC. It’s not a surprise that the SRC won the award because it is located on campus and is very convenient for the students to go work out to best fit around their class schedules.

“We are a fitness facility to a program with over 20 intramural sports and close to 40 group fitness offerings per week,” Walters said.

The SRC had only a couple of employees when it first opened in 2006.

This is the first time that SRC won the Student Choice Award, and Walters believes that it is a testament to the approximately 60 student employees. It is also equipped with new and optimal equipment for the best results.

“We have been fortunate to have administrative and operational support from both the Division of Student Affairs and the California State University, Fresno Association, Inc.,” Walters said. “Through their support we have been able to update and replace original exercise equipment with new state-ofthe-art machines and to make improvements in the Student Recreation Center.”

BEST VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT STORE

BEST TANNING SALON Bahama Mama

Being located on campus makes the Student Recreation Center the number one students' choice for "Best Gym."

"I would say that the majority of our clientele are students,” Matt Peterson, GNC manager at Fashion Fair said.

“We offer a free rewards card for additional savings off items, even sale items, and I think that really targets students."

GNC is special in that it is the world’s largest company of its kind devoted exclusively to helping its customers improve the quality of their lives through health. GNC’s longtime goal has been to provide quality products to customers that promote and ensure good health.

It is part of GNC’s mission to provide the highest quality of products, honest labeling, proper usage and customer experience while being on the cutting-edge of nutritional science. Their slogan says it all: “Live well.”

GNC Fresno State students voted GNC the “Best Vitamin Supplement Store” for the inaugural Student Choice Awards.

Founder David Shakarian established GNC in 1936.

The first store was opened in Pittsburgh and flourished into providing health foods, vitamins, minerals, supplements, especially sports-specific, and additional health needs.

Although it started as one small business, GNC has since grown to more than 4,800 stores nationwide and there are more than a dozen locations in the Fresno area.

BEST SALON Planet Hair Planet Hair is a locally owned and operated salon that has become a staple in the Fresno community since moving to the River Park Shopping Center 12 years ago.

The salon is thrilled to win “Best Salon” for the first Student Choice Awards by Fresno State students.

Owned by 30-year stylist Roy Silva and operated by what can only be referred to as beauty experts. Their mission: to “provide a great hair cut at a great price.”

Planet Hair is heavily involved in the Fresno community and works closely with CBS 47 by providing glamorous hair styling to the news team.

Planet Hair is often featured in various beauty segments on CBS 47 including one called “Monday Makeover,” which gives tips and tricks for the latest trends in hair and makeup.

“We are very excited and we are very honored to be picked for this award,” said Marlena Silva, co-owner of Planet Hair.

BEST BARBER SHOP Supercuts

BEST MANI-PEDI

Supercuts is a one-stop hair salon where a customer can get a variety of hair services from scalp massages, waxing, haircuts and highlights to scalp massages or waxing.

A haircut at Supercuts is relatively cheap, starting at $15 it’s easy to see why it was voted “Best Barber Shop” by Fresno State Students. Its affordability fits in to most students' budgets.

Many of its stores are franchised, own by individual owners who operate under the Supercuts business model.

Founded in 1975, in the San Francisco Bay area, Supercuts has expanded their franchised business nationwide with more than 2,000 locations making it accessible to people who

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For the inaugural Fresno State Student Choice Awards, Bahama Mama was voted “Best Tanning Salon,” owned for six years by Kim Fisher.

“I am so thrilled because I have worked really hard on advertising through The Collegian at Fresno State and have tried to focus on pushing my business,” Fisher said. “I also want to make it affordable for students since tanning can get expensive.”

Bahama Mama prides itself on customer service and of course its amazing deals during the winter. They believe on running a clean operation while makingsure that the bulbs and beds are constantly fresh and hot. Its main goal has been to make sure that customers get their money's worth of tans and ultimately results.

Currently, Bahama Mama is offering a special through The Collegian for a month of unlimited tanning for $19.95. A valid Fresno State ID and the coupon are required in order to receive the special. Along with the unlimited tanning package, includes 10 percent off all tanning lotions in the salon.

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With a variety of services, Aqua Nails and Spa is the perfect place to go to have some personal time or a great time with the girls. It’s no wonder it was voted the place for “Best

Mani-Pedi” by Fresno State students.

“I go to Aqua Nails when I want a good pedicure because I know that they are going to do a great job” Danielle Fontana, a senior at Fresno State, said.

Aqua Nails sets the perfect environment with excellent employees that make you as comfortable as possible.

Services range from manicures and pedicures to facials, whatever you are looking for, Aqua Nails and Spa is sure to have it.

The spa is located just a few miles away from campus next to Sierra Vista Mall and very convenient to those looking to get a quick manicure.

“I go whenever I need a break from school and work,” Fontana said. “It’s one of the best ways to relax.”

BEST STUDENT LIVING Palazzo at Campus Pointe One of the newest housing additions to the area surrounding campus has quickly won the hearts of students.

Palazzo at Campus Pointe is only in its third year of operation, and already has been named the Student’s Choice for Best in Student Living. It is not a surprise that this beautiful facility, conveniently located across from the Save Mart Center, has quickly become a Fresno State favorite.

The resort-style student housing has all of the amenities of which one could dream.

The fitness center, full-sized basketball court, game room, resort-style pool and computer lab leaves residents with few reasons to leave the complex.

On top of the amenities and convenient location, a shopping center filled with shops and restaurants is being built in the same area. Not only does Palazzo provide housing Continued on Page 7

For Your Ride for students, but to all applicants who qualify. In fact, this luxurious complex is now accepting applicants to pre-lease for the spring semester.

“We do everything we can to keep our residents happy, get our name out there, and keep everyone wanting to come to Palazzo and just enjoy everything [that we have to offer],” Sierra Scott, leasing manager at Palazzo, said.

“We are very thankful and glad everyone did vote for us.”

BEST CAR WASH Red Carpet Car Wash The Red Carpet Car Wash has been selected as this year’s Student Choice Award winner for top Car Wash used by Fresno State students. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to most, considering that this car wash also received the top car wash award in the Fresno Bee for 2012.

With four locations throughout the Central Valley, the Red Carpet Car Wash is not only known for its excellent service and car wash performance but

also for its work for smog checks and oil change services. The car wash has a website that offers a ton of great deals and special offers.

“We try and provide the best customer service and productivity with each car we come in contact with,” David Bowie said, a manager for the car wash. “Students bring in a lot of business for us and we just look to continue to provide them with quality and affordable pricing.”

BEST AUTO DEALER CarMax “We are excited to have been chosen by Fresno State students as the number one Car Dealer,” Chasidy Murphy, general manager of CarMax said.

“We offer a wide selection of CarMax Quality Certified vehicles for every budget in a truly transparent process that is fun and easy.”

CarMax, the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, opened its first Fresno location in February 2007 with great success. The auto superstore was designed according to survey responses to give consumers exactly what they are looking for – low

prices, broad selection and a friendly customer environment.

“I’ve gone to look at cars there with my family many times and the staff is always very friendly and helpful,” Kristen Wong, junior at Fresno State, said.

CarMax has more than 100 used-car superstores throughout the U.S., and each is built on the founding principle of integrity. Its mission is to provide customers great quality cars at an affordable price while maintaining a high level of exceptional customer service.

“Visit us at our Fresno location or browse thousands of cars online at www.carmax.com. We appreciate your votes and thank you again for your business,” Murphy said.

BEST AUTO SHOP Auto Zone “I don’t really know what goes on underneath the hood of my car,” Fresno State senior Julie Ramirez said. “But when something needs to be replaced the people at AutoZone can be pretty helpful.”

Like many college students, the only thing Ramirez knows about an engine is that it’s located under the hood.

AutoZone is the place that many turn to for advice which is the reason it was voted “Best Auto Shop” by Fresno State students.

AutoZone, originally coined “Auto

Shack,” first opened its doors on July 4, 1979 in Forest City, Ark. Today it has three stores in Fresno alone.

AutoZone was the vision of J.R. “Pitt” Hyde III wanted to apply the “grocery store” concepts of clean, wellorganized stores, accessible products and great customer service to the automotive retail industry.

“AutoZone always puts customers first! We know our parts and products.

Our stores look great. We’ve got the best merchandise at the right price.”

–AutoZone, Inc.

BEST BIKE SHOP Steven's Bicycles For over 50 years Steven’s Bicycles has provided friendly and quality service to Fresno-area cyclists. The salesmen and technicians at Steven’s Bicycles are thoroughly knowledgeable on all things related to bicycles which has made them the Student’s Choice for “Best Bike Shop” by Fresno State students.

The shop specializes in road bikes and mountain bikes but also has a wide selection of children's bicycles as well as a stock of bicycles to fit all budgets.

Stevens Bicycles also does repairs of all types from regular maintenance fixes to more complex repairs. The bicycle population at Fresno State is continually growing, and Steven's Bicycles is a great resource for these students.

With multiple locations and affordable prices, Red Carpet Car Wash was undoubtably the Students' Choice for "Best Car Wash."

Collegian

THE

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