2018 Readers Choice

JUNE 24, 2018

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, D O O F T S E B THE COUNTY’S E R O M D N A S L A RV I C E S , F E S T I V

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. . . e m o Welc

, JUNE 7, SUNDAY

2015

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WINNER

FOOD, TY’S BEST THE COUN AND MORE FESTIVALS , ES IC RV SE

BY YOU CHOSEN

Previous Issues of

FOOD , THE COUN TY’S BEST AND MORE SERV ICES, FEST IVALS

For newcomers to Gwinnett, the Reader’s Choice awards are a nice way to get an idea of what the locals like, from their favorite place to get a hamburger to the place they most prefer golf. But the awards — voted on by the readers during a nearly twomonth period — are also informative for longtime residents of Gwinnett, bringing to light a Thai restaurant you might not be familiar with or an auto mechanic that gets good marks from its customers. Reader’s Choice includes seven categories — food and fun, cars, home, family fun, feel good, pets and Gwinnett life — and there are winners and runners-up mentioned in every category. Enjoy perusing the lists and seeing the winners — your winners — in each category. barbecue COFFEE SHOP

!

Cho sen by YOU

GROOMING

Veterinarian

GOLF COURSE

ATTRACTIONS LESSONS

DAY CARE

COLLEGE

apartment

WORKOUT

DENTIST

Senior Living

SERVICES

Proud To Be The Promise of Gwinnett Thank you for voting us

2018 d eing vote ons for b ti la tu a l!

Congr lic Schoo Best Pub ementary

Apply Today at GCPSjobs.org

@GCPSHR

2 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

Ivy Creek

El

WINNER

RUNNER UP • Charles Minter Karate HONORABLE MENTIONS

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Charleston, South Carolina • Blue Ridge, GA

• USA Tae Kwon Do Academy • Hebron School of Karate

best employer WINNER

• Gwinnett County Public Schools RUNNER UP • Veugeler Design Group HONORABLE MENTIONS • Sports Medicine South • Gwinnett Medical Center

family fun

DANCE LESSONS WINNER

• Miss Cindy’s Dance Studio RUNNER UP • ALL STARS Performing Arts Academy

MUSIC LESSONS WINNER • EOP Red Clay Music Foundry School of Music RUNNER UP • Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music HONORABLE MENTIONS • Music and Arts Lawrenceville • New School of Music Buford

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Gwinnett Ballet Theatre • Buford School of Ballet • Sugarloaf Perfoming Arts

GOLF COURSE WINNER • TPC Sugarloaf RUNNER UP • Chateau Elan Winery & Resort HONORABLE MENTIONS • Bear’s Best Suwanee • Sugar Hill Golf Club

KARATE WINNER • The Dojo

feel good

CHIROPRACTOR WINNER

• Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Georgia

NEARBY ATTRACTION/FUN FIELD TRIP

RUNNER UP

WINNER

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Lake Lanier Islands Resort RUNNER UP • Southeastern Railway Museum HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Clear Path Family Chiropractic • Campbell Chiropractic • Gwinnett Chiropractic • Optimum Healthcare Hamilton Mill

• Georgia Aquarium

DENTIST FOR ADULTS

• Stone Mountain Park

WINNER • Dr. Randy Moore

VACATION DESTINATION WINNER • Walt Disney World RUNNER UP • Florida

RUNNER UP • Slade Leil HONORABLE MENTIONS • Lacour Family Dentistry • JS Balkcom Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 3

DENTIST FOR KIDS WINNER • Kwon Pediatric Dentistry RUNNER UP • Slade Leil HONORABLE MENTIONS • Dr. Rhonda Hogan Pediatric • North Georgia Pediatric Dentistry

ORTHODONTIST WINNER • Dr. Kenneth Starling RUNNER UP

RUNNER UP • Atlanta Rehabilitation HONORABLE MENTIONS • Resurgens Orthopedics • Benchmark Physical Therapy

SALON/SPA WINNER • Advanced Coloration RUNNER UP • Salon Greco Suwanee HONORABLE MENTIONS • Salon Disegno • Salon 124

• Smiles Forever HONORABLE MENTIONS • Whitney Orthodontics • Gray Orthodontics

SENIOR LIVING WINNER • Parc at Duluth

PEDIATRICIAN

RUNNER UP

WINNER

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Lawrenceville Pediatrics RUNNER UP

• Village Park at Spalding • Laurel Grove • Delmar Gardens

• Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine HONORABLE MENTIONS • Cornerstone Pediatrics • PAL Pediatric Associates of Lawrenceville • Snellville pediatrics

PHYSICAL THERAPIST WINNER • Sports Medicine South

SPORTS MEDICINE WINNER • Sports Medicine South RUNNER UP • Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists HONORABLE MENTIONS

URGENT CARE WINNER • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta RUNNER UP • Gwinnett Urgent Care - Dr. Perry HONORABLE MENTIONS • Northeast Georgia Physicians Group • Eastside Urgent Care, Lawrenceville

WORKOUT WINNER • Burn Bootcamp Lawrenceville RUNNER UP • No Excuses CrossFit HONORABLE MENTIONS • Planet Fitness • Golds

• Resurgens Orthopedics

• J.M. Tull YMCA

• Peachtree Orthopedics | Duluth Office

• Rainbow Pilates

4 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

RUNNER UP • Dreamland Bar-B-Que HONORABLE MENTIONS • Jim ‘N Nicks • Praise the Lard

food & fun ARTS VENUE ITP WINNER • Fox Theatre RUNNER UP • Chastain Park Amphitheatre HONORABLE MENTIONS • Tabernacle • Lakewood Amphitheatre

BEER GROWLER WINNER

WINNER • Infinite Energy Arena RUNNER UP • Aurora Theater HONORABLE MENTIONS • Red Clay Music Foundry • Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

BARBEQUE WINNER • Edee’s Place

WINNER • Simply Done Donuts RUNNER UP • Grayson Coffee House HONORABLE MENTIONS • Starbucks • Dunkin’ Donuts

• Exhibit A(le) RUNNER UP • Good Word Brewing & Public House HONORABLE MENTIONS • Sweetwater Brewery • Slow pour brewery

DESSERT/BAKERY WINNER • Special Kneads and Treats RUNNER UP • Blue Rooster HONORABLE MENTIONS

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH WINNER • Maple Street Biscuit Company RUNNER UP

ARTS VENUE OTP

COFFEE SHOP

• Brunch Apothecary HONORABLE MENTIONS • Little Barn • Peachtree Cafe

• Baking Grounds • The Sweet Batter

HAPPY HOUR WINNER • Friends American Grill RUNNER UP • McCray’s Tavern Lawrenceville HONORABLE MENTIONS

BURGER WINNER • Friends American Grill RUNNER UP • Universal Joint HONORABLE MENTIONS • Local Republic • Marlow’s Tavern

• Marlow’s Tavern • Taco Mac

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Antoneta Biba’s Pizza & Pasta • Roma

ITP RESTAURANT WINNER • Mary Mac’s Tea Room RUNNER UP • Maggiano’s Little Italy HONORABLE MENTIONS • Atlanta Fish Market • Fox Brothers

MEXICAN WINNER • Austin’s Burritos RUNNER UP • Los Hermanos HONORABLE MENTIONS • Frida’s Mexican Restaurant • La Parrilla

PIZZA WINNER • O4W Pizza in Duluth

ITALIAN WINNER • Provino’s Italian Restaurant RUNNER UP • Dominick’s

RUNNER UP • Mellow Mushroom HONORABLE MENTIONS • Cosmo’s Little Italy • Antico

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 5

When it’s your child, nothing’s more urgent When your pediatrician is unavailable, our Urgent Care Centers are open 7 days a week, including holidays. Because when they’re not feeling well, the last thing you want to do is wait.

To find out which of our 8 locations is nearest you, and even save your spot in line, visit choa.org/waittimes.

CHILDREN’S AT SATELLITE BLVD

553667-1

2660 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH

CHILDREN’S AT HAMILTON CREEK

2240 HAMILTON CREEK PKWY, STE 600, DACULA

6 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

©2018 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

Where will you take your child?

Picture it: It’s late on a Saturday evening, and your son has fallen off his bike. You think his arm may be broken.

Your pediatrician’s office is closed. But it’s a far drive to an emergency department, and you’re worried about potential wait times at the hospital. What do you do?

You need a place that’s open evenings, weekends and holidays, a place where no appointment is necessary, a place that provides labs and X-rays. What you’re looking for is urgent care. Thankfully, you won’t have to look far because Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has several convenient locations throughout the Atlanta area, including in Gwinnett. Our Urgent Care Centers are staffed with pediatricians who specialize in caring just for kids and teens.

Gwinnett County Public Schools 2018 Winner – Best Employer

If you do choose to visit one of our locations, you’ll be in good company. Just last year our Urgent Care Centers treated more than 150,000 patients. Unlike other retail clinics, Children’s Urgent Care Centers are always staffed with pediatricians who are specifically trained to treat all children—from babies to teenagers.

In addition to our pediatric-trained staff, we have equipment that is specially designed with children in mind.

Our on-site lab and X-ray services help to quickly diagnose and treat your child in one location. And, if needed, we can send prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy so your child’s medicine is waiting for you when you get there.

Dacula High School, Gwinnett County, GA

Since we understand how disruptive it is to have a sick child and how hard it can be for children to wait at a clinic for care, we let you save your spot online by selecting an arrival time before you leave home. We also accept walk-in patients during business hours at all of our Urgent Care Centers.

Sports Medicine South

Excited to have Children's Healthcare of Atlanta as a convenient urgent care option, but still a little unsure when to bring your child? Use the guide below to help you choose when to seek primary care, urgent care or emergency care.

2018 Winner – Best Sports Medicine

Primary Care Office

Visit:  When you have general questions about your child’s health or care  When your child needs regular care  During weekdays and by appointment for  Well-child check-ups  Physicals  Flu shots and other vaccines  Common illnesses and minor injuries

Urgent Care Center

Visit:  When your child’s pediatrician isn’t available—like evenings, holidays or weekends  For minor injuries and illnesses like earaches, sore throats or cuts that require stitches  For fevers*  For broken bones

Visit:  For serious injury or illness like  Broken bones (bone coming out of skin)  Head injury (loss of consciousness)  Cuts (bleeding won’t stop)

Visit us in Gwinnett for all your urgent care needs.

Children’s at Satellite Boulevard 2660 Satellite Blvd Duluth, GA 30096 Children’s at Hamilton Creek 2240 Hamilton Creek Pkwy, Suite 600 Dacula, GA 30019

Visit choa.org/urgentcare for more information and to save your spot online.

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(From Left to Right) TOP: Jack Dupee, MA – Harris Patel, PA-C, ATC – Christopher Sellars, DO – Gary A. Levengood, MD – Saadiq El-Amin, MD, PHD BOTTOM: Anish Patel, ATC – Lauren Hoyt, ATC – Stephanie Griggs, ATC – Adele Harrison, CMA

Emergency department

*For children older than two months.

If you think your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Hours may be affected by unanticipated circumstances.

Visit choa.org/urgentcare for real-time updates.

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 7

SEAFOOD WINNER • Kurt’s Euro Bistro RUNNER UP • Pappadeaux HONORABLE MENTIONS • Oyster Bay Seafood Cafe • Bonefish Grill

SOUTHERN COOKING WINNER • Rexall Grill RUNNER UP • Rico HONORABLE MENTIONS • Cracker Barrel • Mary Mac’s

SPORTS BAR WINNER • Friends American Grill

HONORABLE MENTIONS

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Stoney River

• Atlanta Classic Cars

• Frankies

• KIA Mall of Georgia • Mall of Georgia Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM

SUSHI WINNER

for cars

• Mori House RUNNER UP • Mito Japanese Restaurant

AUTO DEALERSHIP

HONORABLE MENTIONS

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Joe Watkins Automotive

RUNNER UP • Hayes Automotive Group

WINE/SPIRITS

• Christian Brothers Auto • Team Ryan - Buford

• INFINITI of Gwinnett

• Samurai Blue Japanese Grill

WINNER RUNNER UP

WINNER

• Sushi Niko Niko

AUTO MECHANIC

• Hayes Automotive Group

WINNER • Beverage SuperStore of Suwanee

Come Taste the Difference!

RUNNER UP • Duluth Fine Wine & Sprits

Thank You Gwinnett for Voting Us #1 Senior Living Community!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Exceptional Senior Living!

• Beverage Superstore of Grayson

Parc at Duluth

• Dacula Cork and Bottle

3315 Peachtree Ind. Blvd.

Duluth, GA 30096

RUNNER UP

770.622.6880 www.parcatduluth.com

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• Taco Mac HONORABLE MENTIONS • McCrays • Wild Wing Cafe

Thank you to our amazing customers!

STEAK WINNER • Kurt’s Euro Bistro RUNNER UP 552796-1

• Longhorn

8 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

#1 BEST SPORTS BAR #1 BEST HAPPY HOUR #1 BEST BURGER DACULA, BUFORD, SUWANEE, GRAYSON, WINDER, DAWSONVILLE www.FriendsAmericanGrill.com

Holtkamp Heating & Air

By Jon Gallo

M

atthew Holtkamp, the president of Holtkamp Heating & Air, said his company wouldn’t be where it is today without the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.

“We would have struggled a lot more in the early years without the chamber’s help,” he said. “Looking back, they were the first people we needed to meet and that’s what we did. They helped us make business connections, introduced US to customers and put us through new member orientations that were all invaluable.

Back then, doing door-to-door sales was frowned upon and we could have done direct mail, but the chamber introduced us to customers and without customers, you don’t have a business.”

Holtkamp is one of the many success stories that couldn’t be written without a chapter on how the Gwinnett Chamber helped makes Matthew and his wife Suzanne’s entrepreneurial dream a reality.

Matthew arrived in Gwinnett County more than three decades ago, fresh out of technical school and ready to make a living through hard work – the same effort he displayed on his parent’s hog farm in rural Iowa.

It was 1985, he was 19, had $20 in his pocket, a couch to sleep on at a friend of a friend and was ready to begin his career as a commercial heating and air service technician. But that wasn’t his goal, just the starting line – and he had his sights set on owning his own company. The first step: spending nights taking business classes at Emory University, where he put together a map that ended where he is today.

In 1996, Matthew and Suzanne – who he met at a singles dance after living in Georgia – started Holtkamp Heating & Air in the basement of their home shortly after getting married.

“She did the office work and I was the technician,” said Matthew, whose company now boasts about 20 employees as it strives to be the county’s best HVAC company. “It was like we came to Gwinnett County at the perfect time.”

Gwinnett’s rapid influx of population and businesses provided an ever-growing customer base that fueled the company’s growth while always keeping the customer first.

something every business should do.”

Holtkamp said the tools he was given by the Chamber of Commerce, which positioned him for success as his business grew from infancy to where it is today, isn’t unique.

Serving more than 2,000 members, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit organization that strives to bolster businesses to compete in the local, regional and global market.

The chamber works to augment economic development initiatives in Georgia and focuses “on holistic economic development in targeted industries through continuous efforts to retain, expand and leverage existing Gwinnett businesses. [Its] focused marketing efforts attract businesses to locate or expand operations in Gwinnett and assist entrepreneurs in launching and sustain start-up businesses,” according to the chamber’s website.

“If you are starting a business in Gwinnett, the Chamber of Commerce will help you succeed,” Matthew, a former president of the Metro Atlanta Air Condition Association and Legislative Committee Chairrman, said. “They will connect you with everything you need and help you every step of the way. They have events all the time and I would say joining the chamber of commerce is

Holtkamp Heating & Air’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed by the chamber, which recently honored the company with two regional IMPACT Awards, given to companies that are driving economic development and job creation while enhancing the community’s quality of life. The company won the Small Business Award and was the overall winner among a field of 150 nominees.

“Gwinnett is constantly growing and you have people from all over the world living here,” Matthew, a 51-year-old Buford resident said. “You are always meeting new people and with so many people, they are always looking for companies to provide the services they need.”

Matthew, however, hasn’t forgotten his roots. Since his business has done well, he feels he needs to do good, which is why he’s as proud of his company’s philanthropy as he is of the number of people who have benefitted from his heating and air condition services.

The Holtkamps support the Aurora Theatre – the county’s only professional theatre – and The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning. Matthew, Suzanne and their two daughters have helped distribute more than 80 tons of food to the needy throughout metro Atlanta through the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. They also play a major role with Special Kneads & Treats Bakery, a nonprofit that provides employment to adults with special needs.

“Gwinnett is where we call home,” said Matthew, who was recently named the chairman of the board for the Gwinnett Tech Foundation, for which he will help start Gwinnett Tech’s Launch Point Center, which will provide training and internships to prepare the next generation’s workforce. “We just want to give back and say ‘thank you’ any way we can.”

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 9

Gwinnett Stripers

2018 WINNER – Best Sports Team

By Jon Gallo

S

o far, so good.

The Gwinnett Stripers have seen a nearly 7 percent increase in attendance through 28 games at Coolray Field this year, as the team’s aggressive

promotion and rebranding of the Class AAA baseball team have mitigated the squad’s slow start on the field.

The Stripers, who were known as the G-Braves since their inception in 2009, have complemented their major transformation off the field by making sure fans who visit Coolray Field leave the Lawrenceville ballpark happy – and wanting to come back.

“There are so many entertainment options in Atlanta that it creates a big challenge for us,” said Chryssi Attig, who is in her first season as the team’s community relations and promotions coordinator. “We have a different marketplace than other minor

10 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

league teams so we have to do things differently.”

The Stripers averaged 3,348 fans entering the middle of June after averaging 3,135 all over last year and 3,218 in 2016. The team’s attendance has fallen every year since 2013, when it averaged 4,762 fans. The team averaged 5,966 in its first year in Gwinnett.

The Gwinnett Stripers play in a market unlike any of the 13 other teams in International League, which stretches from upstate New York to Indiana. For starters, the Stripers’ Major League See

Gwinnett Stripers

Page 23

“

I don’t know why fans love them so much, but they just do.

—Chryssi Attig, community relations and promotions coordinator

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gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 11

• Amazing Technology • Same Day Crowns • No Temporaries • No Impressions • No Second Appointments 2017

2017

2018

“Love the people here and the dental work is the best around. They are very friendly and understanding. They don’t give you a hard time if you haven’t taken the best care of your mouth over the years. They will do whatever they need to accommodate you and make you feel at home. They are also very punctual which is a rarity for any doctor’s office.”

- G. Walker

551415-1

4470 Commerce Drive, Suite B Buford, GA 30518 770-945-5369

www.smilemooredentistry.com

12 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

• Beautiful Restorations

NEW PATIENTS

WELCOME

Your #1 Choice Thank you for your loyalty Dr. Randy Moore has been voted as Gwinnett County’s favorite dental office. His dedication to helping others and serving the community is the driving force behind Dr. Moore’s success.

It has been our pleasure to serve the North Gwinnett community since 1994. We want to encourage new patients to experience the excellent customer care and quality service for any dental need.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE!

We couldn’t have done it without you!

New Patient Offer

$100 off

any treatment

expires: June 30th

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 13

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14 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

CAR WASH WINNER • Mr. Clean Car Wash RUNNER UP • Fairway Carwash HONORABLE MENTIONS • Hamilton Mill Car Wash and Auto Spa • Autobell

HOMEBUILDER

RUNNER UP • The Reserve at Sugarloaf

WINNER

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Wayne Herman

• The Preserve at Legacy Park • Overlook at Gwinnett Stadium

• DR Horton

WINNER

• Peachtree Residential

• Church Ladies Furniture Consignment RUNNER UP

• Legendary Landscaping

HONORABLE MENTIONS

RUNNER UP

• Kidsignments

• Woody’s Nursery

• Plato’s Closet • Upscale Resale Consignment Boutique

ANTIQUE STORE WINNER • Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors RUNNER UP • Church Ladies HONORABLE MENTIONS • Ally’s Attic • Old Mill Estate Sales, Antiques and Consignments

APARTMENT COMMUNITY WINNER • The District at Duluth

WINNER • Lovin Florist RUNNER UP • Huff’s Flowers HONORABLE MENTIONS • Duluth Flower Shop • Suwanee Town Florist

HOME SERVICES WINNER • Allgood Pest Solutions RUNNER UP • Arrow Exterminators HONORABLE MENTIONS

LANDSCAPING FIRM WINNER

• Kid to Kid

for home

• Storey Custom Homes HONORABLE MENTIONS

CONSIGNMENT STORE

FLOWER SHOP

RUNNER UP

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Chelsea Gardens • Russell Landscape

MAID SERVICE WINNER • Squeaky Clean RUNNER UP • Dirt Divas HONORABLE MENTIONS • Personal Touch House Cleaning • Molly Maid

REALTOR WINNER • Andy Yarbrough, Palmer House Properties RUNNER UP • RE/MAX Regency HONORABLE MENTIONS

• HERO Heating and Air

• Winfield Realty Group

• Team Pest USA

• Chrissy Ursetta

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 15

Infinite Energy Arena

2018 WINNER – Best Arts Venue OTP

manager, said when asked if the building is Atlanta’s premier music venue. “This is a really competitive area and we have worked hard to get the reputation of getting top performers and providing an intimate setting where those who come see shows get a great overall experience.”

U2’s show, which was part of a 50date tour that sold more than 2.7 million tickets worldwide and grossed more

By Jon Gallo than $316 million in box office revenue according to Billboard was the Arena’s hen Justin Timberlake’s concert biggest show of the Infinite Energy Arena. last month grossed more However, it was by no means the only than $2.194 million dollars concert by a big-name act. with 12,149 tickets sold to set an Infinite The Infinite Energy Arena played host Energy Arena record, officials at the to some of music’s biggest names in the Duluth venue were thrilled, but then U2 past year, which included Ed Sheeran, rolled into town.

Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, Kendrick The Irish band’s visit on May 28 Lamar and Green Day. In 2017, the venue reportedly grossed $2.6 million, making hosted 25 major concerts – its most ever Bono and the boys the new standard for – and were seen by 300,000 spectators. the highest-grossing event in the arena’s McCartney – a former Beatle – held history. the record before it was smashed by Timberlake.

“I would say so,” Marcia Powell, the

W

venue’s marketing and communications

“Artists choose to play here because

16 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

the way we are set up is that there is not a bad seat here,” Powell said. “We don’t have nose-bleed seats, so artists know when they come here, all of their fans will get a good view of the show and have a great time.”

Infinite Energy Arena ranked 70th worldwide for tickets sales in 2017, according to Pollstar magazine’s year-end Top 200 Arenas.

Powell said the venue has a seating capacity of more than 12,000 for a typical concert where the stage is near the end of the arena. The venue is also in a very diverse county, which has enabled it to attract Latino, Indian and Asian acts, which remain in high demand.

6, Romeo Santos on Oct. 9, Josh Groban on Oct. 18 and Sesame Street Live from Nov. 9 -11. The arena’s final concert of the year is scheduled to be Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band on Dec. 22. Seger had to postpone its October show, as well as numerous other shows on his tour, for medical reasons “We have people from all over the world here so we try to get a good mix,” Powell said.

Infinite Energy Arena, however, isn’t just a music venue. During the end of May, more than a dozen high schools and colleges held graduation ceremonies.

It’s also home to minor league hockey’s Gwinnett Gladiators, indoor lacrosse’s Georgia Swarm and female football’s The complex, which includes the Atlanta Steam, in addition to the Arena, Forum and Theatre, will host numerous high school and college events, music, festivals, bike races, 5K runs and professional sporting events before the end international festivals and seminars. of the year.

“The goal is for us to keep getting Sam Smith visits on July 10, the Smashing Pumpkins on July 22, J. Cole on Aug. 12, Cirque Du Soleil from Aug. 29 – Sept. 2, Childish Gambino on Sept.

bigger and bigger so we can attract larger conferences and conventions,” Powell said.

“We want to bring all we can to Gwinnett County.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Duluth Animal Hospital • Sugarloaf Animal Hospital

DAYCARE

DOWNTOWN

WINNER

WINNER • Duluth

• Horizon Christian School

RUNNER UP

RUNNER UP • Christian Beginnings Preschool -

for pets WINNER • Tiger Tails RUNNER UP • Apalachee River Animal Hospital HONORABLE MENTIONS • Camp Bow Wow • ShamPooch Palace

GROOMING WINNER • Apalachee River Animal Hospital RUNNER UP • ShamPooch Palace HONORABLE MENTIONS • Groomer Girls Pet Salon • Tiger Tails Animal Hospital

VETERINARIAN WINNER • Apalachee River Animal Hospital RUNNER UP • Tiger Tails

HONORABLE MENTIONS

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Suwanee

• Discovery Point Hamilton Mill

gwinnett life AQUATIC CENTER WINNER

• Buford

• Discovery Point Old Peachtree • Greater Atlanta Christian School Young Learners Academy

Excellent Care for Exceptional Pets

• Bogan Park Community Recreation & Aquatic Center RUNNER UP • Bethesda Park Aquatic Center HONORABLE MENTIONS

Now offering house calls!

• Mountain Park • Collins Hill Aquatic Center

COLLEGE WINNER • Georgia Gwinnett College RUNNER UP

Apalachee River Animal Hospital is a state of the art facility, equipped to provide your pet with complete diagnostics, hospitalization and care as well as boarding, daycare & spa services.

• University of Georgia HONORABLE MENTIONS • Gwinnett Technical College • Georgia Tech

Dr. Randy Prezzano Dr. Destiny Prezzano Dr. Jennifer Coval Dr. Jessica Bremer

553352-1

DOGGIE DAYCARE

Duluth Highway, Duluth

• Lawrenceville

678.376.0503

822 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019, United States

apalacheeriveranimalhospital.com

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 17

FESTIVAL/FAIR WINNER • Duluth Fall Festival RUNNER UP • Suwanee Beer Fest HONORABLE MENTIONS • Gwinnett County Fair • Yellow Daisy

GWINNETT SPORTS TEAM WINNER • Gwinnett Stripers RUNNER UP • Atlanta Gladiators HONORABLE MENTIONS • Georgia Swarm • Atlanta United 2

HOTEL WINNER • Chateau Elan RUNNER UP • Lake Lanier Islands Resort HONORABLE MENTIONS • Sonesta Gwinnett Place • The Georgian Terrace

MALL WINNER • Mall of Georgia RUNNER UP • The Forum - Peachtree Corners

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Shoppes at Webb Gin • Sugarloaf Mills

MOVIE THEATER WINNER • AMC Colonial 18 RUNNER UP • Movie Tavern HONORABLE MENTIONS • Regal Mall of Georgia • Studio Movie Grill

MUSEUM WINNER • Southeastern Railway Museum RUNNER UP • Fernbank Museum of Natural History HONORABLE MENTIONS • High Museum of Art • Atlanta History Center

PARK/OUTDOOR SPACE WINNER • Duluth Town Green RUNNER UP • Suwanee Town Center HONORABLE MENTIONS • Little Mulberry Park • Tribble Mill

PRIVATE SCHOOL WINNER • Hebron Christian Academy

18 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

RUNNER UP • Providence Christian Academy HONORABLE MENTIONS • Greater Atlanta Christian School • Oak Meadow Montessori School

PUBLIC SCHOOL WINNER • Ivy Creek Elementary School RUNNER UP • Coleman Middle School HONORABLE MENTIONS • Brookwood High School • Mill Creek High School

RETAIL EXPERIENCE WINNER • The Forum on Peachtree Parkway RUNNER UP • Parsons Gifts - Suwanee HONORABLE MENTIONS • Mall Of Georgia • Parsons Cumming

WEDDING VENUE WINNER • Ashton Gardens RUNNER UP • Payne-Corley House HONORABLE MENTIONS • Lanier Islands Resort • Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

Duluth Fall Festival

2018 WINNER – Best Festival

By Jon Gallo

F

or all of the changes that have transformed Duluth through the years, there’s been one constant: its Fall Festival.

“It makes you proud to say you are from Duluth,” Jerry Bignotti, who chairs the event along with Crystal Huntzinger, said. “This festival represents a homecoming for so many people who were raised here, lived here or went to school here. Now, they want to come back.”

Thirty-six years ago downtown Duluth welcomed the city’s first fall festival, which has morphed into quite possibly Duluth’s biggest annual event – one that is expected to draw a crowd of about 90,000 on Sept.

29-30.

“Our city has evolved and so has our

Fall Festival,” said Kay Montgomery, who has been involved with the event in some capacity every year, including serving as co-chairperson several times, including in 2016. “We’re proud of how our city has grown and we want to show it off because it’s such a great place.”

Like much of Gwinnett County, Duluth’s population has exploded in recent years. The city is now home to more than 29,000 residents, marking a more than 10 percent increase from its population in 2010, according to the U.S. Census.

The city, which is 10 square-miles in the western Gwinnett County, is as diverse as the United Nations and home to a

good school system, a vibrant downtown, top-tier entertainment complex (Infinite Energy Arena), the Red Clay Music Foundry, an award-winning downtown, the Gwinnett Medical Center and the Hudgens Arts Center.

“What makes Duluth so special is that we have a city that represents something intimate and has a small-town feel but still gives you access to all of the big-time opportunities,” said Bignotti, who moved to Duluth in 1996 and has been associated with the festival since the early 2000s. “The See

Duluth Fall Festival

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gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 19

Duluth Fall Festival • From Page 19

effect the festival has on our city, especially downtown, is enormous.”

More than 40 food vendors – selling everything from corndogs to Asian cuisine and funnel cakes to Latin American dishes – will have something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. There’s also expected to be more than 250 vendors selling their goods, giving the businesses exposure to customers who might not they their businesses even existed.

For those looking to spend their time on rides instead of shopping, the festival’s midway will feature a Ferris wheel, the Orient Express, the Dizzy Dragon, Rio Grande train and other rides for festival goers of all ages.

The Duluth Fall Festival, which is organized by about 400 volunteers who are on about 55 committees, starts at 10 a.m. on Sept. 29 on Main Street with a parade featuring students, Boy and Girl Scouts, dignitaries, fire trucks, antique cars and clowns. The parade will continue south and east to Highway 120 before heading south to Buford Highway and concluding at Hardy Industrial Boulevard.

“I’m blown away that something this good and this big is done by all volunteers,” Bignotti said. “I’ve learned so much on how to work with other people by watching the committees work together so wee can deliver a great experience for everyone.”

There’s also a 5K run, which is certified

by USA Track & Field and a qualifying event for the Peachtree Road Race, at 8 a.m. on Sept. 30. Registration forms will be available on the festival’s website as the event grows closer, Bignotti said.

While the festival has expanded in size and popularity, its goals – to promote downtown Duluth, unite people, provide wholesome entertainment and continue to make residents proud to call Duluth home – have remained the same.

Montgomery has seen first-hand how fast Duluth – and the festival – grow.

The influx of people and development of downtown have created challenges that festival organizers have tried to remedy.

Those attending the festival are urged

Best Festival in Gwinnett to park at Chattahoochee Elementary School on Albion Farm Road, Mason Elementary School on Bunten Road and Duluth Middle School on Pleasant Hill Road. Complimentary, air-conditioned shuttles will run every 15 minutes between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m.

- 6 p.m. on Sunday, except between 9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. on Saturday during the parade.

“The success of the festival and a lot of people wanting to go to it have made us a victim of our own success because the construction downtown has eliminated a lot of places where visitors used to be able to park,” Bignotti said. “Last year, our shuttles provided 10,000 rides during the two days and 33 percent were at each of the three schools.”

The festival has emerged as more than two days of fun and food, Montgomery said.

“It’s become a weekend that’s one big reunion because everyone who lives here comes to meet everyone,” Montgomery said. “For the kids who have gone off to college, this is the first weekend all of them try to come back home. For Duluth High School, I know a lot of classes try to have their reunions because everyone wants to come to the festival and it’s a great place for everyone to meet and have fun.”

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We are also very proud of all these winners from Duluth or otherwise connected to the Festival

Winners - Best in Gwinnett Festival - Duluth Fall Festival Senior Living - Parc at Duluth Best Downtown - Duluth Doggie Daycare - Tiger Tails Animal Hospital Park/Outdoor Space - Duluth Town Green Dance Lessons - Miss Cindy’s Dance Studio Apartment Community - District at Duluth Music Lessons - Red Clay Music Foundry Homebuilder - Wayne Herman Breakfast/Brunch - Maple House Biscuit Company Auto Dealership - Infiniti of Gwinnett Coffee Shop - Simply Done Donuts Museum - Southeastern Railway Museum Pizza - O4W Pizza Consignment Store - Church Ladies Consignment Southern Cooking - Rexall Grill

Runners Up Public School - Coleman Middle School Daycare - Christian Beginnings Preschool of DUMC Wedding Venue - Payne-Corley House Best Kid’s & Best Adult Dentist - Slade Lail Homebuilder - Storey Custom Homes Veterinarian - Tiger Tails Animal Hospital Landscaping - Woody’s Nursery Barbeque - Dreamland Barbecue Car Wash - Fairway Carwash Beer/Growler - Good Word Brewing & Pub Antique Store - Church Ladies Consignment Nearby Attraction - Southeastern Railway Museum Wine/Spirits - Duluth Fine Wine & Spirits

Our overall purpose as a Festival is to make Duluth the very best it can be. These winners are certainly doing their part toward reaching this goal.

See you in September!

36 Annual Duluth Fall Festival September 29th & 30th, 2018 th

2017

2018

Georgia Gwinnett College

Duluth Fall Festival 2018 Winner – Best Festival

2018 WINNER – Best College

By Jon Gallo

Reprint – Original Run 6/4/17

G

eorgia Gwinnett College (GGC) handed out a school-record 505 bachelor’s degrees during its spring commencement ceremony on the Library Lawn in May, marking the first time in the school’s 11-year history that more than 500 students turned their tassels in a single ceremony.

they would ever have,” said Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman, the president and chief executive officer of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce who was GGC’s first president.

“Having a four-year college that’s affordable inspires people and you are seeing a lot of kids graduate from our high school system, which is among the best in the country, and going on to become the first in their family to graduate college. They are learning to succeed and now going to college for many is the expectation.”

The graduation marked the first time GGC awarded bachelor’s degrees to the college’s first Special Education Paraprofessional students, through a program developed in collaboration with colleagues at Gwinnett County Public Schools. The school also recognized graduates who reGeorgia House of Representatives Miceived their teacher certifications as part of nority Leader Stacey Y. Abrams – the first their degrees in biology, English, history, woman to lead either party in the Georgia mathematics and political science.

General Assembly and the first AfricanThe event “was celebration for graduAmerican to lead in the House of Repreates and their families as well as the faculty sentatives – gave the keynote address. and staff who work together to foster a “As graduates, today you join the ranks caring culture that revolves around student success and mentoring,” the school said in of a special ensemble cast: those who have a press release. “GGC’s accessible, attentive sought and achieved higher education and who now face the ultimate cliffhanger: and affordable model is game changing and student-centric by design.” what next?” she said. “For those who are the first, you become the next chapter in “I came to GGC to learn how to be a your family’s epic tale.” good leader. After four years, I am confident that I have built a rock-solid foundation for my future,” graduate speaker Flurim Aliu, a political science major and international student from Kosovo, said.

A democrat, Abrams stressed the graduates focus on how they’ve impacted their communities and told them that education comes with responsibility.

“The community taught me the true meaning of leadership by example. I came here with dreams; I am leaving with goals and plans on how to achieve them.”

“What is demanded of you is this, that you honor the sacrifices of your parents, your families and yourself in pursuit of constant progress,” she said.

GGC had 118 students in its first class when the Lawrenceville school opened in 2006. It now has an enrollment of about 12,000.

Abrams has received the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award, and has been nationally recognized as one of “12 Rising Legislators to Watch” by Governing magazine and one of the “100 Most Influential Georgians” by Georgia Trend for 2012 and 2013.

“It’s been phenomenal in keeping talented people here and giving people opportunities that never had or even thought

Resurgens Orthopaedics Honorable Mention – Physical Therapy

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 21

Dr. Randy Moore

2018 WINNER – Best Dentist for Adults

By Jon Gallo

R

andy Moore said winning this newspaper’s Reader’s Choice Award for the sixth straight year for outstanding dentistry proves he’s become the dentist he always envisioned.

“Awards picked by the residents are especially rewarding because these are the people that live locally in our community and we do life together,” he said. “We may visit the same stores, events, and churches. These are the people whom we love and respect. It also shows that my office has earned their trust. Having their confidence and their mutual respect is very meaningful to me and to each one of our team members.”

Moore’s practice in Buford, which he’s ran with wife Cassy for the past 18 years, has served more than 10,000, including four generations of families. Moore, who is the team focuses on each patient a member of the Georgia Dental as a family member. The Association, the American “family member comfort” Dental Association, the is paramount in an overall American General Dentistry positive dental experience. and the American Academy of Another key aspect is the Cosmetic Dentistry, recently physical environment in served patients outside the which one works. It has always state, when he and Cassy and a been an endeavor of mine to stay team of dentists went to Haiti to abreast of the top of the line help those in the impoverished Dr. Randy Moore technology and education.

Caribbean nation.

Most recently, we have completed a major Randy and Cassy’s year has been filled renovation at our office which includes with equal parts pleasure – they became updating the sterilization system to the most grandparents when their son, Jeremiah, modern and efficient system available. We fathered a daughter – and pain, when Randy’s also have the newest technology available. father recently passed away.

These advancements allow our office to treat Randy recently took some time out of his each patient as efficiently and comfortably busy schedule to speak about his practice, his as possible while holding to the highest family, his profession and his faith. standard of care.

GDP: What makes your practice standout from the other dentists in the county?

GDP: You’ve been named the county’s top dentist by readers for a sixth straight year. What keeps you motivated?

RM: There are many great dentists in Gwinnett County. We are just one of the offices that highlights our team. This reward is not about me personally, but the office as a whole. Each team member has worked hard to be the best they can be which in turn lifts our entire practice. Every member of

RM: My father has been critically ill this past year, succumbing to his illness on June 14, 2018. After I graduated from [University of Alabama-Birmingham] dental school in 1993, I was contemplating going back to medical school. My father told me to be the best dentist I can be, for it is a great service

22 • READER’S CHOICE • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • Gwinnett Daily Post • gwinnettdailypost.com

to society. Therefore, I have tried to honor my dad’s wishes. This is what keeps me motivated.

GDP: When we talked last year, your daughter, Elyssa, had just graduated from Providence Christian Academy and was leaving to attend Samford, meaning that you and Cassy would have no children at home for the first time. What was that like and did you focus more on your business since you and Cassy are a team at work, too?

RM: Being an empty nester has been interesting! Not only has my daughter completed her fist year at Samford University, but our son has fathered our first grandchild, Lyla Grace! It seems now that every weekend we are traveling. I can’t say we focus more on the office. Our focus has always been God first, family second and business third.

GDP: What is the best lesson you learned this year that has made you a better dentist since you are always studying the latest technology?

RM: Investing in our team and in the best patient care possible is first and foremost in my office. Our latest advancements all started with an instrument dishwasher, of all things. This high powered washer is the

first step in top notch sterilization. It only got better from there. We improved the sterilization process and also the chair side delivery all the while creating a beautiful, soothing environment for our patients. I can’t tell you how much people have raved over the improvements. My goal is show my patients and my team that they are worth it!

GDP: What is the best advice you would give couples who work together?

RM: I think the best advice to give couples is to understand each other’s role.

This took a while to get it worked out for us, but once the roles were established, we could honor and respect the decision of the other person.

GDP: Cassy: What’s your advice?

CM: Participating in honest, open communication has always been the solution to not only our business life but also our personal life. By knowing the other person’s heart (whether it is my boss or my husband), I can always trust that my best interest is at the center of the decision making process. Another important aspect of team is making sure that you are giving of yourself to achieve a common goal. We truly have been blessed both in our careers and in our marriage. I am very grateful!

Gwinnett Stripers • From Page 10

Baseball affiliate, the Atlanta Braves, are a short drive away and are enjoying a season in which they’ve surpassed expectations. The rest of the league’s other teams, including the ones located in Durham, N.C., Lehigh Valley, Pa., Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pa., Norfolk, Va., Syracuse, N.Y., Toledo, Ohio, and Pawtucket, Mass., simply don’t have to the wealth of entertainment options as the Atlanta metro area.

linebacker Roquan Smith sign autographs, had postgame fireworks, had Country Western Wednesday, gave away Ronald Acuna bobbleheads and honored first responders, teachers and military members. And that was just in the season’s first two months.

The team has Margaritaville Night (July 7), Mike Foltynewicz Bobblehead night (July 20), Christmas in July (July 22), bring your dog to the game (July 19, Aug. 16) and Pajamas in the Park (July 20), where fans are urged to bring in new pajamas that will be donated “We want to make sure fans, whether to foster children. And of ocurse, they it is their first game, third game or are will throw a birthday party for the season-ticket holders, see something team’s mascot, Chopper, on Aug. 4. On different,” Attig said. “Sometimes, it is Wednesday, those with a state-issued through our in-game promotions. We fishing license get two Field Box tickets don’t want fans coming in and seeing the to the price of one, with members of same things over and over.” the military getting the same deal on The Stripers have hosted Halloween Mondays through the season. All dugout seats are buy-one-get-one on Tuesdays.

Night, had former Georgia Bulldog

first baseman Carlos Franco, who could find themselves playing for the Braves at any moment. And that’s one of the biggest issues the Stripers have – the uncertainty of who will be in the lineup in given day.

“In the minor leagues, people expect to come here and have fun,” Attig said.

The Stripers entered the third week of June with a record of 31-36, six games behind division-leading Durham.

However, the team has plenty of stars, including outfielder Danny Santana and

After all, many of the Braves’ top players – and manager Brian Snitker arrived at SunTrust Park after playing very well in Gwinnett – and probably will never call Coolray Field home again. However, that doesn’t mean the Stripers have forgotten about Acuna, Foltynewicz, Ozzie Albies, Julio Teheran, who all played for the G-Braves.

“People love when we have their bobbleheads,” said Attig, whose team will give out figurines of Albies, Acuna and Foltynewicz before season’s end. “I don’t know why fans love them so much, but they just do.”

gwinnettdailypost.com • Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, June 24, 2018 • READER’S CHOICE • 23

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