Welcome to the 2024 Benzie County Record Patriot’s Readers’ Choice Awards!
As you can already see, we’ve made some changes. We wanted to give you a publication that is truly special and reflects the character of the community. We hope you like it! We had another year of very high voter turnout with the great people of the Benzie community voting for the businesses and professionals they love the most. This resulted in an extremely competitive year.
The winning businesses listed in these pages are truly the best of the best. It is our privilege to be able to honor them and recognize the services they provide.
But before we get to the winners, The Benzie County Record Patriot wants to give a HUGE thank you to all of our readers. Simply put, without you this magazine would not be possible. Your continued support, and the time you invested in voting for your favorite businesses and people in each category, is appreciated. Our local businesses take a lot of pride in serving you and they appreciate your vote of confidence!
This magazine goes far beyond listing winners and finalists,
however. It also serves as a resource for our community to help you discover the best places to eat, the top doctors and medical facilities to use and the outstanding professionals who provide services in the Benzie area. You can use this magazine all year long, with confidence, knowing that people just like you have endorsed these local businesses.
To all the winners and finalists, on behalf of the Benzie County Record Patriot and our readers, I’d like to extend a very warm and hearty CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for helping make Benzie such a special community to do business in.
We hope you enjoy the 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards!
Danette Doyle General ManagerHNP MI Print Advertising
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Pages 14-15 People Page 16 Places Pages 18-19 Restaurant Food & Beverage Pages 20-23 Shopping Pages 24-26
Auto Accessories
WINNER
n Willoughby Tire and Auto FINALISTS
• Bayshore Tire & Auto
• Thirlby Automotive
Auto Parts Store
WINNER
n Thirlby Automotive FINALISTS
• NAPA Auto Parts
• Benzie Automotive
Automotive Repair
WINNER
n Willoughby Tire and Auto FINALISTS
• Bayshore Tire & Auto
• DJ’s Garage
New Car Dealership
WINNER
n Watson Benzie FINALISTS
• Serra Buick GMC
• Wyatt Ford
Place for an Oil Change
WINNER
n Willoughby Tire and Auto FINALISTS
• Benzie Express Lube & Tire Service
• Benzie Automotive
Tire Shops
WINNER
n Willoughby Tire and Auto
FINALIST
• Northern Auto & Tire Inc.
Towing Service
WINNER
n Corey’s Big Dog Towing & Recovery
FINALIST
• Statewide Towing & Auto Recovery
Accountant
WINNER
n Christopher & Company CPAs
FINALIST
• Amy Plumstead - Plumstead PC Attorney
WINNER
n Grogan Law
FINALIST
• Marshall & Bruce Law Firm P.C.
Bank
WINNER
n State Savings Bank
FINALISTS
• Honor Bank- Lake Ann
• West Shore Bank
Barber or Barber Shop
WINNER
n The Barber Shop
FINALIST
• Joel Joslin
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Credit Union
WINNER
n Frankfort
Community Federal
Credit Union
FINALISTS
• Forest Area Federal Credit Union
• Filer Credit Union
Financial Services
WINNER
n Honor Bank
FINALIST
• Up North Financial
Funeral Home
WINNER
n Jowett Family Funeral Homes
FINALIST
• Bennett-Barz Funeral Home & Terwilliger Funeral Home
Golf Course
WINNER
n Crystal Lake Golf Course
FINALIST
• Pinecroft Golf Course
Insurance Agency
WINNER
n Webber Insurance Agency
FINALISTS
• State Farm
• Frankfort Insurance
Insurance Agent
WINNER
n Sue WebberWebber Insurance Agency
Investment Firm
WINNER
n Up North Financial
Nail Salon/Nail Tech
WINNER
n Courtney BowerJackson Studio 231
FINALIST
• Dawn Vandemark
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Non-profit
WINNERS
n Benzie Area
Christian Neighbors
n Benzie Friends Resale & Consignment
FINALIST
• Honor Area Restoration Project
Pet Groomer
WINNER
n Heidi Jacobson
FINALISTS
• Precious Paws
• Morgan’s K9 Clips
Photographer
WINNER
n Jessica Whaley
FINALISTS
• Midwaters Photography
• Mikayla Ann Photography
Preschool
WINNER
n Frankfort Elberta Preschool
FINALIST
• Whistle Stop Learning Center
Real Estate Agent
WINNER
n Kathy Neveu - Real Estate One
FINALISTS
• Jamie Gray
• The Jon Zickert Group at Real Estate One
Stylist or Beauty Salon
WINNER n Posh
FINALISTS
• Infinate Beaute’
• Hairz 2 U
Veterinarian
WINNER
n Susan Daly - Betsie River Veterinary Clinic
FINALIST
• Robin Whitney - Betsie River Veterinary Clinic
AND THE WINNER IS...
THANK YOU FOR MAKING DUNEGRASS BENZIE COUNT Y BEST DISPENSARY!
HEALTH & FITNESS
Assisted Living
WINNER
n Frankfort Senior Care Home
FINALISTS
• Frankfort Pines Assisted Living
• The Homesteader
Chiropractor
WINNER
n Darren LaCharite - Gateway Family Chiropractic
FINALISTS
• Emily Eilers - North Star Family Chiropractor
• Britta Cicansky Cech at Crystal Care Chiropractic
Dentist
WINNER
n Stefanski Dental
FINALISTS
• Lisa Musgrave
• Walt Franke
Gym/Fitness Center
WINNER
n Crystal Spa and Fitness Center
FINALISTS
• CrossFit Dunes
Nurse Practitioner
WINNER
n Lindsey Bankston
FINALISTS
• Nancy Dorman
• Brandon Roose - Frankfort Medical Group
Outpatient Medical Facility
WINNER
n Rose JohnsonDanae Lowry
FINALISTS
• Hosick Dialysis Paul Oliver
• Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital
Registered Nurse
WINNER
n Hosick Dialysis Team at Elizabeth
C. Hosick Dialysis Center
FINALIST
• Jalena Lane at Cowell Family Cancer Center
Retirement Community
WINNER
n Michigan Shores
Cooperative
FINALISTS
• Frankfort Pines Assisted Living
• Hillside Assisted Living
HOME SERVICES
Boat Services
WINNER
n The Cottage Pros
FINALISTS
• Marine Tech LLC
• The Boat Doctor
Builder for Remodeling
WINNER
n The Cottage Pros
FINALIST
• Loney Custom Construction
Construction Company
WINNER
n The Cottage Pros
FINALISTS
• John Papineau, Builder
• Loney Custom Construction
Electrician
WINNER
n Bluewater
FINALIST
• Glen Lake Electric
Excavating Contractor
WINNER
n The Cottage Pros
FINALISTS
• AJ’s Excavating
• Gillison
Glass Company
WINNER
n Crystal Lake Glass
FINALIST
• South Side Plaza
Heating and Air
Conditioning
WINNER
n The Cottage Pros
FINALIST
• West Shore Plumbing & Heating
Home Builder
WINNER
n The Cottage Pros
FINALISTS
• John Papineau, Builder
• John Darien Homes LLC
Landscaper
WINNER
n Pro Lawn Care
FINALIST
• Hospenthal Lawncare
Lawn Care
WINNER
n The Cottage Pros
FINALISTS
• Pro Lawn Care
• Crystal Clear Lawn and Landscaping
New Home Builder
WINNER
n The Cottage Pros
FINALIST
• John Papineau, Builder
• John Darien Homes LLC
Pest Control
WINNER
n Hospenthals
FINALIST
• South Side Place
n
•
•
Septic Tank and System Cleaning
WINNER
n Benzie Pumping Service
FINALISTS
• Eliott’s Ken-Jac Pumping
• Pro Lawn Care
WINNER
n
•
•
Tree
WINNER
n
FINALIST
•
•
Coach
WINNER
n Cody VanDonkelarBenzie Central
FINALIST
• Matt Stapleton
EMT
WINNER
n Courtney Krafa
FINALIST
• Forrester Dobson-Benzonia
Fire Fighter
WINNER
n Forrester DobsonBenzonia
FINALISTS
• Steve Adams - Benzonia
• Mike MacGirr - Station 8
Local Elected Official
WINNER
n Jason Barnard
FINALISTS
• Gary Sauer
• Bill Ward
Local Musician
WINNER
n Barefoot
FINALIST
• Ingemar Johansson
Preschool Teacher
WINNER
n Brittney KrolczykFrankfort Preschool
FINALISTS
• Bianca McClaren - Crystal Lake Cooperative Preschool
• Rebecca Towersey - New Covenant Christian Academy
Teacher K-12
WINNER
n Eric Joslin
FINALISTS
• Ashley Lindstrom
• Tim Reznich
Volunteer
WINNER
n Deb Frisbee
FINALISTS
• Vicki Carpenter
• Molly Harrison
Worship Leader
WINNER
n Dane Bovee
FINALISTS
• Dennis Winek - Youth Pastor at Cornerstone Assembly of God in Beulah
• Leanne Deeren - Woodside Wesleyan Lake Ann
PLACES
Best Place to Follow On Social Media
WINNER
n Beautiful Benzie County
FINALISTS
• Benzie County Republicans
• Lake Ann Corner Cone
Business with Friendly Employees
WINNER
n Frankfort Senior Care Home
FINALIST
• The Cottage Pros
• Willoughby Tire and Auto
Locally Owned Business
WINNER
n Frankfort Senior Care Home
FINALISTS
• Jamie Gray
• Pro Lawn Care
Most Unique Business
WINNER
n Anet & Ollie’s Five & Dime
FINALISTS
• South Side Plaza
• Evergreen Mercantile-5:14 Candles
New Business
WINNER
n Whistle Stop Learning Center, LLC
FINALIST
• Mudgies
Outdoor Activity
WINNER
n Crystal Lake Farm & Alpaca Boutique
FINALISTS
• Crystal Lake Golf Course
• Crystal Lake Adventure Sports
Place to Buy a Christmas Tree
WINNER
n South Side plaza
FINALISTS
• Victoria’s Floral Design Inc
• Market Basket
Place to Volunteer WINNER
n Benzie Area Christian Neighbors
FINALISTS
• Benzie County Republicans
• Honor Area Restoration Project
Place to Work
WINNER
n Frankfort Senior Care Home
FINALISTS
• South Side Plaza
• John Darien Homes LLC
RESTAURANT FOOD & BEVERAGE
Appetizer
WINNER
n St. Ambrose Cellars
FINALISTS
• Sweets Bar and Grill
• Fallen Timbers
Asian Cuisine
WINNER
n Mary’s Asian Food Truck
Bakery
WINNER
n The Bread Lady Lake
Ann
FINALISTS
• Crescent Bakery
• Red Bush
Barista
WINNER
n Julie SingletonBella’s Cafe
FINALIST
• Jennifer Sowards at Fallen Timbers
Bartender
WINNER
n Emma Lane - St. Ambrose Cellars
FINALISTS
• Lindsey Quick at Corner Pub
• Jennifer Sowards at Fallen Timbers
BBQ or Ribs or Smokehouse
WINNER
n Stall BBQ Company
FINALISTS
• Jim’s Joint
• Geno’s
Breakfast Spot
WINNER
n Lighthouse Cafe
FINALISTS
• Birch and Maple
• Papa J’s Pizza and Diner
Brewery
WINNER
n Five Shores Brewing
FINALISTS
• Lake Ann Brewing Company
• Stormcloud Brewing Company
Burger
WINNER
n Dinghy’s Restaurant & Bar
FINALISTS
• Fallen Timbers
• Lake Ann Corner Cone
Chicken Wings
WINNER
n Lucky Dog
FINALISTS
• St. Ambrose Cellars
• Fallen Timbers
Children’s Menu
WINNER
n A&W Restaurant
FINALIST
• Corner Pub
Coffee Shop
WINNER
n Perks of Frankfort
FINALIST
• Ursa Major
RESTAURANT FOOD & BEVERAGE
Cook/Chef
WINNER
n Finn McLaren @ St. Ambrose Cellars
FINALISTS
• Jon Platte River inn
• Natalie Crawford
Craft Beer
WINNER
n Five Shores Brewing
FINALISTS
• Stormcloud Brewing Company
• St. Ambrose Cellars
French Fries
WINNER
n St. Ambrose Cellars
FINALISTS
• Frank’s
• Fallen Timbers
Hot Dog
WINNER
n Red Top Gourmet
Hot Dogs
FINALISTS
• FrankZ
• Lake Ann Corner Cone
Ice Cream/Yogurt
WINNER
n Hilltop
FINALISTS
• Mudgies
• Lake Ann Corner Cone
Lounge/Night Club/Sports
Bar/Pub
WINNER
n Fallen Timbers
FINALISTS
• Sweets Bar and Grill
Lunch Spot
WINNER
n Hungry Tummy Corner Pub
FINALISTS
• Fallen Timbers
• Lake Ann Corner Cone
Meat Market
WINNER
n Betsie Bay Beef
FINALISTS
• Honor Family Market
• Goody’s Lobster Shack
Mexican Restaurant
WINNER
n Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill
FINALIST
• Dos Arboles
New Restaurant
WINNER
n Stall BBQ Company
FINALISTS
• Old Town Grill and Tap
• Sweet’s Bar and Grill
Outdoor Dining
WINNER
n St. Ambrose Cellars
FINALISTS
• Boone’s Long Lake Inn
• Lake Ann Corner Cone
Pizza
WINNER
n Papano’s Pizza
FINALISTS
• Papa J’s Lake Ann
• Swett’s Bar & Grill
Restaurant
WINNER
n The Manitou
FINALISTS
• Fallen Timbers
• Birch and Maple
Romantic Dinner
WINNER
n Rock’s Landing
FINALIST
• The Manitou
Salad
WINNER
n Lucky Dog
FINALISTS
• Fallen Timbers
• Birch and Maple
Sandwich
WINNER
n East Shore Deli
FINALISTS
• Hungry Tummy Corner Pub
• Fallen Timbers
Soup
WINNER
n Fallen Timbers
FINALISTS
• Platte River inn
• Stapleton’s Corner Market
RESTAURANT FOOD & BEVERAGE
Waiter/Waitress
WINNER
n Jennifer Sowards at Fallen Timbers
FINALISTS
• Alex / Manitou
• Alicia Coles Fallen Timbers
Wine Menu
WINNER
n St. Ambrose Cellars
FINALIST
• Vita Bella Italian Kitchen and Market
SHOPPING
Boutiques
WINNER
n Crystal Lake Farm & Alpaca Boutique
FINALIST
• Curly Girl Goods
Carpet and Flooring Stores
WINNER
n Classic Interiors
FINALISTS
• Surfaces by TileCraft
Feed Store
WINNER
n South Side Plaza
FINALIST
• McGough’s Feed Store
Florist Shop
WINNER
n Victoria’s Floral
FINALIST
• South Side Plaza
Furniture Store
WINNER
n Betsie Bay Furniture
FINALISTS
• Classic Interiors
• Labadie’s Summer Place Casuals
Garden Center Greenhouse/ Plants
WINNER
n Crystal Gardens
FINALISTS
• South Side Plaza
• Eden Hill Greenhouse
Gift Shop
WINNER
n Crystal Lake Farm & Alpaca Boutique
FINALIST
• South Side Plaza
Glass/Head Shop
WINNER
n Dunegrass Co
FINALISTS
• South Side Plaza
Grocery Store
WINNER
n Family Fair Benzonia
FINALIST
• Lake Ann Grocery
Jewelry Store
WINNER
n Jacqueline’s Jems
FINALISTS
• Korner Gem Gallery
• Unearthed, LLC
Local Hardware Store
WINNER
n Nugents Ace Hardware
FINALIST
• Frankfort Hardware
Lumber/Building Supplies
WINNER
n Honor & Onekama
Building Supply
FINALIST
• Frankfort Hardware
SHOPPING
Paint and Supplies
WINNER
n Nugents Ace Hardware
FINALISTS
• Honor & Onekama Building Supply
• Frankfort Hardware
Resale/Thrift Shop
WINNER
n Benzie Friends Resale & Consignment
FINALISTS
• Curly Girl Goods
• Echo His Love Resale
Specialty Shops
WINNER
n South Side Plaza
FINALIST
• Curly Girl Goods
Store for Everyone in the Family
WINNER
n Benzie Friends Resale & Consignment
FINALISTS
• South Side Plaza
Finalist for Best place to follow on
Let us challenge ourselves to do everything each of us can to ensure Benzie wins every Republican election moving forward. Everyone can be involved! Areas to assist this effort include donating money or your time.
Work at our Action Center
Ask to join Team Michigan trainings at our Action Center Be a Poll Worker!!
Write a Letter to the Editor to the Benzie Record Patriot (YES, we now have better access to this! Stay tuned and please WRITE!)
Election Integrity Team is always looking for more data leads and individuals to file Affidavits in their respective Precincts.
Contact friends, family and neighbors and help them register to vote Join us at our pop-up events (see calendar on website for info)
Attend township, village, school board, and other county meetings
Consider running for a local positions in order to help keep Benzie GREAT! County openings can be found at BenzieCo.gov
& Finalist for Best place to volunteer! Our Location: 1681 Benzie Hwy, Benzonia MI 49616 (in the Family Fare shopping plaza)
Visit us today: www.benziecountyrepublicans.org/action-center
Membership Information: www.benziecountyrepublicans.org/donate/membership
Donate: www.benziecountyrepublicans.org/donate/membership
