2013 Best of Winners

LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT • SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2013

2E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best of Faulkner County

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Best of Faulkner County

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 3E

Best Of Winners AUTOMOTIVE BEST AUTO RENTAL WINNER

ENTERPRISE

RUNNERS UP BUDGET HERTZ

BEST AUTO DEALER- NEW WINNER

CRAIN BUICK GMC

RUNNERS UP

CALDWELL TOYOTA HONDA WORLD SMITH FORD

BEST AUTO DEALER- USED WINNER

CRAIN BUICK GMC Maggie’s Cookies was named Best Cookies and was a runner up for Best Bakery.

Maggie’s wins favorite cookies

By Courtney Spradlin Log Cabin STAFF WRITER

Maggie’s Original Cookie Company was voted Faulkner County’s favorite place for cookies.

The store at Prince Street bakes up 23 vari-

eties on the regular, according to supervisor Cole Welborn.

But the favorites are chocolate no-bakes and the smiley face cookies.

What makes Maggie’s special, Welborn said, is that the cookie recipes all originate with owner

Maggie Buntaine or her family.

Maggie’s celebrated 25 years in operation, and year 26 is near.

Buy a cookie at a time at Maggie’s or cater a meeting.

Kids like to stop by after school to pick out

a cookie, but adults buy them by the dozen for meetings and events.

The store has eight employees, some of which make it to work before 7 a.m. to start the day’s batches of sugar cookies that vary in shape from frogs to flowers.

RUNNERS UP HONDA WORLD SMITH FORD

BEST BODY SHOP WINNER

A & J COLLISION REPAIR

RUNNERS UP

CONWAY COLLISION HALTER’S BODY SHOP *RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Conway’s Classic Touch named Best Gift Shop

By Hilary Dixon log cabin staff writer

For Emma Vote, the owner of Conway’s Classic Touch, being hands on, offering unique merchandise and giving quality customer service is what makes her business different than all the others.

“We make our customers feel special, like they’re at home when they’re here,” she said.

Vote said the shop she bought back in 2001, does a little bit of everything.

“We’re a florist and a gift shop. We do weddings. We do flo-

GIFT < 4E

Conway’s Classic Touch was a runner up for Best Florist and was named Best Gift Shop.

4E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best of Faulkner County

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Best Of Winners AUTOMOTIVE (CONTINUED)

BEST GAS STATION WINNER KROGER

RUNNERS UP EXXON RACEWAY

BEST PARTS STORE WINNER

AUTO ZONE

RUNNERS UP ADVANCED AUTO PARTS O’REILLY

BEST SERVICE CENTER WINNER

MACE’S GARAGE

RUNNERS UP AUSTIN BROTHERS BARKLEY’S

Lander Smith, M.D., was named Best Doctor for 2013.

Dr. Lander Smith recognized as the ‘best’ among peers

By MEGAN REYNOLDS

BEST TIRE STORE WINNER

MCKINNEY TIRE PROS

RUNNERS UP AUSTIN BROTHERS TIRES FOR LESS

BEST WRECKER SERVICE WINNER

LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

Conway doctor Lander Smith loves his patients, and his patients love him right back. For 34 years, Smith has worked alongside cousin John Smith at Banister-Lieblong Clinic in Conway.

Smith joined cousin John Smith as a family practitioner at the clinic after finishing medical

school in Little Rock in 1979, and has seen thousands of patients over the years, developing lifelong relationships in the process and solidifying one of the most successful, established medical practices in the area.

Smith noted big changes and advancements in the business since 1979.

“When we first started out, I delivered 500 babies. Now I’ve raised them

all and they’re all out of college and have children of their own,” Smith says of his early years. When a handful of obstetricians came to practice in the area, Smith said he was relieved of the task of delivering children, and in time was also relieved of the surgeries he had performed, as Conway began to grow and more surgeons came to town.

Smith married wife

Suzanne in 1981. “I married my trophy bride,” Smith says. “She was my first and only and she’s been here with me all but those first two years of practice.” The couple share three children, son Clark, who is also a doctor; daughter Natalie Brownd, a registered nurse pursuing her master’s degree at the Uni-

said.

She said she tries to offer items that are one of a kind.

“I try to pick out stuff that is different than what other people in town have… unique stuff.”

She said the customers that come in tend to be regulars, but from all over.

“I enjoy visiting with them and helping them pick out what they need for their home to decorate,” she said.

“They tend to come back again and again.”

Along with giving her customers great service and attention, she said it is also important to always treat your employees special, fair and with respect.

SMITH < 5E

JIM SMITH

RUNNERS UP HELTON’S WRECKER SERVICE STEVE’S AUTO *RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

GIFT from 3E ral and gift arrangements.

“We have employees who can help people pick out what they want,” she

Best of Faulkner County

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Best Of Winners health and fitness BEST CHIROPRACTOR

SMITH from 4E

RUNNERS UP 10 FITNESS 365 FITNESS

WINNER

BEST HOME HEALTH CARE

RUNNERS UP

CONWAY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

LAMEY CHIROPRACTIC GREENBRIER FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC HURLEY CHIROPRACTIC

BEST DENTIST WINNER

FLANAGIN DENTAL

RUNNERS UP

KING FAMILY DENTAL DR. DAVID M. REESE, D.D.S.

BEST DOCTOR WINNER

LANDER SMITH, M.D.

RUNNERS UP

WINNER

RUNNER UP

ODYSSEY HOSPICE

BEST PHARMACY WINNER

WALGREENS

RUNNERS UP FRED’S BAKER DRUG

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY WINNER

INCITE REHAB

RUNNERS UP

ROBERT ROOK, M.D. BART THRONEBERRY, M.D.

CONWAY REGIONAL MCMASTER PHYSICAL THERAPY

BEST ELDER CARE

restaurants

WINNER

SALEM PLACE NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER

RUNNERS UP

GREENBRIER NURSING AND REHAB HERITAGE

BEST EYE CARE WINNER

BAKER EYE INSTITUTE

RUNNERS UP

MAGIE MABREY EYE CLINIC VISIONCARE

BEST BAKERY WINNER

ED’S CUSTOM BAKERY

RUNNERS UP

HARP’S/PRICE CUTTER MAGGIE’S ORIGINAL COOKIE CO. pattiCakes

BEST BARBEQUE WINNER

WHOLE HOG CAFÉ

RUNNERS UP

BEST HEALTH CLUB

HOG PEN BAR-B-Q SMITTY’S BAR-B-Q SMOKEHOUSE BAR-B-Q

CONWAY REGIONAL FITNESS CENTER

*RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

WINNER

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 5E

versity of Central Arkansas, and daughter Hayley, a fourth-year nursing student also enrolled at UCA. Smith works seven days a week, with daily, early-morning visits to about 300 nursing home patients in Conway and Greenbrier and Monday through Friday business hours spent at the clinic. As the practice ages, Smith says he’s developed a large base of elderly patients.

He plans to work in the clinic for at least five more years, he says; then he will likely transition to working with elderly patients full-time.

Reflecting on the pursuit of his career, Smith attributed his love of the elderly to routine trips to the county nursing home with his late father Mack, a Baptist preacher in Fordyce.

“He’d stick his head in the door and come out and say hello to each of them. Then growing up, when I’d go back home to see him in college, we would still visit the nursing home.”

When his father became ill at the age of 74, Smith said he would still wheel his father through the bursing home to visit the patients.

“Some of them had dementia — they didn’t even know their own names, or his — but they came out of their rooms and patted him and smiled.

“I don’t know how many years I’ve been doing that. I get up at five, and by six every day I’m at the nursing home,” Smith said.

Of his partnership with cousin John, Smith noted the pair have been friends since they were children and called their relationship “hard to even understand.”

“I’ve worked with John every day for 34 years, and there has never been a single day that I have ever left this clinic with an ill thought or a harsh word. We’ve never had an argument.”

Smith said he looks forward to getting up every day and going to work, and being recognized as “Best Doctor” affirms his daily intent, which he says is to “do (his) best and help somebody.”

“I guess I just feel like I get up each day and try to help people, and the response to the survey makes me feel like maybe I’m on the right track,” he said. “It just makes me want to get up tomorrow and try even harder.

“I sure feel blessed by the patients and the friends I’ve made along the way, for sure.”

(Megan Reynolds is a staff writer and can be reached by phone at 501-505-1277 or by email at megan.reynolds@thecabin.net. Follow us on Twitter @LCDonline, @ meganpreynolds.)

6E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best of Faulkner County

Best Of Winners restaurants (continued)

BEST BREAKFAST WINNER STOBY’S

RUNNERS UP

BOB’S GRILL CRACKER BARREL IHOP

BEST CAKES WINNER

ED’S CUSTOM BAKERY

RUNNERS UP

HARP’S/PRICE CUTTER KROGER pattiCakes

BEST COOKIES WINNER

MAGGIE’S ORIGINAL COOKIE CO.

RUNNERS UP

BEST MEXICAN

WINNER pattiCakes

RUNNERS UP ED’S CUSTOM BAKERY MARKETPLACE GRILL

BEST HAMBURGER WINNER

SONIC

SHORTY’S WAGON WHEEL

HOG PEN BAR-B-Q PAYTON CREEK CATFISH

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BEST CHICKEN

SONIC

RUNNERS UP

CHURCH’S CHICKEN KFC POPEYE’S

BEST COFFEE SHOP WINNER

WINNER

RUNNERS UP THE DRAFT JJ’S GRILL TGI FRIDAY’S

BEST HOME COOKING WINNER HOLLY’S COUNTRY COOKIN’

STARBUCKS

RUNNERS UP

RUNNERS UP

CAST IRON SKILLET

BOB’S GRILL DUNKIN DONUTS

WINNER

LA HUERTA

RUNNERS UP EL ACAPULCO EL PATRON FABY’S

STOBY’S

WINNER

CHICK-FIL-A

RUNNERS UP

BEST DESSERT

RUNNERS UP

WINNER

WINNER

SHAKE’S FROZEN CUSTARD

pattiCakes

BEST CATFISH RUNNERS UP

BEST ICE CREAM

BASKIN ROBBINS DAIRY QUEEN

ED’S CUSTOM BAKERY

DAVID’S BURGER

THE FISH HOUSE

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DIXIE CAFÉ HOLE IN THE WALL

BEST ORIENTAL WINNER

FUJI STEAKHOUSE

RUNNERS UP

CHINA TOWN JADE CHINA ORIENTAL KITCHEN

BEST PIZZA WINNER PIZZA HUT

RUNNERS UP LARRY’S PIZZA OLD CHICAGO US PIZZA

BEST ITALIAN WINNER

PASTA GRILL

RUNNERS UP

DUE AMICHE MICHAELANGELO’S RUSSO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN *RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

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Best of Faulkner County

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 7E

Best Of Winners restaurants (continued)

BEST FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WINNER

BEST MEN’S HAIR SALON WINNER

SPORT CLIPS

BEST SANDWICHES/ WRAPS

RUNNERS UP

WINNER

CRACKER BARREL

BIG BOYZ BARBER SHOP COUNTRY GENTLEMEN

RUNNERS UP

OVERALL FAVORITE

BEST BEAUTY SALON

WINNER

LUXE COLOR CREATIONS

SUBWAY

JIMMY JOHN’S MCALISTER’S STOBY’S

BEST SEAFOOD WINNER

LARRY’S PIZZA CHICK-FIL-A

MIKE’S PLACE

RUNNERS UP COLTON’S STEAKHOUSE

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

SOLUTIONS DAY SPA SYMETRIX

BEST BUILDER/ CONTRACTOR

RUNNER UP

BEST SOUP

WINNER

MARKETPLACE GRILL

MIKE’S PLACE THE FISH HOUSE

RUNNERS UP

SERVICES BEST ACCOUNTING

WINNER

NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION

RUNNERS UP

PANERA BREAD

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

GARY COX

MALLARD CUSTOM HOMES SALTER CONSTRUCTION INC. WATSON HOMES

CONNER & SARTAIN

BEST CARPET CLEANING

MCALISTER’S MEAN BEAN CAFÉ SUBWAY

BEST STEAKHOUSE WINNER

COLTON’S STEAKHOUSE

RUNNERS UP

RUNNERS UP GEORGE MACKEY

BEST ATTORNEY WINNER FRANK SHAW

RUNNERS UP

WINNER

THE CARPET CENTER

RUNNERS UP

CLEEN CO. STANLEY STEAMER WILLIAMSON’S

LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE MIKE’S PLACE OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

RAINWATER, HOLT & SEXTON

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH

BEST BANK

THE FISH HOUSE

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

WINNER

MIKE’S PLACE

RUNNERS UP

MARKETPLACE GRILL MEAN BEAN CAFÉ

GARY JILES

FIRST SECURITY BANK

RUNNERS UP ARVEST BANK

CENTENNIAL BANK

BEST CATERER WINNER

D&L HOG PEN BAR-B-Q MOE’S SOUTHWESTERN GRILL *RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

8E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best of Faulkner County

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Sonshine Academy is a runner up for Best Children’s Birthday and the winner of both Best Dance Studio and Best Gymnastics.

Faulkner County’s favor shines on Sonshine Academy

By ANGELA SPENCER Log Cabin Staff Writer

Sonshine Academy nailed the landing when it came to Faulkner County’s Best of Gymnastics.

Owners Elise Rose and Scott Wright started the business in fall of 1991 and have thrived as a place for people of all ages to practice various

activities such as gymnastics, dance, cheer and tumbling.

“We have an incredible staff and the most amazing facility,” Elise Rose said. “It’s just an awesome, fun place to be.”

Elise Rose said that their instructors work hard to balance fun with competition.

“We play to win but we

don’t win at all costs,” she said.

There are opportunities for children to concentrate on the fun of gymnastics on the recreational track, and the gymnasts who want to take it one step further can join in the competitive track.

Sonshine Academy has three to four camps each

week during the summer months. The regular schedule will begin Aug. 19 with classes for people ages 18 months to college ages with some additional classes geared toward adults.

The facility itself stands out, Elise Rose said, because it accommodates so many different activities.

“It’s hard to run all over town so it’s good for parents to have one place to do all those things,” she said.

The facility also features a new expansion, to which one four-year-old exclaimed, “Sweet mother of mercy, that is awesome,” at the unveiling, Elise Rose said.

Sonshine Academy is

at 2415 Donaghey Ave. For more information and a full class schedule, visit www.sonshineacademy.com.

(Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached by email at angela.spencer@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1212. To comment on this and other stories in the Log Cabin, log on to www.thecabin.net. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)

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Best of Faulkner County

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 9E

10E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best of Faulkner County

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Best of Faulkner County

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 11E

12E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best of Faulkner County

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Best of Faulkner County

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 13E

Best Of Winners services

BEST DAY SPA

BEST INSURANCE

(continued)

WINNER

WINNER

BEST CELLULAR PROVIDER

SOLUTIONS DAY SPA

FARM BUREAU

WINNER AT&T

RUNNERS UP SPRINT VERIZON

BEST CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY WINNER JUMPZONE

RUNNERS UP PLAYWORLD SONSHINE ACADEMY

BEST DANCE STUDIO

RUNNERS UP ELAN EUPHORIA

BEST ELECTRICIAN WINNER LOCK-WOOD ELECTRIC

RUNNERS UP CENTECH SERVICE HAMBUCHEN ELECTRIC KORDSMEIER ELECTRIC

BEST EMPLOYMENT WINNER

STAFFMARK

RUNNERS UP

RUNNERS UP ALLSTATE OTT INSURANCE STATE FARM

BEST INTERNET PROVIDER WINNER

CONWAY CORPORATION

RUNNERS UP AT&T THE COMPUTER WORKS WINDSTREAM

BEST LAWN CARE WINNER

ARKANSAS WORKFORCE CENTER S.O.S. EMPLOYMENT

THE PLANT OUTLET

RUNNERS UP

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES

GRASS ROOTS

BLACKBIRD ACADEMY OF ARTS IRBY’S DANCE STUDIO

WINNER

REED’S INC

RUNNERS UP

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

WINNER

SONSHINE ACADEMY

BEST DAY CARE WINNER CARING HANDS

RUNNERS UP ABUNDANT BLESSINGS KIDS DAY OUT MS. CARRIE’S DAY SCHOOL

BEST DRY CLEANER

CREWS & ASSOCIATES EDWARD JONES WELLS FARGO

BEST GYMNASTICS WINNER

SONSHINE ACADEMY

RUNNERS UP

CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHEER IRBY’S DANCE STUDIO

WINNER

BEST HEATING & COOLING

CLASSIC CLEANERS

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

FREYALDENHOVEN HEATING AND COOLING

HAMMETT CLEANERS MODEL CLEANERS QUALITY CLEANERS

RUNNERS UP PEARCE STEVENSON

RUNNERS UP

WINNER EUPHORIA

RUNNERS UP SAVANNAH BAKER AMANDA DOBBINS

BEST NAIL SALON WINNER PARADISE NAILS

RUNNERS UP ELITE NAILS NAIL TECH *RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Best of Faulkner County

14E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

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Eric White | Log Cabin Staff Photo

Jack’s Music is a runner up for Best Music and the winner of Best Musical Instruments.

Jack’s wins Best Musical Instruments

By MEGAN REYNOLDS

LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

Jack Smith knows his instruments and loves music.

For 32 years, Smith has spent his days alongside wife Mert at Jack’s Music, an institute of its own kind among locals. Inside the family-owned and operated store, the couple can be found working on musical instruments, assisting customers and teaching music lessons.

They also run a sound and lighting company.

Jack’s is a fixture in the local music community. The store’s namesake, a guitar and banjo picker, has been teaching music since the 60s and has a degree in music education.

He also spent 20 years in the Navy.

Jack’s offers a wide array of musical instruments, and anything that is not in stock can be special ordered.

The store itself is like a step

back in time, when services were offered face-to-face, with a handshake and a smile; and that is how the Smiths conduct their business.

Dealing with the customers and the relationships the family has established over the years is what Jack says he loves most about what he does.

“I don’t have a website, and I don’t plan to have a website,” he explained. “I prefer to deal with folks in person, here in the store.”

When asked about retirement, Jack admits Mert fusses at him “all of the time.”

“I told her we’d retire when we’re 65; now we’re both 75 and we’re still going,” he said.

“Do you want to buy a music store?”

Reflecting on how the smalltown store is still operable as others of its kind shut down due to mail-order and website competition, Jack admits that times can be “tough.”

“But I’ll tell you what one

guy said to me,” Jack said.

“He said he’d rather do business with a person than a store, and I think that’s how most of my customers feel.”

The store is located at 506 Oak Street and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Megan Reynolds is a staff writer and can be reached by phone at (501) 505-1277 or by email at megan.reynolds@thecabin.net. Follow us on Twitter @meganpreynolds, @LCDOnline.)

Best Of Winners services (continued)

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER WINNER STRAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

RUNNERS UP LANCE JOHNSTON JACKIE ROMINE PHOTOGRAPHY MARTY SIKES PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST PHOTO PROCESSING

BEST VETERINARY

WALGREENS

WINNER

WINNER

RUNNERS UP WALMART FAST FOTO

BEST PLUMBING

HARTMAN ANIMAL CLINIC

RUNNERS UP

CHESTNUT ANIMAL CLINIC ST. FRANCIS VETERINARY CLINIC

WINNER

sHOPPING

RUNNERS UP

BEST ANTIQUES/ COLLECTIBLES

SALTER PLUMBING INC. ARROW PLUMBING KORDSMEIER REMODELING SERVICE, INC. WOODSON

BEST REAL ESTATE OFFICE WINNER

MCDOWELL PROPERTIES

RUNNERS UP

WINNER

JENIFER’S ANTIQUES

RUNNERS UP

ARKANSAS PEDDLERS THRU THE YEARS TOAD’S CROSSING

CENTURY 21 DUNAWAY & HART REMAX

BEST APPLIANCES

BEST TANNING

LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

RUNNERS UP

SEARS

EXOTIC TANS JAMAICA ME TAN PALM BEACH TAN

WINNER

HOME DEPOT

*RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

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Best of Faulkner County

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 15E

Jody Gatchell, owner of A&J Collision Repair, stands outside his auto body repair shop with his smiley face. A&J Collision Repair was recently named Best Body Shop in Faulkner County.

A&J all smiles with Best Body Shop nod

By LEE HOGAN log cabin staff writer

Jody Gatchell, owner of A&J Collision Repair, says the quality of work is what keeps his business thriving.

A&J Collision Repair was recently named Best

Body Shop in Best of Faulkner County Readers’ Choice Awards.

Gatchell says his repair shop has been in the top two in the past six or seven years of voting.

“It makes me feel excited and proud of what we do, and people are

recognizing what we’re doing,” he said.

The repair shop has been a staple in Conway since 1997 for residents who need work done on their vehicles.

“It’s exciting that we get voted, but on the other side of that, the most

important people in this equation are the customers,” Gatchell said.

“Without them, I would have never been voted for. Second, it’s my employees.”

Gatchell said without his staff of 14, he would be nowhere.

“I’m honored to be chosen as one of the best,” he said.

A&J Collision Repair will celebrate two years in its new location at 1215 Thomas G. Wilson Drive this November.

The repair shop is a member of the Conway

Chamber of Commerce, and participant of Certified First Network of auto body repair shops.

(Staff writer Lee Hogan can be reached by email at lee.hogan@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1246. To comment on this and other stories, log on to www. thecabin.net.

Best Of Winners shopping (continued)

BEST BOOK STORE WINNER HASTINGS BOOKS MUSIC VIDEO

RUNNERS UP BOOK TRADERS BOOK WORM

BEST CLOTHING WINNER KOHL’S

BEST COMPUTERS WINNER BEST BUY

RUNNERS UP

THE COMPUTER WORKS CONNECTING POINT

BEST FLORIST WINNER

YE OLDE DAISY SHOPPE

RUNNERS UP

CONWAY’S CLASSIC TOUCH DAISY A DAY

RUNNERS UP

BEST SHOES

BELK HIPSWAY

WILKINSON’S MALL

BEST RESALE/ CONSIGNMENT WINNER

YOURS TRULY

RUNNERS UP GOODWILL HUT 8 MAGNOLIA’S

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

PAYLESS SHOE SOURCE SHOE CARNIVAL

BEST FURNITURE WINNER

CAJUN BROS. FURNITURE

RUNNERS UP

HAMBUCHEN HOME FURNISHINGS HANK’S FURNITURE

BEST RESALE/ CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE WINNER

THE FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT PLACE

RUNNERS UP GOODWILL SALVATION ARMY

16E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best Of Winners shopping (continued)

BEST GIFT SHOP WINNER CONWAY’S CLASSIC TOUCH

RUNNER UP CHERRY’S HALLMARK

BEST GROCERY WINNER KROGER

RUNNERS UP HARP’S/PRICE CUTTER WALMART

BEST HARDWARE WINNER HAYNES ACE HARDWARE

RUNNERS UP HIEGEL LUMBER HOME DEPOT LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT

BEST JEWELRY WINNER DAYER JEWELERS

RUNNERS UP FLETCHER SMITH’S JEWELERS JC PENNEY *RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Best of Faulkner County

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Pasta Grill named Best Italian log cabin democrat

Despite being open less than a year, Pasta Grill, located at 915 Front Street in Downtown Conway, has already established itself as a high quality restaurant.

The honeymoon with residents is shown by the number of people waiting to get into the cozy area on any night of the week and by the voters making it the top place in town to eat Italian food.

Owner Wesley Hall had already opened restaurants in Clarksville, Searcy, Batesville and Russellville.

The restaurant took over a space that had been home to a revolving number of eateries, but in a short span of time, Hall has made Pasta Grill a destination place to eat.

In addition to pasta, Pasta Grill serves steaks, sandwiches and pizza. The steaks (New York strips and filets) come from a company called Buckhead Beef, which Hall said he is particularly happy with. Also, their sauces and batters and nearly all of their desserts are homemade. All types of fish and meat are combined with

Pasta Grill in downtown Conway was voted Best Italian.

the pasta, including fish, shrimp, chicken, beef and sausage.

The restaurant seats 85 people in a very upscale manner.

The small space has a low wall runs the length of the seating area, which are filled with seating booths. Plaster from previous restaurants has been torn down, leaving the exposed brick showing.

Although the menu and atmosphere does lend itself to more so-

phisticated fare, the restaurant does offer something for everyone, including children. It also serves family dinners to go, which include spaghetti, lasagna, manicotti, chicken alfredo, tortellini and full sized cheesecakes. All dinners come with bread and salad, and a family of seven can be served for as low as $20.

Pasta Grill also boasts preparing full desserts to go, with a 2-day advance order.

The Furniture Consignment Store deemed tops in Best Resale/Consignment Furniture

By Hilary Dixon log cabin staff writer

The Furniture Consignment Store on Harrison Street in Conway has been open since 2004, but Chris Quinn bought it in February of 2011 after years of having the desire to own her own establishment.

After she and the previous owner sparked up a relationship, the owner asked Quinn if she wanted to buy the store.

“It was a good idea,” Quinn said.

“I’ve been in retail for a long time and I’ve always wanted my own

business.”

She said she enjoys offering great quality furniture to her customers, conscious and particular about the pieces they take it in, inspecting them to make sure

they are in good condition, while working with consigners to offer the best price possible.

“It’s a win-win situation between consigners, customers and the business,” she said.

She said they work as a middle man, eliminating the hassle of people trying to sell their furniture all by themselves.

“We provide a service to the community,” she said. “We do all the work and you reap the rewards.”

Quinn said the store offers anything from antiques to new merchandise, giving a wide, constantly-changing variety of products that keep them both financially and visually appealing.

“We have anything to fit any budget. That helps us standout,” she said.

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Best of Faulkner County

Eric White Log Cabin Staff Photo

Salem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is the winner of Best Elder Care.

Salem Place wins Best Elder Care facility

By Courtney Spradlin Log Cabin STAFF WRITER

Salem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was voted No. 1 in elder care for Faulkner County.

Administrator Vickey Kirkemier said residents enjoy the facility’s extras like the “man cave,” which has a pool table and a large TV for watching sports.

Also a popular feature is the center’s courtyard, which has become home to pet turtles, chickens and ducks.

The facility has two rehabilitation wings, and a third is in the process of being added, Kirkemier said.

The center offers speech, physical and occupational therapy. There is a social worker on staff for residents.

A second courtyard used for therapy is equipped with bridges, a gravel area and stairs,

all terrain that Kirkemier said short term residents would face as they transition out of the facility.

“With our rehab unit, we have people coming and going. I love long term care, but I love the unit where we can work with people and they can go home. There’s a lot of hope there,” Kirkemier said.

A theater room is planned for the new rehabilitation room, she said, as an option for evening activities when families visit or residents would like to use the space.

While operating under state rules and regulations, the facility has also become more open to residents’ preferences in their own care, the administrator said.

Residents enjoy buffet dining with various foods that they’ve agreed upon.

Ice cream after dinner is always provided, Kirkemier said.

“I consider it such a blessing to be able to take care of the people in the community that I love so much,” she said.

The facility has been open under Michael Morton for 24 years, according to Kirkemier.

“The facility was purchased April of 1989 when the State of Arkansas took it over. It could only be sold to a reputable owner, and it was sold to Michael Morton at that time. I came to work April 1 of 1989, and I’m still here,” she said.

Salem Place is licensed to care for 121 residents, and according to Kirkemier, stays full most of the time.

(Staff writer Courtney Spradlin can be reached by email at courtney.spradlin@thecabin.net or by phone at 5051236. To comment on this and other stories in the Log Cabin, log on to www.thecabin.net.

Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 17E

18E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best of Faulkner County

Holly’s reigns for 10th straight year

By LEE HOGAN

BEST MUSIC WINNER HASTINGS BOOKS MUSIC VIDEO

RUNNERS UP JACK’S MUSIC PRESTON PALMER STUDIOS

BEST MUSICAL Holly’s Country Cooking was recently named Best Home Cooking in Faulkner County. The staff of Holly’s Country Cooking is shown here: (from left) Bonnie Anderson, Kim Curley, Jessie Miller (Holly’s daughter), Holly Hayes (owner), Ernestine Higgins and Rebecca Teas.

open up a similar eatery in Conway.

Over the years, Holly’s Country Cooking has established a foundation in the community as customers can be seen daily, lining up outside the doors of the restaurant, located at 120 Harkrider St., before service begins at 11 a.m.

“We’ve made a lot of friends,” Hayes said. “We have a lot of regulars, and it’s nice when you

know everybody by name and recognize their faces.”

The restaurant offers southern, home made favorites that keep patrons coming back, again and again.

“We just want to thank everybody,” Hayes said.

“We really feel honored to have been so successful here.”

Customers can find chicken fried steak and

fried chicken on the menu each day, along with these daily specials as follows: Monday- Roast beef and three-cheese chicken casserole.

TuesdayMexican chicken and smothered hamburger steak.

Wednesday- Chicken & dressing and lasagna.

Thursday- Chicken & dumplings and meatloaf.

Friday- Fish & shrimp and mexican beef.

Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe blooms as readers’ best to help them pick out the perfect bouquet for any occasion. Hahn said he enjoys talking to customers to help understand what they need.

Additionally, Hahn said they arrange and supply any floral needs for local weddings.

“We do a lot of weddings,” he said. “We do anything floral.”

Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe can be reached at 3277731 or www.yeoldedaisy.net. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

By ANGELA SPENCER Log Cabin Staff WRiter

When the votes came in for Best of Faulkner County, Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe rose to the top in the florist category.

Alan Hahn has been the owner of Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe since the mid1990s, but his parents started the business in 1968.

Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe, located at 1308 Oak Street in Conway, delivers flowers across the county to locations in Conway, Vilonia, Greenbrier and Mayflower.

Hahn said the business gets repeat customers who compliment the florists’ work.

“Our customers tell us our flowers last longer,” he said.

This can be attribut-

Best Of Winners SHOPPING (continued)

log cabin staff writer

Holly Hayes, owner of Holly’s Country Cooking, says its her customers who have got her to this point, and her customers that keep her enjoying what she does.

For the tenth straight year, the popular lunch destination for all Faulkner County residents was named Best Home Cooking.

Hayes said she hopes county residents enjoy her restaurant for its good food, fair price and friendly service.

“One of the college kids asked me the other day, ‘Are you related to somebody or know everybody? Do you have a lot of friends here?’”

Hayes recalled. “I said, ‘No, we’ve just been here for 15 years.’”

Holly’s Country Cooking began in October 1999 after Hayes’ great aunt, Bobbi, sold her restaurant, Bobbi’s Country Cooking, in Little Rock, and encouraged Hayes, then a teacher’s aid and bus driver in the Perryville School District, to

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Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe is the winner of Best Florist in Faulkner County.

ed to the care the florists The florists at Ye Olde take in picking out the Daisy Shoppe are able to freshest flowers, he said. consult with customers

(Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached by email at angela.spencer@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1212. To comment on this and other stories in the Log Cabin, log on to www.thecabin.net. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)

INSTRUMENTS WINNER JACK’S MUSIC

RUNNER UP PRESTON PALMER STUDIO

BEST OFFICE SUPPLY WINNER OFFICE DEPOT

RUNNERS UP COLEMAN’S OFFICE AND SCHOOL SUPPLY STAPLES

BEST PLANT NURSERY WINNER THE PLANT OUTLET

RUNNERS UP FREYALDENHOVEN’S GREENHOUSE LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT

BEST SPORTING GOODS WINNER DICK’S SPORTING GOODS

RUNNERS UP HIBBETT SPORTS RANDY’S

*RUNNERS UP IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

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Best of Faulkner County

Sunday, June 30, 2013 — 19E

20E — Sunday, June 30, 2013

Best of Faulkner County

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