Nugget Markets Vacaville

Nugget Markets Vacaville has been selected as the Best Gourmet Food Store in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice balloting. The family owned and operated business got its start in 1926; The Vacaville store opened in 2000.

Nugget Markets Vacaville offers a variety of homemade artisanal breads and pastries, premium meats and seafood, specialty and conventional goods, chef-prepared foods and more. Store director Erick St. John leads his team in serving with a smile and creating an outstanding shopping experience for all their guests.

BEST NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER: El Rancho Nursery

L isa Abboud does not take for granted the selection of El Rancho Nursery as the Best Nursery/Garden Center in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice balloting.

IN VACAVILLE: 130 Browns Valley Parkway

HOURS: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

PHONE: 707-469-6900

WEBSITE: www.nuggetmarket.com

St. John describes Nugget Markets Vacaville as a family of dedicated people with a love of food and a passion for excellent service. The team is committed to constant improvement, the staff, and most importantly, guest satisfaction. St. John says Nugget’s associates are the store’s competitive edge – while offering superior quality and great prices are just part of the bargain.

“We’re honored to be voted Best Grocery Store and Best Gourmet Food Store,” St. John says. “We believe our guests voted for us in these categories due to our unmatched commitment to selection, quality and service. Our guests can find everything on their shopping list in one place, from gourmet goods to everyday essentials with more than 5,100 local items. We also offer only the finest quality produce, meats and other ingredients, along with fresh baked goods and chef-prepared dishes made fresh in-house, all thanks to our amazing team”

Along with the store’s outstanding quality and selection, Nugget Markets’ dedication to world-class service is the icing on the cake, St. John says. From checkers and courtesy clerks to baristas, bakers, wine stewards and more, the store’s friendly and talented team is what truly sets the store apart. Powered by the love of food, passion for excellent service and commitment to quality, Nugget Markets Vacaville strives to take care of its guests, associates and communities every single day.

“We take great pride in our quality and service, and love being a part of this community. Come on in and see us – we look forward to serving you again.”

RUNNERS-UP: Sprouts; Trader Joe’s

El Rancho Nursery is Solano County’s largest family owned nursery since 1979. The business offers an extensive selection of fruit, citrus, shade and mature olive and specimen trees; has a vast collection of roses, flowers and shrubs including drought-tolerant California natives that grow well in our area; carries quality soils and fertilizers; and offers delivery, installation and design services.

IN VACAVILLE: 5098 Ellsworth Road

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday through Saturday; 9:30 a.m. 3 p.m. Sunday.

PHONE: 707-447-3388

WEBSITE: www.elrancho-nursery.com

Abboud, who owns El Rancho, says she and her team focus on selling healthy plants, trees, shrubs, herbs, vegetables and organic soils and fertilizers. She says that dedication to quality – as well as their customer service – is what cause people to vote for El Rancho as the best in the category

“Our friendly and knowledgeable team listens to our clients, so we understand how to meet their gardening needs,” Abboud says. “For example, someone may need help finding a rare or huge tree or plant, replacing their lawns with a drought-tolerant garden, or suggestions on soils, fertilizers or pest control.”

El Rancho Nursery stands out among its competitors because of her team’s passion to help clients create beautiful, healthy outdoor gardens they feel good in and are proud to share with their friends, family, animals, bees, butterflies, and extended community, Abboud says.

“We believe that the act of gardening makes people happy, is a good form of physical and mental wellness, and is a great way to connect with nature and relieve life’s many stresses,” Abboud says.

Reviews by customers indicate Abboud and her team are successful.

“I cannot say enough good things. They are helpful beyond imagination. They have gorgeous plants and taught a newbie like me a lot and the installation was quicker than I imagined. Great people all around. Now I need even more plants. Love this place,” one customer wrote in a review.

“Love this place. Beautiful plants; friendliest staff. Really knowledgeable and you feel great knowing your hard-earned money is well spent,” another customer wrote.

RUNNERS-UP: HvH Specialty Growers; Sweet Pea’s Boutique

Pearson’s Appliance

R oy and Mickey Pearson founded Pearson’s as an appliance repair business in 1954. The company gradually extended into sales to be Fairfield’s largest independent appliance and television business. The Pearsons ran the business for some 20 years until the 1970s, when Roy Pearson was ready to pass the reins to his four sons: Roy, Steve, Dan and Pat.

IN FAIRFIELD: 4685 Central Way

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday

PHONE: 707-864-8814

EMAIL: pearsonsappliancetv@gmail.com

WEBSITE: www.pearsonsappliance.com

Pearson’s moved in 1984 to its low-overhead warehouse in Cordelia near the Interstate 80/Interstate 680 interchange. Pearson’s bought Karlstad’s Appliance & TV in Woodland in 1989 (it closed in 2015), Chandler’s Appliance in Vacaville in 1994 and Harbison’s Appliance in Napa in 2015.

The company’s focus is on providing top-notch service and quality appliances at the best price.

“Pearson’s has grown and prospered in the tough retail business because of the combination of dedicated family customer service; experienced, knowledgeable salespersons; and membership in Nationwide Buying Group,” the Pearsons say. “Pearson’s is able to offer the best of all worlds: superior customer service and the top brand names at the guaranteed lowest prices.”

The Nationwide Buying Group allows Pearson’s and other small companies to compete with the chain stores. The group includes hundreds of family owned appliance businesses throughout the country that have banded together to negotiate wholesale prices and programs from the top name-brand suppliers in the business.

“With more than $8 billion in appliance purchases and with 2,600 locations, this is the largest appliance and TV buying group in the nation – more than all the chain stores combined,” the Pearsons say. “Pearson’s is proud to be a member of this buying group, which makes it possible to offer the best service and selection at the guaranteed lowest prices.”

The sales staff at Pearson’s are trained and experienced professionals. Each member of the sales team attends continuous and specialized training on all of the products the company sells to be able to provide the facts to customers so their choice is easier and more clear.

“Our knowledgeable salespeople know what questions to ask so they can show you the product that best fits your needs,” the Pearsons say.

The company offers complete professional delivery and installation of all refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, ranges, built-in ovens, cooktops, washers, dryers, hoods and more from a local inventory that’s valued at more than $2 million.

RUNNERS-UP: Home Depot; Lowe’s