Bryan-Braker Funeral Home

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home has been in business since 1954 with the next generation hip-deep in the company’s operations.

Craig Bryan and his daughter Jenna Bryan Stewart provide everything from traditional full-service casketed burials to simple cremations.

They own and operate a crematory so your loved one never leaves Bryan-Braker’s care. They also own and operate Fairmont Memorial Park, an above-ground cemetery consisting of 15 columbariums for cremated remains and mausoleums for casketed remains. They are also a monument company and work with families to design and create their own customized marker or monument.

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home and Fairmont Memorial Park serve all faiths and traditions.

“The larger focus of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home is to serve the community in their time of need. On a smaller level, we strive to tailor and personalize each experience and service for the families that come into our care,” Bryan Stewart, the company’s vice president, says. “Our goal is to ease this difficult grieving process for the family. Our experienced professionals walk the family through these difficult decisions while offering helpful suggestions and information. We are here

Bryan Stewart says in one way or another the community has personally experienced Bryan-Braker’s compassionate and professional staff, whether it was setting up the arrangements for a loved one, planning their own arrangements in advance or attending a service for a friend.

“We have families return to us that have unfortunately lost multiple loved ones,” she says. “These families build trusting relationships with their funeral experience, capability and dedication to carry out almost any wish for the family,” she says. “We work hard to maintain a positive company culture in the office. We believe whatever is cultivated in the office will inevitably carry out to the families we serve. Our staff works together to support each other which in turn supports the families.”

“Our number one goal is to ensure the families we serve leave Bryan-Braker feeling they had a personalized experience term success of a company reflects the culture within the office. The ability to consistently be able to provide the excellent service Bryan-Braker is known for comes from a foundation of synergy among our staff. The supportive foundation we have created in the office with each other is carried outside the office to the families we are privileged to serve.”

RUNNERS-UP: Vaca Hills Chapel; McCune Garden Chapel

Tire Depot Inc.

Ali Asad opened the doors to Tire Depot Inc. in 2010 and has since built a loyal customer base as evidenced by the company’s selection as Best Car Repair shop in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice survey.

Tire Depot provides automotive services such as brakes, alignments, oil changes and tire services.

Asad says repeat business is the best type of business.

“This is where our main focus lies,” Asad says. “We have been churning out happy customers for over a decade now and word has spread. We have some of the friendliest staff out there. Everyone from our service writer to our ASEcertified techs are customer service oriented. We are proud to be the best at what we do and are eager to help our customers.” through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Asad says many shops cut corners and don’t show a sense of urgency when servicing vehicles. That is not the case with Tire Depot.

“We pride ourselves on the fact that when we start a job we are going to give you the best value for your dollar,” he says. “We have invested in some of the latest machinery and technology to service the newer, complex vehicles being introduced into today’s markets.”

Asad says he values the relationship he and his team have built with Tire Depot customers.

“We are a local family owned business,” Asad says. “My return customers know me and trust me. This trust is not easily earned. We try to maintain an honest business where we are upfront and transparent with all our customers, creating an environment where they know they can trust us to work on their vehicles. My techs are not trained to up-sell and scare the customer into a sale like the big chain stores. Our techs advise and educate our customers so they can make an informed decision.”

RUNNERS-UP: Fairfield Tire Center; German Car Service

Tire Depot Inc.

Ali Asad opened the doors to Tire Depot Inc. in 2010 and has since built a loyal customer base as evidenced by the company’s selection as Best Tire/Wheel Store in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice survey.

Tire Depot provides automotive services such as brakes, alignments, oil changes and tire services.

Asad says his focus is to provide customers with the highest quality of service for their vehicles at the lowest prices – something he says resonates with customers who selected Tire Depot as the best among its competitors.

“We’ve got a good formula and it’s working and we’re going to keep doing it. It’s dedication to service, to the customers, to the high quality product and the skill and the expertise,” Asad says. “We stock a large amount of tires and buy a large amount of tires in one shot and we find we can keep the price reasonable. What we’ve done for years, as products evolve through development and research, is we try to always improve the quality and try to reduce the cost and pass that onto the consumers.

“One key addition to the business that helps us stand out from the competition is the launching of the mechanical division,” Asad says. ”We have started to focus more on steering, suspension, alignment and brakes – offering customers these services at a fraction of the price of our competitors.”

RUNNERS-UP: Fairfield Tire Center; Les Schwab

BEST OIL CHANGE: Tire Depot Inc.

Ali Asad opened the doors to Tire Depot Inc. in 2010 and has since built a loyal customer base as evidenced by the company’s selection as Best Oil Change Service in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice survey.

Tire Depot provides automotive services such as brakes, alignments, oil changes and tire services.

Asad says his focus is to provide customers with the highest quality of service for their vehicles at the lowest prices –something he says resonates with customers who selected Tire Depot as the best among its competitors.

Tire Depot’s efforts to keep prices in check during the pandemic and amid rising inflation contributed to its selection as Best Brake Service provider.

“People know that when they come here they’ll be taken care of, not taken advantage of,” Asad says. “We take pride in our work. Our goal is to make things right and do things right by our customers. Customer loyalty is the cornerstone of the business, with regulars coming back for repairs whenever they are in need and passing along good reviews of the store by word of mouth.”

RUNNERS-UP: Fairfield Tire Center; Oil Connection

BEST BRAKE SERVICE: Tire Depot Inc.

Ali Asad opened the doors to Tire Depot Inc. in 2010 and has since built a loyal customer base as evidenced by the company’s selection as Best Brake Service in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice survey.

Tire Depot provides automotive services such as brakes, alignments, oil changes and tire services.

Asad says his focus is to provide customers with the highest quality of service for their vehicles at the lowest prices – something he says resonates with customers who selected Tire Depot as the best among its competitors.

Tire Depot’s efforts to keep prices in check during the pandemic and amid rising inflation contributed to its selection as Best Brake Service provider.

“There are few businesses immune to the cost of goods and supply management issues around the globe,” Asad says. “Auto parts costs went up just like every other commodity, but we have found innovative ways to make these costs not hurt the consumer’s wallet as much, like buying in bulk and stocking parts we can find on a good deal.”

An understanding of his customers and their needs is important to Asad and his team.

“People don’t like getting their vehicles serviced; they treat it as a necessary evil,” Asad says. “No one wants to take a chunk of time out of their busy day to spend money on their car. We are able to get vehicles repaired and out the door quickly and cheaper than most other places in town. That’s why our customers choose us.”

RUNNERS-UP: Fairfield Tire Center; Midway Automotive

BMW of Fairfield

BMW of Fairfield opened in 2021 at a temporary site along Auto Mall Parkway and is preparing for the opening of its new, state-of-the-art sales and service facility this spring.

Owner Harold (Hal) Logan leads the family and minority-owned automobile dealership servicing both Solano and Napa counties, as well as the surrounding areas.

BMW of Fairfield accommodates all automotive needs: new and pre-owned vehicle sales, service, parts, financing, and BMW leasing and BMW lease returns.

Logan says it’s the company’s focus that won praise among Daily Republic readers who selected BMW of Fairfield as Best New Car Dealership in the 2023 Readers’ Choice balloting.

BMW of Fairfield believes in a philosophy that there’s “A Better Way” of offering not just a world-class guest experience focused on innovation and transparency, but also a healthy work-life balance for employees, excellent career training and advancement opportunities, and robust community involvement and philanthropy,” Logan says.

BMW of Fairfield is the only BMW dealership in California that operates using the “One Price. One Person. One Hour.” sales process – a fully transparent purchase experience with aggressive, up-front pricing and no hidden fees. “Just one salaried client adviser conducts the sale, and we commit that once you’ve agreed to purchase terms, our staff works to have your paperwork makes and models of vehicles, not just BMWs. The company offers mobile service via appointment, where the mobile service team comes to your home or place of employment to perform select maintenance or repairs on your vehicle. The company also offers the “We Come to You – Service Valet Program,” complimentary to BMW owners in Solano and Napa counties. offers in-store and online retail parts transactions, and the Wholesale Parts Department provides parts to various independent shops in the area.

“We pick up your BMW from your residence, perform maintenance in our facility, and return it to you thoroughly disinfected and cleaned,” Logan says.

Community involvement is a key component of the company’s approach.

“Our philanthropic efforts are targeted, and we purposely choose partners whose organizations directly impact the lives of local, at-risk youth,” Logan says.

Justin Legrand-Logan, BMW of Fairfield’s general manager, serves on the board of the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce.

WEBSITE: www.bmwfairfield.com

The dealership also is a member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce and the Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce.

“We plant seeds to help organizations do big things. Our giving identity is centered around local efforts that help children and families thrive in our communities,” Hal Logan says.

RUNNERS-UP: Mercedes Benz; Hopkins Honda

Sunwise Fairfield

Preowned Superstore

S unwise Fairfield Preowned Superstore opened in 2020 on Auto Mall Parkway in Fairfield as part of the Sunwise Auto Group.

The dealership has simplified the car-buying experience with its “Fair, Fast, Friendly” pricing model, which competitively prices each vehicle in the company’s expansive preowned inventory to ensure buyers get the best deal possible. What customers see on the sticker is what they pay, saving them time, stress and money.

Sunwise Fairfield offers everything from used sedans to trucks and SUVs and prides itself on helping people find the vehicle for which they are searching.

Sunwise officials Eric Schiller credits the company’s no-haggle pricing model as something that sets Sunwise apart from other preowned dealers.

“We provide honesty and knowledge to any client, while maintaining low upfront market-based pricing. You can also purchase a vehicle totally remote with our ‘save time do it online’ tool designed to save you time and money,” Schiller says. “We have an amazing selection of preowned vehicles at competitive prices, with our haggle-free philosophy. We’re committed to helping each driver in Northern California leave our lot in the car perfect for them. Regardless of your credit, we help you find the best loan terms possible. Our online car loan calculator is a great tool to get an idea of what your financing situation will look like.”

Customer reviews help tell the company’s tale of success.

“Thanks to Sunwise Fairfield Preowned Superstore, I am now reunited with the Ford C-Max Hybrid Energi model that I spent over two months searching for,” one customer wrote. “The price was very competitive, the condition of the 2016 vehicle like new, and I can’t emphasize enough how the sales team was an absolute pleasure working with, which is definitely not the usual comments one holds toward car dealership experiences with personnel.”

“Super friendly, super knowledgeable, fair, kind and honest,” another customer wrote. “Great place to buy a car from and great

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

PHONE: 833-617-8105

WEBSITE: www.sunwisefairfield.com people to work with. Thanks for all your help and our amazing new car.”

RUNNERS-UP: BMW of Fairfield; Carmax

Scandia Golfland

S candia Golfland has once again worked its way into the hearts and minds of Daily Republic readers with its selection as Best Entertainment for Teens in the latest Readers’ Choice survey for 2023.

The venue features two 18-hole miniature golf courses. The park also features batting cages, race cars, bumper boats, laser tag, a children’s playland, huge video game arcade and a full snack bar.

“Our focus is to provide family entertainment at affordable rates. We are committed to providing our community with a fun and safe place to create memories with their family and loved ones,” says Jimmy Due, the general manager. “The staff at Scandia strives to ensure each guest has a memorable experience.”

It’s the wide array of entertainment options at Scandia that make it stand out among the competition, Due says.

“We offer a variety of fun attractions,” Due says.

Covid-19 created some interesting challenges, Due says.

“The staff at Scandia Golfland continues to provide a safe, clean and fun environment for our community. Whether it’s soaking the golf clubs and balls or sanitizing the go-karts and bumper boats between guests, we are doing our part to provide a good time while reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus,” Due says. “We appreciate the support of our community during these uneasy times. We wouldn’t be doing what we love to do without our excellent guests’ continued patronage. We look forward to providing fun for the whole family for many more years to come.”

Scandia Goldland was founded in 1978 by Jim Kenney.

RUNNERS-UP: Brenden Theatres; Dave & Buster’s

BEST THEATER VENUE: Downtown Theatre

IN FAIRFIELD: 1035 Texas St. PHONE: 707-940-0700 WEBSITE: www.downtowntheatre.com

T he heart of Fairfield’s downtown as it becomes a destination is the Downtown Theatre, which since 2012 has been operated by the Downtown Theatre Foundation as a nonprofit. The state-of-the-art venue hosts the area’s premier arts groups and provides a venue for entertainers of all genres to perform. But the focus is on live theater, such as performances put on Missouri Street Theatre.

Quality performances – many unmatched in Solano County, helped earn the Downtown Theatre the designation of Best Entertainment Venue in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice survey.

Downtown Theatre officials say the community is lucky to have a company that performs year round musicals. And those performances “are usually pretty great,” they say.

RUNNERS-UP: Starbound Theatre; Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre

BEST CREDIT UNION: Travis Credit Union

T ravis Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that offers financial services and value-focused financial products to those who live in its 12-county Northern California service area. TCU offers savings products such as certificates, money market accounts and savings accounts. The credit union also offers free checking accounts, vehicle loans, credit cards and mortgages, including first mortgages, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit.

IN VACAVILLE: One Travis Way HOURS: Vary by branch but are typically 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday WEBSITE: www.traviscu.org

TCU is also an advocate for financial education and financial wellness, offering free seminars and webinars with money-related topics for adults and teens. The credit union also offers an annual $2,000 scholarship to 20 members, as well.

Travis Credit Union started in 1951 serving the military and civilian works on Travis Air Force Base (where the credit union got its name) but today is a community-based credit union serving residents across a large geographic area. It is those residents who selected Travis Credit Union as Best Credit Union in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice survey.

“The focus of TCU is to help our members achieve their financial goals. We accomplish this by reinvesting our profits to provide value to our membership. This comes in the form of low-rate loans, higher interest rates on savings and on other products and services focused on our members’ financial wellness,” President and CEO Kevin Miller says. “TCU epitomizes the credit union industry’s philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’ We assist our members through our 24 branches, our Member Service Center, online at traviscu.org and through our Mobile App.

Miller says Travis Credit Union is a trusted, respected and valued member of the Solano County community, and attributes those traits with its selection as Best Credit Union.

Travis Credit Union separates itself from competitors such as traditional banks because its focus is on helping people. Travis Credit Union employees are also active in local chambers of commerce and in other community groups.

“It is a real honor to again be named the Best Credit Union in this year’s Readers’ Choice awards,” Miller says. “Since TCU was founded in 1951, we have always taken a proactive approach toward improving the financial well-being of our members and their communities.”

BEST TOURS: Jelly Belly Candy Company

J elly Belly Candy Company traces its roots to 1898 and to this day remains a family owned and operated business now in its sixth generation of candy making.

The Fairfield factory produces more than 100 flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans, BeanBoozled jelly beans, Sport Beans and other year-round and seasonal confections that are enjoyed by fans worldwide. The Jelly Belly Visitor Center includes a self-guided tour of the factory that allows people to see the entire candy-making operation first-hand, the new Jelly Belly Museum, which details the history of the company and fun facts, the Jelly Belly Bean Art Gallery, the Jelly Belly Café and a Chocolate Shoppe – all of which make the Jelly Belly Visitor Center a delightful experience for people of all ages.

HOURS: Retail Store: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

HOURS: Factory Tour and Museum: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

“We pride ourselves on making quality and innovative products and we want our visitors to see the care that is put into every piece of candy,” CEO Lisa Brasher says. “But above all, we just want visitors to have fun and maybe learn something about Jelly Belly when they come to visit us.”

PHONE: 800-953-5592

WEBSITE: www.jellybelly.com

Brasher says there are so many things to do at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center and there is something for everyone to enjoy – traits she says led to Jelly Belly’s selection as Best Tours in the Daily Republic’s 2023 Readers’ Choice balloting.

“We strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment for everyone,” Brasher says. “It’s a place where families can have fun spending the day together and maybe learn something about a popular candy.”

There aren’t a lot of companies that provide a first-hand look into their operations but Jelly Belly is one of the few factories in the United States that still provides public tours. The other thing that makes Jelly Belly stand out, Brasher says, is that Jelly Belly provides a wholesome and fun family friendly environment.

“We are thrilled that Jelly Belly was selected for this award,” says John Jamison, vice president of Retail Operations. “Fairfield guests who have been to our world famous Factory Tour over the years can now experience the new Jelly Belly museum. The museum presents the evolution of candy-making equipment and the growth of the family owned Jelly Belly Candy Company through a whimsical and interactive experience. Weather permitting, guests are invited to ride aboard the Jelly Belly Express passenger train from the Visitor Center to the entrance of the brand new Jelly Belly Museum.”

BEST MATTRESS STORE

Matthews Mattress

RUNNERS-UP: Sleep Number; Sleep First

BEST MEDICAL SUPPLY

Jackson Medical Supply

RUNNER-UP: I Feel Good Store

BEST CARPET & FLOORING STORE

Gillespie’s Abbey Carpet & Floor

RUNNERS-UP: All Size Flooring; Solano Carpet & Flooring

BEST ANTIQUE STORE

Robin’s Nest

RUNNERS-UP: Suisun Valley Antiques; Clipper Cargo

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

Ray’s Cycle

RUNNERS-UP: Rockville Bike; Fisk’s Bike

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Thornton & Sons Jewelers

RUNNERS-UP: Debartolo & Co Fine Jewelers; Nan Den Jewelers

BEST FLOWER SHOP

Dixon Florist

RUNNERS-UP: Green Valley Florist & Gifts; Stems Florist

BEST COIN/GOLD/SILVER STORE

Clipper Cargo

RUNNERS-UP: Value Gold & Silver; Fairfield Coin & Gold

BEST LOCAL BUILDING

SUPPLY/HARDWARE

Pacific Ace Hardware

RUNNERS-UP: Suisun Ace Hardware; Meek’s Lumber & Hardware

BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE

Plato’s Closet

RUNNERS-UP: Sparkly Rags; The Baby Shop

BEST GUNS & AMMO STORE

Guns, Fishing & Other Stuff

RUNNERS-UP: Sportman’s Warehouse; ASP Armory

BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY (NORTHERN CALIFORNIA)

The Bright Spot

RUNNERS-UP: Embarc Fairfield Cannabis; Highway 80

BEST LOCAL WINE

Wooden Valley Winery

RUNNERS-UP: Vezer Family Vineyard; Vino Godfather

BEST SUSHI

Sushi Obsession

RUNNERS-UP: Hinata Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi; Yo Sushi

BEST RIBS

Buckhorn Grill

RUNNERS-UP: Kinder’s; Backyard BBQ

BEST DOUGHNUT

The Jelly Donut

RUNNERS-UP: Solano Baking Company; Donut Wheel

BEST HEALTH FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS STORE

NutriShop

RUNNERS-UP: Nugget Market; Sprouts

BEST BURGER

Dave’s Giant Burgers

RUNNERS-UP: Slanted Tree Kitchen & Taproom; Monsoon Burger

BEST HOT DOG

Hank & Hazel’s Really Good Sausages

RUNNERS-UP: Costco; Sac’s Tasty Hot Dog

BEST ICE CREAM/FROZEN TREAT

Fentons Creamery

RUNNERS-UP: Cold Stone Creamery; Baskin-Robbins

BEST CUPCAKE/BAKED TREATS

Solano Baking Company

RUNNERS-UP: Fantasy Cakes; Sweet Little Cookies

BEST BREAKFAST

Bab’s Delta Diner

RUNNERS-UP: Wren’s Cafe; Huckleberry’s Fairfield

BEST BRUNCH

Merchant & Main

RUNNERS-UP: Slanted Tree Kitchen & Taproom; Cast Iron Grill & Bar

BEST LUNCH

Slanted Tree Kitchen & Taproom

RUNNER-UP: Joe’s Buffet; Merchant & Main Grill & Bar

BEST BREWERY

Heretic Brewery & Distillery

RUNNERS-UP: Solano Brewing Company; True Symmetry Brewery

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

Dynasty Chinese Restaurant

RUNNERS-UP: Wah Shine; Happy Garden

BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

Athenian Grill

RUNNERS-UP: Mediterranian Food Center; Big H Deli

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Ohkura

RUNNERS-UP: Ayame Sushi; Hana Japanese Restuarant

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

Bangkok Paradise

RUNNERS-UP: Rice Barn; Buddha Thia Bistro

BEST SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT

Chez Soul

RUNNERS-UP: House of Soul; Sharky’s Chicken & Fish

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

Clay Oven Bar & Grill

RUNNERS-UP: Saffron Indian Cuisine & Bar; Essence Indian Cuisine

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Pietro’s No. 1

RUNNERS-UP: Evelyn’s Big Italian Pizzeria and Ristorante; Tre Ristorante Italiano

BEST DELI

Joe’s Buffet

RUNNERS-UP: The Napa Deli; Diggers Deli

BEST STEAK

Mankas Grill

RUNNERS-UP: Cattlemens; Buckhorn Steakhouse

BEST FRESH PRODUCE

Larry’s Produce

RUNNERS-UP: Nugget Market; Pedrick Produce

BEST COFFEE

Journey Coffee Co.

RUNNERS-UP: Dutch Bros Coffee; Starbucks

BEST BURRITO

Vasquez Deli

RUNNERS-UP: La Cabana; Rancho Fino

BEST WINDOW TREATMENTS

Budget Blinds

RUNNERS-UP: Vacaville Glass and Window; Window Fashions of Northern California

BEST GLASS REPLACEMENT/ WINDOWS (RESIDENTIAL)

Acme Glass

RUNNERS-UP: Solano Glass; Glass Action Windows & Doors

BEST RESIDENTIAL ALARM COMPANY

ADT Security Service

RUNNERS-UP: Alarmtech; Xfinity Store by Comcast

BEST APPLIANCE SERVICE & REPAIR

Ken’s Appliance Repair Shop

RUNNERS-UP: Pearson’s Applicance; Vacaville Appliance Repair

BEST CARPET CLEANING

Gillespie’s Abbey Carpet & Floor

RUNNERS-UP: Bell’s Chem-Dry; Love’s Dry Carpet Cleaning

BEST POOL SERVICE

North Bay Water Services

RUNNERS-UP: Crystal Clear Pool Service; Moving Water Pool Service