Victoria Best of the Best 2023

COMPANIES

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

WINNER

THEN & NOW ANTIQUES

GIFTS AND COLLECTIBLES

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Habitat For Humanity ReStore

SECOND RUNNER-UP 361 Pop-Up Shops

DANCE SCHOOL

WINNER

LEDWIG DANCE ACADEMY

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Ballet Academy of South Texas

SECOND RUNNER-UP South Texas Strutters

FARM

EQUIPMENT DEALER

WINNER

VICTORIA FARM EQUIPMENT

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Dierlam Feed Store

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Scherer Kubota

MANUFACTURED HOMES

WINNER

PALM HARBOR - VICTORIA

FIRST RUNNER-UP Clayton Homes

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Titan Factory Direct –Victoria

MORTGAGE COMPANY

WINNER

TDECU

First Runner-Up

Prosperity Bank

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Dierlam Group

MOVING AND RELOCATION

WINNER

PROSPERITY MOVERS

FIRST RUNNER-UP Crossroads Movers

SECOND RUNNER-UP Armstrong Warehouse & Transfer

NEW CAR

DEALER WINNER

VICTORY BUICK GMC KIA

FIRST RUNNER-UP Toyota of Victoria

SECOND RUNNER-UP Bravo Honda of Victoria

PLACE TO WORK

WINNER

REGION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION

FIRST RUNNER-UP Victoria Independent School District

SECOND RUNNER-UP Citizens Medical Center

USED CAR DEALER WINNER VALLEJO MOTORS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Victory Auto Group Buick GMC Kia

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Bravo Honda

REGION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION

For Region 3 Early Childhood Intervention winning the best nonprofit and place to work comes from the organization’s commitment to helping children with developmental delays and disabilities.

This is the third time Region 3 ECI has won best nonprofit and the second time they’ve won best place to work.

“We have been on a steady growth for the last several years in terms of program size and staff to accommodate it,” said Henry Emiliano, Region 3 Public Outreach coordinator. “Having an accolade like this under our belt is huge when we’re looking for professional staff to serve the fragile community that we serve.”

Since 1981, the Region 3 Education Service Center Early Childhood Intervention program has served the Crossroads.

“Over the last 42 years, we’ve been absolutely blessed to be able to serve the 0-3 (year-old) population and the families that love them,” Emilano said. “To have our voters again come and support us by not only nominating us, but also, electing us the best place to work and best charity/nonprofit a second or third year in a row means the world to us because it means our efforts are appreciated.”

What sets Region 3 apart from other nonprofits and places to work is the people involved care deeply about what they do, he said.

“In my experience in working for this program and working with different organizations in the past, this group of professionals, they just care,” Emiliano said. “They care so much about babies, about families, about overall family welfare. They are an amazing group of people and their hearts are just so big in working to accommodate the almost 1,200 children we see on a monthly basis. It’s awesome to be part of a team like this.”

Region 3 Early Childhood Intervention Contributed Photo

LEDWIG DANCE ACADEMY

You feel like family at the Ledwig Dance School.

This is the third consecutive year for the Ledwig Dance Academy to win the best woman-owned business, best dance school and best youth coach.

“It feels really great to know that Victoria supports us and is happy with what we’re doing,” school owner Stephanie Ledwig said. “We feel very appreciative and very honored to be given these awards and we hope to continue offering quality dance education.”

Each person who walks through the doors is greeted with a smile from a dedicated staff member, Ledwig said.

“We are a family-friendly studio,” she said. “The studio

is so successful because of our staff. I feel like we have a really great group of teachers.”

The school teaches a variety of dances for boys and girls ages 2 and up, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and competitive dance.

On the competitive side, the studio does well in the dance competitions and the students have won several overall awards over the years.

“We pretty much teach all styles of dance,” she said. “They don’t just learn how to dance. They learn a lot of life skills. They learn how to be kind and disciplined. They learn how to work as a team and they just make a lot of friendships too. I feel like that is really special.”

A group photo of Ledwig Dance School students. Contributed Photo

Providing reliable customer service is an everyday goal for Palm Harbor Homes.

Residents in the Crossroads seem to appreciate the company’s efforts. For the fifth straight year, Victoria Advocate readers selected Palm Harbor as the best

place to go when looking for a manufactured home.“Customers don’t know what they’re walking into when they walk into a manufactured home company,” Palm Harbor General Manager J.R. Shelby said. “Before we can start talking about quality construction or the financing or anything

like that, they’ve got to know that we genuinely care about wanting to get them in a better living situation.” Shelby said his company, which has served the Crossroads since 1988, wants to ensure that each new home has a modern look before the keys are handed off. “Our builders are continuing to improve their building processes, so our homes continue to get built better and better every year,” Shelby said. Palm Harbor’s home prices range from $40,000 to upwards of $400,000, so the company can accommodate a variety of customer needs. “If you’re looking for an entry level starter home, we’ve got it,” Shelby said. “If you desire a house that you don’t want to wait a year or pay a million dollars for, we’ve got that same styled house at half the cost.” Shelby said he feels he can be honest with his customers because he has seen for himself the commitment his coworkers put into making Palm Harbor the go-to place for manufactured homes in the Crossroads. “I know that everything that I tell my customers is the truth because we build the best homes, we have the best service and we’ve got the best financing options,” Shelby said.

Palm Harbor Homes Duy Vu | dvu@vicad.com

TDECU

Checking, savings and … Buc-ee’s? Those are just a sliver of the financial services TDECU provides to its members, and they’re part of the reason TDECU was named Best of the Best in mortgages and finance by Victoria Advocate readers.

“We have this phrase, ‘We’re here to help people along their financial journeys,’” said Mike O’Neill, director of communications and chief spokesman for the credit union. “We started in 1955 and for us it started with employees at Texas Dow, and they were looking for ways to help each other with their financial needs.

“And we’ve always kept that close to our hearts, in our minds.”

He said regarding mortgages, CDs, checking and savings accounts, “We’re always looking to do things for our members and our communities. That’s why we’re committed to offering the best rates on all of our products.”

Bankers, financial advisers and others in customer service often receive accolades from customers, O’Neill said. “We regularly honor and recognize our employees because of the feedback we hear from the

public. We love hearing those stories – and we get a lot.”

TDECU provides most services you can get from a financial institution, like checking accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, certificates of deposit, car loans, small business financing and, of course, credit cards.

One of those is the Buc-ee’s MasterCard, he said. “People really love that.” Among its features are a 5% discount on fuel and

in-store purchases. Other classic credit card options are also available for members.

The credit union has three branches in Victoria, with a fourth on North Navarro Street under construction. A mortgage lending office also is on North Navarro, and can be reached at 361- 580-9762.

TDECU can be reached at 800-839-1154 or at its website, https://www.tdecu.org/.

TDECU branch in Victoria

Advocate File

Photo

DINING & FOOD

APPETIZER

WINNER

THE CRACKED CRAB

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Ventura’s Tamales

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Noot’s Thai Kitchen

ASIAN FOOD

WINNER

YAMATO HIBACHI & SUSHI

FIRST RUNNER-UP Noot’s Thai Kitchen

SECOND RUNNER-UP Tokyo Grill & Sushi Bar

BAKERIES

WINNER

SWEET FOUNTAINZ BAKERY

FIRST RUNNER-UP Blume and Flour

SECOND RUNNER-UP Las Conchas

BARBECUE

WINNER

MUMPHORD’S PLACE

RESTAURANT

FIRST RUNNER-UP Cattleman’s Catering

SECOND RUNNER-UP Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

BREAKFAST WINNER

PINTO BEAN

FIRST RUNNER-UP Ramsey’s Victoria

SECOND RUNNER-UP Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill

BREAKFAST TACO

WINNER

TNT RESTAURANT/TACOS N

TAMALES

FIRST RUNNER-UP Pinto Bean

SECOND RUNNER-UP Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill

BUFFET WINNER

GOLDEN CORRAL BUFFET & GRILL

FIRST RUNNER-UP China B Super Buffet

SECOND RUNNER-UP DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks

CATERING

WINNER MIKE POZZI

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Cracked Crab

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Ventura’s Tamales

CHICKEN FRIED

STEAK WINNER

DOUBLE J EATERY

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Bomb Diggity

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Texas Roadhouse

DELI OR MEAT MARKET WINNER

DICK’S FOOD STORE

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Chopping Block Meat Market

SECOND RUNNER-UP Fossati’s Delicatessen

DINNER WINNER

THE CRACKED CRAB

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Texas Roadhouse

SECOND RUNNER-UP Joe’s Pizza & Pasta

DOUGHNUTS WINNER

SHIPLEY’S DO-NUTS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Kountry Bakery

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Donut Palace

FAST FOOD WINNER

CHICK-FIL-A

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Jim’s Big Burger

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Double J Eatery

HAMBURGER WINNER

JIM’S BIG BURGER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Cracked Crab

SECOND RUNNER-UP Burger Nation

HEALTHY

WINNER

MEAL

THE CRACKED CRAB

FIRST RUNNER-UP Jason’s Deli

SECOND RUNNER-UP Chick-fil-A

ITALIAN FOOD WINNER

JOE’S PIZZA & PASTA

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

SECOND RUNNER-UP

La Bella Tavola

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT WINNER

THE CRACKED CRAB

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Chick-fil-A

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Peter Piper Pizza

LUNCH LOCATION WINNER THE CRACKED CRAB

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Double J Eatery

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Jim’s Big Burger

MARGARITA WINNER

LAS PALMAS MEXICAN BAR & GRILL

FIRST RUNNER-UP

El Paso Tacos & Tequila

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Ventura’s Tamales

MEXICAN FOOD WINNER

VENTURA’S TAMALES

FIRST RUNNER-UP

La Carreta No. 2

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill

OVERALL RESTAURANT WINNER THE CRACKED CRAB

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Double J Eatery

SECOND RUNNER-UP Texas Roadhouse

PIZZA WINNER

NIKI’S ROMA PIZZA

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Joe’s Pizza & Pasta

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Paint’s Underground Pizza

SEAFOOD WINNER THE CRACKED CRAB

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Crawfish Cajun Catering

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Baytown Seafood Restaurant

STEAK WINNER

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Cracked Crab

SECOND RUNNER UP

Greek’s 205

The restaurant may hide its recipes, but it is no secret that Victoria Advocate readers enjoy the taste of a margarita from Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill.

Las Palmas has been named Best Margarita in the Crossroads for the sixth time and for the fifth year in a row, said restaurant owner Ruben Leon.

“We have the best flavors, the best consistency and we use premium Reposado tequila,” Leon said about his restaurant’s margaritas.

The most popular margarita at Las Palmas is the original lime flavor, Leon said. Customers can also order strawberry, mango and

even a jalapeno version of the drink. Margaritas are served frozen and on the rocks.

“People also like the Big Red soda margarita and the Dos Equis margarita,” Leon said.

Most of the customers Leon meets say they want another drink after they have had their first.

“We try to do our best and we do that by always using fresh ingredients,” Leon said.

Las Palmas is committed to using fresh ingredients in its food as well, Leon said.

“We want to thank our customers, “ Leon said. “Without them, we are nothing. We’re lucky to have Victoria behind our back.”

Yamato Hibachi & Sushi reigns again as the best Asian food restaurant in the Crossroads.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Yamato Hibachi & Sushi was voted best Asian food restaurant by Victoria Advocate readers.

“We try our best to make sure that every dish is the best quality and that every customer is happy,” Yamato owner Ben Zhu said.

Every night the restaurant is busy with customers, Zhu said.

Each night the customers order their food and get treated to a show from the chefs.

“We have a lot of customers and we treat a lot of them like family, and they keep coming back,” Zhu said. “There are customers who come in two or three times a week that we know, and they know us.”

For Zhu, it is difficult to put a reaction to being voted the best Asian food restaurant by his customers, but he is mostly excited to receive the reward again.

For Yamato, the two things that separate them from their competition are their top-tier customer service and commitment to quality, Zhu said.

The restaurant makes sure they go beyond the local slaughterhouse and ensure they have the best quality beef for their dishes, he said.

Additionally, they try to maintain fresh ingredients as well.

This has been their philosophy since they opened in Victoria five years ago, Zhu said.

Some of the dishes the restaurant serves cover a plethora of Asian cuisines, such as a delicious spicy garlic teriyaki bento box with the customer’s choice of meat; an extensive sushi selection of both rolls and bowls; delightful soup and rice meals; and even a cheesecake tempura for dessert.

For those who voted for Yamato, Zhu only had one thing to say.

“Thank you for supporting us and we’ll keep doing our best for you,” he said.

Yamato master chief T.J. cooks for the restaurant’s customers. T.J. has over 40 years of experience with Japanese restaurants and is one of seven chefs on staff with more than 30 years of experience.

DOUBLE J EATERY

At Double J Eatery, expect to take a bite of their famous chicken fried steak in addition to receiving excellent customer service.

For customers at Double J Eatery, the restaurant isn’t a one-stop shop, people from all over the Crossroads eat at the restaurant habitually. They even have visitors from all over Texas stop by for a bite.

Double J Eatery opened in 2000 as a family-owned restaurant by John and Connie Pierce. Since then, they’ve been a staple in the community. They pride themselves on not making fast food but fresh food that’s high quality at a reasonable price.

When you look through their menu, expect to find familiar Southern comfort food such as fried chicken, fried shrimp or fried catfish.

Of course, their most famous menu item is their chicken fried steak, complemented by white-pepper gravy made in-

store. Dishes like their chicken fried steak have earned them several Best of the Best awards over the years.

“I’d say our most popular item is our chicken fried steak,” John Pierce Jr. said.

“I think we’ve got it down to a science and perfected it over the years and Victoria has blessed us with 10 consecutive years of being voted the Best of the Best.”

The Pierce’s children, co-owners John Pierce Jr. and Lauren Tagliabue attribute the restaurant’s success to more than just their food. They credit their customer service and welcoming environment as well.

“They can expect smiles and good service,” Pierce said.

Pierce and Tagliabue also credit the consistency the restaurant has had for more than 20 years.

“We’ve worked hard trying to keep our recipes the same. Doing the same thing year in, year out, day in, day out,” Piece said.

Contributed

Photo

Double J Eatery co-owners John Pierce Jr. and Lauren Tagliabue

VENTURA’S TAMALES

Piping hot enchiladas, fresh from the oven, are the most popular dish served at Ventura’s Tamales.

They are so popular that once again Advocate readers have voted Ventura’s the best Mexican food restaurant in the Crossroads.

The key to their popularity is the quality of their food remains the same.

“It is the same quality. We have used the same spices for the past 36 years. They are a better quality of spice,” said Martha Vasquez, who co-owns the restaurant with her sister Susan Martinez and brother-in-law Isidro Martinez.

Other popular dishes are the beef fajitas and the quesadilla rolls. Vasquez said the rolls, which have been offered for about four or five years, are gaining in popularity.

They started making tamales in their mother’s garage on East Water Street in 1985. They soon outgrew that kitchen and moved to Rio Grande Street in 1997 and by 2009 they moved again to North Navarro Street.

They are building a new restaurant on Nursery Drive that should be open later this year, Vasquez said.

Vasquez also credits their success to them being working owners.

“We listen to our customers about what needs to be done and we deliver.”

In return, their customers rallied behind them during the pandemic to help the restaurant survive. “That was quite humbling.”

They have also built a family of cus-

tomers who use their catering services. Vasquez noted they have served several generations of families through lifetime events such as graduation, weddings and quinceaneras.

“We give a heartfelt thank you to all of our customers who have supported us and who have voted for us over the years, “ Susan Martinez said.

Beef Fajita nachos

SWEET FOUNTAINZ BAKERY

For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet Fountainz Bakery is the bakery you want to inquire about. Located on John Stockbauer Drive, the bakery is owned by husband and wife, John and Tina Fuentez.

The couple opened the bakery in 2020 after purchasing Halepaska Bakery from Tom Halepaska. They honor Halepaska’s tradition as well as have introduced new additions to the bakery such as chocolate fountains, Mexican pastries, fruit trees and catering services.

In addition to keeping some of Halepaska’s recipes, they also retained 50% of staff that worked under him.

One of the most popular menu items Sweet Fountainz offers is their thumbprint cookies. They sold 18,126 dozen of them in 2022. Also popular is the buffalo chip cookies.

This is Sweet Fountainz second year in a row to receive the Best of the Best bakery. While the bakery has seen success since its initial opening, Fuentez wants to

aging their followers to vote for other bakeries for Best of the Best.

“I support other bakeries in this area. We’re a small town, so we have to support each other, “ Tina Fuentez said.

“I wanted other people to know that I appreciate you supporting our bakery, but

there’s also other bakeries that offer other items.”

Giving support to other bakeries and the community is what Tina and John Fuentez hope to do with their business.

“Thank you for supporting us and we’ll keep doing our best for you,” he said.

GOLDEN CORRAL

Tim Glenn has been with Golden Corral for 18 years.

He’s spent 14 of those years in Victoria as the franchisee of the Golden Corral on North Navarro Street.

Glenn’s approach to his restaurant has helped it earn the backing of Advocate readers as the best buffet in the Best of the Best.

“You’ve got to have somebody that cares to be honest,” Glenn said. “I took over this store and it’s not just a big corporation. It’s family-owned here in Victoria. We’re a close-knit group. We have a lot of regulars that come in and it’s like a big family here.”

Glenn points to the food preparation and the service by the employees as a big part of its success.

“I think we just try to have great food and great service,

and fresh food is the big key,” he said. “We do have a wonderful staff. A lot of them have been here for 10 years. They are great people.”

The breakfast buffet includes an Omelette Station starting with fresh eggs.

The lunch buffet features a build-your-own steakburger with an assortment of toppings. The burgers are served on top of a yeast roll.

The dinner menu includes cooked-to-order sirloin steaks.

Golden Corral also offers a free, private party room for large gatherings.

Glenn knows Golden Corral’s customers like variety, but they do have favorites.

“Our fried chicken is probably among the most favorite,” he said. “We have a lot of people who eat steak at night, which is amazing and of course, our dinner rolls.”

Advocate File Photo

Golden Corral on North Navarro Street won best buffet.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FITNESS&EXERCISE

WINNER

CITIZENS HEALTHPLEX

FIRST RUNNER-UP Peach Perfect

SECOND RUNNER- UP Elite Fitness Victoria

HAIR STYLIST/ BARBER

WINNER

SARAH BLAYLOCK

FIRST RUNNER-UP Anna Martinez

SECOND RUNNER-UP Kaycee Alvarez- Chica’s Cuero

HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE CARE

WINNER

HOSPICE OF SOUTH TEXAS WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP Citizens Medical Center

SECOND RUNNER-UP Harbor Hospice

HOSPITAL/ER FACILITY

WINNER

CITIZENS MEDICAL CENTER

FIRST RUNNER-UP DeTar Healthcare System

SECOND RUNNER-UP Cuero Regional Hospital

MEDICAL&DAYSPAS WINNER

WOODHOUSE SPA - VICTORIA

FIRST RUNNER-UP Wax Venue, LLC

SECOND RUNNER-UP Fountain of Youth

MEDICAL CLINICS

WINNER

DETAR ON DEMAND - NORTH

FIRST RUNNER-UP Victoria Pain & Rehabilitation Center

SECOND RUNNER-UP Citizens Cardiology Clinic

MAKEUP ARTIST/ PERMANENT COSMETICS WINNER

SHARON MUA

TIE-FIRST RUNNER-UP Electric Lash Jessica Fernandez

NAIL SALON WINNER

NAILED IT BY GABBS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Nicolette Garcia

SECOND RUNNER-UP Woodhouse Day Spa

NURSING HOME & ASSISTED LIVING WINNER

HOSPICE OF SOUTH TEXAS

FIRST RUNNER-UP Citizens Medical Center

SECOND RUNNER-UP Harbor Hospice

NUTRITION/ SUPPLEMENTS AND HEALTHY

FOOD STORE WINNER

NUTRI FUEL SMOOTHIES & SUPPLEMENTS

FIRST RUNNER-UP AlphaLab

SECOND RUNNER-UP Nutrition Vibez Victoria

PHYSICALTHERAPY& REHABILITATION WINNER CITIZENS HEALTHPLEX

FIRST RUNNER-UP Victoria Pain & Rehabilitation Center

SECOND RUNNER-UP Zoom Physical Therapy

SENIOR

LIVING FACILITY WINNER

MORADA VICTORI

FIRST RUNNER-UP Morada Victoria East, on Larkspur

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Twin Pines Nursing & Rehab Center

SKIN CARE WINNER

WOODHOUSE SPA - VICTORIA

FIRST RUNNER-UP Melissa A. Kainer Erwin, M.D., PA

SECOND RUNNER-UP Dr. Gary F. Cox, MD

TATTOOS & PIERCINGS WINNER

D’S TATTOOS

FIRST RUNNER-UP Freddie Davila

SECOND RUNNER-UP Tried and True Tattoos Piercings

HOSPICE OF SOUTH TEXAS

Hospice of South Texas continues to care for loved ones and their families in their time of need.

“We are driven by core values that honor and respect people from all walks of life, in all circumstances. As the only nonprofit hospice in 12 counties, we provide services to all,” said Hilary Lucas, advancement director.

For the second year in a row, Hospice of South Texas was voted best hospice care facility by Victoria Advocate readers. They have also won the award five other times.

“We feel honored and blessed to know the public trusts Hospice of South Texas with their beloved family members, allowing us the privilege to serve them in their time of need. We are inspired by your vote of confidence in our care. To us, there is no greater honor than to have the support of the communities we serve. 0ur army of volunteers has always been the mainstay of Hospice of South Texas and continues to

grow in numbers. Without them, we would not have the success we had in the past nor the success we have today,” Lucas said.

Hospice of South Texas, which opened in 1985, has 102 employees and a supportive care team who serve more than 800 patients and their families a year.

Lucas said the team’s dedication and standard of care has not changed over the years, bringing love, comfort and support to those they serve.

They offer programs for those under 18 years old, grief groups, individual counseling and bereavement support. The Dornburg Center of Compassion is the only inpatient center within the service area. They also hold two Services of Remembrance for their patients and to honor their families.

Other agencies are also noticing the nonprofit’s service. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services quality of care survey recently awarded Hospice of South Texas a perfect 5-Star rating.

WOODHOUSE DAY SPA

Aday at the Woodhouse Day spa is considered an experience, not just a quick stop for a manicure.

The employees at the two spas in Victoria want their clients to feel as if they are in a big city setting without having to leave Victoria. The special treatment starts as soon as the client walks in the front door and continues throughout the visit.

Because of this special treatment by the dedicated staff, the Woodhouse Day Spa was voted best medical/day spa and the best skin care facility in the Crossroads by Advocate readers.

The spa has won these awards many times over the years, said owner April Butler.

Butler said their estheticians are specially trained skin care specialists who work specifically on skin care needs. They create plans for clients who have specific skins care needs ranging from dealing with acne scars to relieving signs of aging and more.

“Our skin care is a hidden gem. We offer a full menu of skin care offerings that are results driven,” Butler said. They offer a hydrafacial to help rejuve-

nate the face with cleansing, deep exfoliation, extracts and by hydrating the skin.

The extent of the treatment varies from 30 minutes for the express to 80 minutes for the deluxe treatment.

The spas have added a dry infrared sauna that works with skin care, muscles and relieving tension.

In an effort to keep current, Butler said

Woodhouse as a whole stays in front of the high-end luxury spas.

They have added mood care packages. As people came out of the pandemic, they found people were in need of different types of care. They developed packages that help customers focus on being calm, feeling resilient, feeling connected, having confidence and being energizing.

Some of the team members at Woodhouse Day Spa.

LOCATIONS & ACTIVITIES

BARS & CLUBS

WINNER

AERO CRAFTERS

FIRST RUNNER-UP Shooters Bar

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Moonshine Drinkery

CHILDREN PARTY VENUE

WINNER

THE MOVEMENT LAB OF VICTORIA

FIRST RUNNER-UP Pro-Escape Rooms & Rage Room

SECOND RUNNER-UP Outlaw Pass

FESTIVALS

WINNER

CUERO’S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Mother Cluckers Downtown Block Party

SECOND RUNNER-UP SBS Small Business Saturday

HOLIDAY EVENTS

WINNER

CUERO’S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Victoria Christmas Parade

SECOND RUNNER-UP Christmas in Cuero

FIRST RUNNER-UP J Welch Farms

SECOND RUNNER-UP Riverside Park

PLACE TO DANCE WINNER SHOOTERS BAR

FIRST RUNNER-UP The Barn

SECOND RUNNER-UP Club Westerner

PLACE TO TAKE A DATE WINNER PRO ESCAPE ROOMS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

D’s Tattoo

SECOND RUNNER-UP

The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar

TOURIST

DESTINATION WINNER PRO ESCAPE ROOMS

FIRST RUNNER-UP Rockport

SECOND RUNNER-UP Downtown Victoria Art Walk

DANCE

& LIVE MUSIC VENUES

WINNER

AERO CRAFTERS

TIE-FIRST RUNNER-UP Moonshine Drinkery

SECOND RUNNER-UP The Barn

MARTIAL ARTS

WINNER SATORI MMA

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Victoria Karate Academy

SECOND RUNNER-UP Nightmare Striking Academy

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

WINNER FLOW PADDLE

PROFESSIONALS

ATTORNEY WINNER

BRENT AND TERRI LYNN

DORNBURG-DORNBURG LAW

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Kelly Garrett Kucera

SECOND RUNNER-UP

The Werner Law Group

ATTORNEYBUSINESS LAW

WINNER

KLIEM & BALUSEK

(FORMERLY KLIEM & ASSOCIATES)

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Leslie A. Werner

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Cole, Cole, Easley & Sciba

ATTORNEY-CIVIL WINNER

THE WERNER LAW GROUP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Bernard T. Klimist / Law Offices of Bernard T. Klimist

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Kliem & Balusek (formerly Kliem & Associates)

ATTORNEYCRIMINALDEFENSE

WINNER

BRENT AND TERRI LYNN

DORNBURG - DORNBURG LAW

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Tali Vilafranca

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Steve Cihal

ATTORNEY-

ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE WINNER

KLIEM & BALUSEK

(FORMERLY KLIEM & ASSOCIATES)

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Werner Law Group, PLLC

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Bernard T. Klimist/Law Offices of Bernard T. Klimist

BEST OVERALL ATTORNEYS, BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS:

BRENT AND TERRI LYNN DORNBURG

Brent and Terri Lynn Dornburg love coming to work every single day.

They love solving problems and meeting new challenges.

They love educating anyone and everyone, from defendants to jurors, about the law.

But most of all, they love giving their clients peace of mind by helping them move past the worst crises of their lives and make real changes to never again run afoul of the judicial system ever again.

“Getting not guilties is the cherry on the ice cream,” Brent Dornburg said. “I’m not for crime. I’m just a big fan of the Constitution.”

Together, both Dornburgs boast more than 50 years of legal experience. The husband and wife legal team handles criminal defense cases of all kinds from low-level misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.

The Dornburgs call on their ample years of legal experience to help their clients along every step

ATTORNEYFAMILY LAW WINNER WERNER LAW GROUP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Rosalind Perez

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Lynn Knapp

ATTORNEYREAL ESTATE WINNER

KELLY GARRETT KUCERA

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Kliem & Balusek (formerly Kliem & Associates)

of the legal process from arrest to trial. In fact, Brent Dornburg said trials, which can be overwhelming and nerve-racking for many lawyers, are one of his favorite parts of the job.

Keeping clients out of jail is a priority, but the couple can also educate or even counsel defendants to prevent them from ever getting arrested again.

Brent Dornburg said it’s not uncommon for them to run into clients years later and find they have not only steered clear of the law but also freed themselves of addiction and other unhealthy cycles.

It’s that kind of holistic approach that has made the Dornburgs popular with defendants and even local prosecutors.

“We are so thankful to those who voted for us,” he said. “It’s mind boggling to us that we have this kind of support in the community. We are gracious and humbled. It’s that much more motivating, too.”

Contributed Photo by Images by Dayna Brent and Terri Lynn Dornburg.

SECOND RUNNER-UP

The Werner Law Group

CARSALESPERSON

WINNER

LEO MARTINEZ - TOYOTA OF VICTORIA

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Brandon Dolan

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Schyler Boyd

CARDIOLOGIST

WINNER

DR. HARISH CHANDNA

FIRST RUNNER-UP Dr. Tywaun Tillman

SECOND RUNNER-UP Dr. Ajay Gaalla

CHARITY & NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

WINNER

REGION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Victoria Professional Express Network

SECOND RUNNER-UP Lighthouse for the Youth

CHIROPRACTORS

WINNER

CHRIS THOMAS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Cynthia Airhart

SECOND RUNNER-UP Clayton Franke

DENTIST WINNER

ZBORIL DENTAL CENTER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

David R Rivera, DDS

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Brittany Stafford, DDS

FAMILY

DOCTOR/FNP/PA

WINNER

DR. NHI LE

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Ngoc Duran, FNP

SECOND RUNNER-UP John McNeill

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

WINNER

TDECU VICTORIA MOCKINGBIRD

FIRST RUNNER-UP Prosperity Bank

SECOND RUNNER-UP Crossroads Bank

FINANCIAL PLANNERS

WINNER

MICHELE ROHDE - ROHDE

FINANCIAL GRP OF AMERIPRISE

FIRST RUNNER-UP Robert King - Texas Farm Bureau

SECOND RUNNER-UP Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Joe Olive, Cuero

FUNERALS SERVICES

WINNER

ROSEWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Grace Funeral Home

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home

INSURANCE AGENCY

WINNER

BUESING INSURANCE

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Diana Escalante - State Farm

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance

INSURANCE AGENT

WINNER

RUSSELL BUESING

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Diana Escalante

TIE – SECOND RUNNER-UP

Brady Boehl

Sarita Villfranca Richmond

MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS

WINNER

MONUMENTS OF VICTORIA

FIRST RUNNER-UP Memory Gardens Cemetery

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Surface Burial Vault

OBGYN

WINNER

DR. MARIA TORRES

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Dr. Melissa Wilson

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Dr. Anthony McDowell

ORTHODONTIA WINNER

LESLIE FRELS DDS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Dr. Lisa Heinrich-Null

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Crane Pediatric Dentistry

PEDIATRIC DOCTOR/NP/PA

WINNER

DR. STEPHEN DENTLER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Sheila Martinka - Almouie Pediatrics

SECOND RUNNER-UP Adelaida Resendez

PHOTOGRAPHER WINNER

MELISSA RODRIGUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY

FIRST RUNNER-UP Captured Moments by Christine

SECOND RUNNER-UP Danny Vivian

PODIATRIST WINNER

DR. ANDREW YOUNG

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Dr. B. Chase Garcia

SECOND RUNNER-UP Victoria Foot and Ankle Center

REALESTATE AGENCY WINNER

CORNERSTONE PROPERTIES

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Escalante Real Estate Group brokered by EXP Realty

SECOND RUNNER-UP

The Zaplac Group

REAL ESTATE AGENT

WINNER

BRANDI JACKSON

FIRST RUNNER-UP Jamie Powell

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Brianna Escalante

VETERINARIANS

WINNER

MAIN STREET

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Lone Star Animal Hospital

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Navarro Small Animal Clinic

WOMENOWNED BUSINESS WINNER

LEDWIG DANCE ACADEMY

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Mother Cluckers Downtown

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Crossroads Flooring And Design

Buying and selling a home should be an experience – a good experience for both parties. That’s the philosophy real estate attorney Kelly Kucera lives by with each of her closings.

Victoria Advocate readers agree. They voted her and her firm, KGK Real Estate Closing the 2023 Best of the Best real estate attorney.

“We try to customize a person’s experience,” Kucera said. She provides “great communication with people and we make them feel special when they come in.”

Some ways of making clients feel special is taking photos of the big event, videos, in celebration of the home purchase.

“It’s a celebration,” Kucera said. “We’re dealing with people’s money. It’s stressful. When they get here I try to make it a pleasant experience.

“We make sure they feel what a big deal it is,” she added. “They’re ready to celebrate their purchase.”

Making what often amounts to the biggest purchase of a person’s life needs more than an assembly-line transaction. “I definitely don’t do that,” she said.

“I go through the papers in detail, I summarize it for them ... even after the fact, people will call with questions.”

Kucera has been practicing law since 2005 and has owned her own company for 12 years.

She said the past few years have brought change to the industry, with more and more attempts at wire fraud being noticed. But Kucera said her firm is ready.

“We’ve put several measures in place to prevent it,” she said. “Some people get annoyed because we’re so thorough. I want to be that thorough.”

One reason she wants to have that much security in place is to ensure each transaction goes smoothly, which leaves her time to help the community, a goal she enjoys each year.

Among the nonprofits she supports are the Victoria Symphony, the Vine School, the Bach Festival and CASA.

“The more business, the more funds I have to make contributions, donations, to help our community.”

Kucera can be reached at 361-576-0145 or at her website, kgklaw.co. Her office is at 101 W. Goodwin Ave., Suite 302. in One O’Connor Plaza.

Kelly Kucera

Thank you Crossroads

Diane Kliem and Briana Balusek and their team thank everyone for their votes. It signifies that they continue to do things right in obtaining these votes of confidence.

Kliem & Balusek takes pride in having high standards and lofty goals in customer satisfaction and positive client relationships. Kliem & Balusek also work very hard to have a stellar reputation in the communities they serve and being involved in Victoria and surrounding communities.

The firm was formerly Kliem & Associates and has been named Best of the Best in one or more categories of the contest since 2012.

“Consistent good business modeling for customer service, education in the areas of law we practice and great people on our team are the keys to such a long and successful record” Kliem said. “Adding Briana Balusek as a partner in the firm last year just

makes the team and its longevity even stronger to continue to serve our communities well.”

The law firm has focused on the primary areas of estate planning (wills, trusts, and probate), business law, real estate, guardianships and mediation for the past few years but occasionally handles some other areas such as family law and contract matters also.

Winning the Best of the Best title in estate planning and business law is an honor to the firm since it is their main focus. Also, being first runner up best real estate attorney and second runner up best overall attorney are big accolades to the firm and these votes are so appreciated.

The firm recently moved to a new location at 3004 Sam Houston Drive in Victoria and welcomes new and former clients to stop by to see the new offices. The staff would love to assist you with your legal matters.

DR. ROB ZBORIL

Dr. Rob Zboril’s ethos is simple: offer first-class service for anyone who walks through his doors. This year, he was named best dentist by Advocate readers.

“We’re very honored and very privileged to have been voted again for best of the best,” Zboril said. “My team does a lot of hard work and they’re what really makes it possible.”

The dental center was first runner-up in 2022, but was the winner in 2021 and 2020.

What makes his dental practice stand out is the empathy and collection care that his team provides for patients to elevate their dental care and their lives, he said.

“They go above and beyond to do the little things to help make sure that people are comfortable and taken care of,” Zboril said. “Dentistry can sometimes be a scary and intimidating thing, so it’s really helpful to have people who are involved, kind, considerate and can move at your speed.”

Zboril has practiced dentistry for 10 years, after earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. After his schooling, Zboril opened his practice, at 3702 John Stockbauer Drive, in 2018.

“I’ve really enjoyed being a member of the community and getting to treat the patients here,” Zboril said.

His practice offers a broad range of services that include everything from cleanings, preventative care, to fillings, extractions, bone grafts, crowns and dental implants. The practice uses iTero imaging and 3D imaging to speed up the process, along with lasers as needed for treatment. The office also has a 3D printer that allows him to print either restorations, models or different

appliances that are needed in the treatment process, Zboril said. But with all of the high-tech gadgets, there will be some patients out there who are apprehensive about going to the dentist. And for those patients, Zboril has a simple message.

“I understand your apprehension, everybody’s apprehension is usually fairly well founded, but you’re not alone,” Zboril said. “There is hope and there are ways to get your smile back.”

Staff of the Zboril Dental Center.

Frels Orthodontics’ team of passionate, caring individuals are knowledgeable, highly competent and dedicated to providing patients with exceptional care and service.

“Frels Orthodontics is great because of the people who work there,” Dr. Leslie Frels said.

That recipe for success has contributed to numerous Victoria Advocate Best of the Best awards over the years.

Located at 203 Kerh Blvd. in Victoria, the office offers orthodontic services for children, teens and adults, including traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, orthodontic appliances and surgical orthodontics.

Frels and her associate, Dr. Abbey Janssen, are the area’s only board-certified orthodontists. As part of their certification,Frels and Janssen completed a highly competitive two to three year orthodontic residency after dental school and passed voluntary, rigorous written and clinical examinations.

Frels was inspired to enter the orthodontics field because of her father, who was a dentist, but also because she had orthodontics as a child and teen.

“I really enjoyed my experience and always thought it would be a wonderful profession,” she said.

She continues that work today, in large part because of the satisfaction she receives from helping the patients she encounters each day. Each of those clients are welcomed with a smile and given a detailed consultation appointment.

“Helping to transform their teeth, bite and smile is very rewarding. Straight, healthy, properly-positioned teeth can completely change a person’s life and it feels rewarding to be a part of that journey with my patients,” Frels said.

Dr. Leslie Frels

LEO MARTINEZ

Leo Martinez was working in the auto service industry, but was having trouble getting parts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Martinez and his wife decided a career change was in order.

“My wife and I decided, if we couldn’t get the parts, we couldn’t fix the cars,” Martinez said. “Toyota was still receiving inventory and still receiving parts so I went over to talk to them.”

Toyota of Victoria agreed to take Martinez on as a salesperson.

The move has proven to be successful for Martinez and Toyota of Victoria, as he was selected as the best auto salesperson by Advocate readers in the 2023 Best of the Best.

“I’ve been pretty blessed since then,” Martinez said.

Martinez tries to abide by a simple philosophy when it comes to selling vehicles.

“Doing the right thing when nobody’s looking,” he said. “It can be easy to put those kinds of things aside when you feel like nobody’s going to know. If you continue to do the right thing and treat everybody the way you want your family treated, it can make a difference.”

Martinez has noticed the difference in the number of customers who return to him or refer other customers to him.

“I do get quite a few repeat customers and quite a few referral customers,” he said. “When somebody wants their family to be treated correctly and their friends, they’ll send them to you as well.”

“There is hope and there are ways to get your smile back.”

Contributed

Photo

Leo Martinez

DR. NHI LE

Dr. Nhi Le sees her patients as a “whole person” with their warts and all, sometimes literally.

Le, whose name is pronounced like the Hawaiian floral neck wreath lei, said, “We are all humans. We need to be heard.” So she listens to her patients. And she hears them.

“And, being a physician, besides going to school to learn how to diagnose what’s wrong with a patient, I enjoy getting to know the patient,” she said.

“I try to diagnose what’s wrong with you based on your symptoms … and help the patient correct the underlying causes,” the 24-year physician explained. “I hear. I listen and I hear their concerns.”

Those are some of the reasons readers of the Victoria Advocate selected Le as the Best Family Doctor in the Best of the Best survey. “Thank you so much for that recognition,” she said.

She said being a doctor means being an investigator, a sleuth. “I try to figure out what’s wrong internally. As an internist, I love to solve puzzles. That’s why I went into internal medicine. In school, we were taught to diagnose, to treat, to prescribe. In my practice, I have embraced functional metabolic medicine.

“In itself, I have to go to school and, you know, take classes, pass the oral exam, the written exam, become board certified in anti-aging and metabolic medicine,” she said. This enabled her to “correct the problems at the roots and help the patients improve their lifestyle, diet and lose weight.”

All of this results in improved health, less stress, a better sex life and a happier existence, she said. Once the internal issues are resolved, she and her team at the Fountain of Youth Medical

Spa, 4701 N. Navarro St, Victoria, then work on the patient’s exterior to bring them joy.

“When you are happier as a person, you function better and you’re positive, and you attract positive energy,” she said. “And if I can help you improve your health, your wellness, why not improve your outside appearance, your skin health, your beauty, your look?”

Fountain of Youth Medical Spa opened in 2007, the first of its kind in Victoria. The medical practice accepts most insurance plans and Medicare.

Dr. Nhi Le and her team at the Fountain of Youth Medical Spa

Michelle Rohde, president of Rohde Financial Group, takes pride in leaving her clients feeling confident when they walk out her door.

Rohde, who has operated the business for 10 years, was named the Best of the Best financial planner by Victoria Advocate readers.

“Always super grateful for that honor,” she said. “I think what it boils down to is that we help to relieve (client’s) worries that they come in the door with.”

“We try really hard to make a sometimes intimidating subject easier to understand so they leave our office feeling more confident and secure about their goals being accomplished,” she added.

Rohde also credited her three other staff members as to why Rohde Financial Group has been so successful over the last 10 years of operation.

“They’re another huge reason the clients feel great about being here. It is because they’re knowledgeable, they’re caring and they also provide really top service,” Rohde said. “They either give the client the answer right then and there or call them back the same day.”

Rohde Financial Group, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial, offers one-to-one financial advice, as well as personal recommendations in investments, asset allocations and portfolios.

Rohde’s staff helps their clients by giving financial advice around retirement savings, children’s college accounts, and life insurance.

They also offer regular meetings and anytime access, so clients can access their investments and accounts from any device.

Michele Rohde

OF VICTORIA

Each person is different, and Kim Phillips, of Monuments of Victoria, said each should be treated that way. “We try to understand the importance in remembering that person.”

That’s one reason why Victoria Advocate readers voted Monuments of Victoria the Best of the Best in monuments for 2023.

“It’s a specialty business,” Phillips said. “There’s not a lot of them. There’s not a lot of manufacturers.”

So Monuments of Victoria focuses on “making them all custom.”

“We sold one the other day that looks like an 18-wheeler truck,” Phillips said.

“We want their story to be told. We tell customers that when your grandchildren bring their grandchildren to this headstone, they will know what was important to the people who are buried there.”

She said purchasing a marker or headstone is something people do “once, maybe twice in a lifetime.”

“We really strive to have compassion

for them, kindness,” Phillips said. “We give them basic information at first so it’s not overwhelming. And we let them know the different choices and options.

“And when they see this man fishing on this marker, or this hummingbird on this marker, they will know what was important to that person.”

Phillips said she started as a funeral director, which she did for 25 years. “I just reached a crossroad.” She and her husband have run Monuments of Victoria for almost 10 years.

“And monuments are not just a product that we sell, but a service back to the community and to the people,” Phillips said.

The industry has changed over the years, from websites that post pictures of markers to online design tools to help customize a headstone or marker. Even some carving of the stone is done electronically. Since the pandemic, another change is the time to get the stone from manufacturers. It can take six months

now, when it used to be two or three, Phillips said.

She added the business is a team effort. “We appreciate the people who work with us. Staff and cemeteries and all the others,” Phillips said. “We appreciate them because they make our job easier when they do their job, as well.”

Kim Phillips Contributed Photo

BRANDI JACKSON AND CORNERSTONE PROPERTIES

Brandi Jackson is the broker/ owner of Cornerstone Properties, the No. 1 independent real estate company in Victoria.

She is a top-performing local professional with 16 years of experience, closing more than 1,000 transactions for more than $215 million in sales.

Jackson has excelled in the competitive Crossroads real estate market, establishing a reputation as a well-respected and innovative businesswoman. In July 2016, Jackson was voted one of the Top 30 Under 40 Business Moguls of the Crossroads in Golden Crescent magazine.

Cornerstone Properties has served the Victoria area since 1984. With two office locations in Victoria and Shiner, a team of more than 30 agents and marketing professionals working tirelessly for their clients.

Cornerstone has closed nearly $1 billion in sales.

“Having dedicated Realtors is very important to providing exceptional service and our amazing clients are the key to our success,” Jackson

said.

Jackson and the Cornerstone Properties team offer a wide variety of experience in residential (single and multi-family), land, investment, and commercial real estate across the Crossroads and beyond. They also have a broad background in REO and relocation procedures, making Cornerstone Properties a full-service brokerage ready to take care of all your needs.

“It is such a special honor to be voted the Best Real Estate Agent and for Cornerstone to be recognized as the Best Real Estate Agency as well,” said Jackson. “Our clients are so important, and we appreciate the trust they put in us. To be chosen by the community means so much and we want to thank everyone who voted for us. I was born and raised in Victoria County, and I am raising my children here, too. Helping people find their dream home or the perfect commercial property to grow their business is very satisfying and makes me excited to go to work every day.”

Brandi Jackson

Contributed Photo

REPAIRS & SERVICES

AUTO BODY

WINNER

MATULA’S COLLISION CENTER

FIRST RUNNER-UP Atzenhoffer Chevrolet

SECOND RUNNER-UP Outlaw Offroad of Texas

AUTO REPAIR

WINNER

VALLEJO MOTORS

FIRST RUNNER-UP Slick’s Oil Change

SECOND RUNNER-UP Zarbock’s Automotive & Transmissions

AUTO SERVICE

WINNER

VALLEJO MOTORS

FIRST RUNNER-UP Cuero Lube & Tire

SECOND RUNNER-UP Slick’s Oil Change

BUILDERS

(HOMES,BUSINESS,METAL, BARNDOMINIUMS)

WINNER

HELPING HANDS HANDYMAN & RENOVATIONS

FIRST RUNNER-UP South Texas Home Restoration

SECOND RUNNER-UP Kimberlite Homes

CAR WASHES & DETAILING

WINNER

TIDAL WAVE

FIRST RUNNER-UP Cuero Lube & Tire

SECOND RUNNER-UP L A Detailing

CARPETS,RUGS& FLOORCOVERINGS

WINNER

CROSSROADS FLOORING & DESIGN

FIRST RUNNER-UP Carpet Masters Carpet One

SECOND RUNNER-UP Helping Hands Handyman & Renovations

ELECTRICIANS

WINNER

HALL ELECTRIC, INC.

FIRST RUNNER-UP S & S Contracting & Electrical

SECOND RUNNER-UP Skookum Electric

EVENT PLANNER WINNER

THE WELL WOMAN WEDDING CO.

FIRST RUNNER-UP Life’s Celebrations

SECOND RUNNER-UP Haus of Balloons

FRIENDLIEST CAR DEALERSHIP WINNER

VICTORY BUICK GMC

FIRST RUNNER-UP Bravo Honda of Victoria

SECOND RUNNER-UP Victoria Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Wagoneer

GLASS COMPANY WINNER

MITCHELL GLASS

SECOND RUNNER-UP Glass Doctor

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING WINNER

ARMER AIR

FIRST RUNNER-UP Aire Serv

SECOND RUNNER-UP Joe Cool Heating and Air

Conditioning

INTERNET SERVICE

PROVIDER WINNER TISD

FIRST RUNNER-UP AT&T Internet

SECOND RUNNER-UP GVEC LANDSCAPING, LAWN SERVICE, TREE TRIMMING WINNER CALL ALBERT LANDSCAPING

Scott Bauer Lawn Service

SECOND RUNNER-UP The Yard Guy

PEST CONTROL

FIRST RUNNER-UP Oscar’s Pest & Termite Control

SECOND RUNNER-UP Pest Solutions

PET

FIRST RUNNER-UP Plumb Perfect Plumbing, David Tomek, Hallettsville

SECOND

Caraway

SECOND

PLUMBER

Cox Brothers Roofing

A V Cruz Roofing

Bumgardner Morrison

VALLEJO MOTORS

With Vallejo Motors, you’re getting more than just good auto repair service, you’re receiving an experience.

When you walk in Vallejo’s lobby, you can expect a warm welcome from co-owner Cristal Vallejo, while classic rock music plays in the background. Vibrant murals are displayed on the outside. Vallejo compares the ambiance of the shop to a tattoo parlor. Vallejo Motors clearly isn’t your typical auto body shop.

This is the sixth year Vallejo Motors has won a Best of the Best award for auto repair. Since opening in 2014, the shop has been owned and operated by Mario and Cristal Vallejo who prioritize providing good service and a unique shop set up.

“We try to give customers a pleasant experience,” Mario Vallejo said.

“We try to give them something cool, something different, with the artwork that we have.”

Word of mouth and building a loyal customer base with their customer and auto repair services is a key factor in helping Vallejo Motors stand out.

“Customer service is the top thing for sure, when people come in for the first time, they’re referred to by a family member or friend,” Cristal Vallejo said.

“We try to keep true to everybody’s visit over here. We’re really trying to get them back on the road at a good value that they couldn’t get anywhere else, especially at the dealership.”

Vallejo Motors offers auto repair, auto maintenance, and fleet services as well as check engine light diagnostics and repairs.

Chase Cofield/Advocate

Photo Vallejo Motors

Over time and through many changes in the automobile industry, one thing has stayed consistent at Matula’s Collision Center — quality customer service.

“When we repair vehicles for our customers we definitely have their best interest at heart,” said Veronica Matula. “That is something that we have always stood behind.”

The auto repair shop, owned by Jimmy and Veronica Matula since 1995, was voted the Best of the Best in the auto body repair category by Victoria Advocate readers.

“We’re grateful for the people that did vote for us. We have a reputation in town of doing good quality work, and we do stand behind our work,” Veronica Matula said. “We’ve always been an independent shop working for our customers.”

Their business provides repair to vehicles that have been in minor to major accidents, however, the auto repair industry has seen struggles over the past few years, such as a lack of parts available to shops like Matula’s.

“It’s been a struggle for our industry as a whole, because if there’s not a product or if there’s not a part available, unfortunately we have to wait if it’s something that makes the vehicle run.” Veronica Matula said. “It delays repairs.”

Still, the Matulas have found a way to keep customers returning on a regular basis.

“We are booked out almost two months on a consistent basis. We stay that busy and just having repeat customers and word of mouth referrals keeps us really, really busy,” she said.

“That shows with us being voted Best of the Best again, with how many people are willing to wait to bring their vehicles in to be repaired.”

HELPING HANDS HANDYMAN & RENOVATIONS

Helping Hands Handyman & Renovations does it all. From small projects like the installation of a ceiling fan to giant ones like full-on home renovations, this Victoria business has it all under control.

Helping Hands has their work so locked down that the business almost solely relies on word of mouth for advertising.

In fact, this Best of the Best article you’re reading now is probably the most marketing Helping Hands has done to date, owner Travis Costello, who runs the business with wife Tanya Costello, said. The business has been in operation full time for about six years and runs about five crews.

“We care about our customers,” he said. “We are a business that is looking to build a long lasting business here in Victoria.”

Every week, Helping Hands receives as many as 100 calls requesting work be done. Travis Costello estimates Helping Hands has a customer base numbering near 2,000.

Costello picked up his expertise as a teen, learning from various contractors working alongside his mother, who owned a construction business.

These days, Helping Hands is able to do carpentry, flooring, tile work, counter tops, decks, patios and just about anything you can think of when it comes to home improvements. They also can readily call on licensed electricians and plumbers.

Despite that versatility, Costello said Helping Hands specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels, which is some of the most important work for making a home truly shine.

The business also has numerous accolades, including an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as memberships with the Crossroads Builders Association and National Association of Home Builders.

Contributed

Photo

Helping Hands husband and wife co-owners Travis and Tanya Costello.

ELECTRIC & HALL

Two companies under the same roof each received some love from Victoria Advocate readers.

Hall Electric was named Best Electrician, while Hall Lighting & Design Center was recognized for having the best furniture and home décor in the Crossroads.

Owned by the Turek family since 1967, Hall Electric considers itself to be the preeminent commercial and domestic electrical lighting company in South Texas. Stephen Turek, the current head of the company, guided the electrical firm as it transitioned into the 21st century.

“Thank you to our valued customers,” Turek said. “We are truly blessed to serve Victoria and the surrounding area with the best team around.”

Hall Lighting & Design has served the Crossroads for over 16 years. The company’s showroom of home furniture and décor attracts people from all over Texas. Leading the team of certified lighting consultants, design consultants and administrative staff is Stacey Rather, who uses her expertise and critical thinking abilities to support the showroom.

“I am very proud that over the years, Victoria has recognized and supported our family business and in the process, have become our family as well,” Rather said.

Hall strives to provide quality products and services to customers today and tomorrow.

“The future is bright for Hall Electric and Hall Lighting & Design, where we have been defying normal for the last 56 years,” sales manager Jill Ross said.

&

Contributed

Photo

The Turek family, owners of Hall Electric and Hall Lighting & Design

MITCHELL GLASS COMPANY

There’s a reason why Mitchell Glass Company has been in business for 76 years at the same location at 405 W. Constitution St.

The full-service glass and mirror shop is a local business that has served commercial and residential local and area customers with an experienced team of employees.

“We have a great family/team of employees, some who have been with us for 30-plus years,” said David Seale, vice-president of Mitchell Glass. “We take pride in our work and aim to walk away from each job completed with quality and customer satisfaction in mind.”

Another reason Mitchell Glass was selected the best glass company by Advocate readers in Best of the Best was its long-standing involvement with the communities it serves, led by David Seale, managing partner Tiffany Seale and company president Robert Mueller.

“We’re thankful the community has supported us over the 75 years,” David Seale said, “so we give back through local youth, charitable organizations and religious groups.”

Mitchell Glass provides a variety of services including commercial storefront doors, windows, TDI Windstorm rated storefront systems, architectural glass, mirrors, table tops, plexiglass, frameless shower doors and tempered glass enclosures.

Mitchell Glass also stocks a wide variety

of commonly used glass and mirror products to fill custom orders and local projects on a daily basis.

“Our customers know us for our experienced team of employees with the skills to perform most any glass project in a professional manner and with quality products that last,” David Seale said.

Contributed

Photo

Mitchell Glass Company

For the second consecutive year, TISD has been named best internet service provider in the Crossroads. A strong focus on innovative solutions and customer satisfaction is how TISD has established itself as a reliable partner for residential customers and businesses. By using advanced technology, TISD is able to deliver fast and reliable internet service to their customers.

TISD offers a variety of other services, including residential and business phone (VoIP), VidGo live TV streaming services, and IT Solutions. They offer 24/7 technical support by phone and additional troubleshooting support via “RouteThis,” an easy to use, self-serve app customers can use to find solutions to common technical challenges at the touch of a button.

Another key aspect of TISD’s approach is its commitment to customer service. The company’s team of experienced professionals works closely with customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions that meet their specific requirements. TISD is dedicated to ensuring that its customers receive the highest level of service and support.

“TISD has been serving communities in

the Crossroads for 28 years. We take pride in connecting people to the world and will continue to deliver a quality product with excellent customer service. Thank you

for choosing TISD as the 2023 best internet provider. It is an honor and privilege to serve our communities.” Donna Castor, TISD chief executive officer, said.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES & WINNERS!

Photo by Sande Bilton Photography

TISD office staff

PEST AND TERMITE

Bugmobiles Pest and Termite have been the bane of every pest’s existence since the 50s in Victoria. And for their work to keep the creepy crawlies at bay, the company has been named this year’s best pest control company by Advocate readers. Owner Jim Kiening said he owes it all to his loyal employees.

“Everyday we do the best that we possibly can. Our guys get here fairly early in the morning and go on their routes and it’s good to be able to tell them they’ve been doing a good job,” Kiening said. “And the people that we serve appreciate what they’re doing.”

Located at 2304 E. Mockingbird Lane, the pest control business has been operating since 1954, with some employees who have 25, 30 and over 50 years of experience, Kiening said.

“There’s a lot of people that stayed with us forever, which is great,” Kiening said. The company performs general pest control in residential homes and commercial facilities and work to keep those places pest free, Kiening said. Customers who are losing the fight against pests should call Bugmobiles where an employee will

first listen to the problem and needs. A technician will call back within a day to inquire about the pest and provide a rough cost estimate, Kiening said. A technician will then visit the home to do a free inspection and adjust the estimate and customers can choose a solution, whether it be a one-time service or a one-year maintenance service package.

Since 1990, Kiening has been in the

pest control business, after years of working at banks. Working with his customers through the years, and seeing the generational change has been the best part of the business, he said.

“Some of our customers, I have probably worked with them for 40 years, from their grandmothers and their mothers,” Kiening said. “I’m just amazed at how many families we have served since the 70s.”

CONVENIENCE STORE

WINNER

DICKS FOOD STORE

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Texan No. 5

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Then & Now Antiques Gifts and Collectibles

FEED STORE/PET

SUPPLY STORE

WINNER

NORTHSIDE RANCH PET & GARDEN CENTER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Local Pet

SECOND RUNNER-UP Dierlam Feed Store

FLORIST

WINNER

BLISSFULLY YOURS FLORAL

FIRST RUNNER-UP

McAdams Floral

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Victoria Flower Co.

FORMAL/ BRIDAL WEAR

WINNER

ENCORE RESALE SHOP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

All About The Dress

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Jade & Madalynn

FURNITURE

WINNER

HALL LIGHTING & DESIGN CENTER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Then & Now Antiques Gifts and Collectibles

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Ashley Furniture

HomeStore - Victoria

GIFTS WINNER

GYPSY B HAT BAR

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Mother Cluckers Downtown

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Hall Lighting & Design Center

GROCERY STORE

WINNER

H-E-B PLUS!

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Dick’s Food Store

SECOND RUNNER-UP

H-E-B

HOME DÉCOR

WINNER

HALL LIGHTING & DESIGN

CENTER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Hobby Lobby

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Mother Cluckers Downtown

JEWELRY & WATCHES

WINNER

EICHHORN GONZALES & MILLER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Encore Resale Shop

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Then & Now Antiques Gifts and Collectibles

LIQUOR STORE

WINNER

SPEC’S WINES, SPIRITS & FINER FOODS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Texas Liquor

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Twin Liquors

LOCALLY OWNED

CLOTHING STORE

WINNER

BLEU & CO.

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Jess Boutique

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Sassy Antler Boutique

LOCALLY OWNED HARDWARE

STORE

WINNER

ACE HARDWARE

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Lentz True Value Hardware

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Habitat For Humanity

ReStore

OPTICAL STORE

WINNER

TEXAS STATE OPTICAL

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Victoria Family Eye Care

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Visionworks Victoria Mall

PLANT NURSERY

WINNER

WEST FARMS

FIRST RUNNER-UP Handy Stop Nursery

Best

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Renken’s Nursery

POOLS, SPAS & SAUNAS

WINNER

VICTORIA POOL SERVICES & SUPPLY

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Platinum Pools

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Burdge O’Donnell Pools

RESALE SHOP

WINNER

THEN & NOW ANTIQUES

GIFTS AND COLLECTIBLES

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Encore Resale Shoppe

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Kevin’s Closet

WESTERN

WEAR

WINNER

CAVENDER’S BOOT CITY

FIRST RUNNER-UP

High-Brehm Hats & Western

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Leather Creations by Renee Wilke

Bleu & Co., a Yoakum based retail shop, has been named the best overall retail store by Advocate readers. Alexa Fikac, owner of the shop, said she is ecstatic and is proud to bring something that women can appreciate to a local store.

“Whether it’s clothing or accessory, we are just super excited to have won,” Fikac said.

Fikac started Bleu & Co. originally in another shop in 2011, but soon moved to an independent location in Yoakum. The retail shop offers an assortment of women’s clothes, shoes and accessories.

“We carry lines like Dear John, Kendra Scott, Consuela,” Fikac said. “We have Swan Creek candles so we do have gift type items as well. So we’re very proud to have all of those names in our shop.”

Fikac said she found her love for retail while working for another retail shop in the area. She is also a long-time teacher, teaching math and science to fourth graders. Fikac made the time to start a retail shop of her own, bringing her vision to life at 516 Lott St. in Yoakum.

The store’s goal is to actively listen to what the customers want and to provide for the customers, Fikac said. The store offers clothing sizes ranging from small to 3X.

“We have a wonderful staff, we have warm and inviting employees and we try to carry something that everyone wants.”

The store is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.The store is closed Sunday and Monday.

Interior of Bleu & Co in Yoakum.

TEXAS STATE OPTICAL

Texas State Optical does things a little differently.

Practice Manager Ivette Fitzgerald credits the Victoria practice’s hands-on approach as to why it was named the Best of the Best optical store by Victoria Advocate readers.

“Our customer service is a little bit different. We’re definitely more hands-on than any other places, before I was even in this field, that I’ve been to,” Fitzgerald said. “We’re more personalized than just in and out, get you done and get you gone. We have a whole process.”

Texas State Optical’s Victoria practice is owned by Dr. Joseph Allison and his wife Elizabeth Allison. The doctors in practice are Dr. Jordan Mutschink and Dr. Rachel Adcock.

They provide glasses, offer eye exams for all ages beginning at 4 years, and monitor the health of their customers’ eyes. The equipment that the practice uses can also detect early signs of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Texas State Optical’s extensive portfolio of lenses and large selection of frames are customer favorites.

“We have a huge optical, so it takes up a little bit more than half the practice,” Fitzgerald said.

Customers also enjoy the fact that Texas State Optical listens to all optical related issues.

“We’re always here to do adjustments even if you didn’t buy the glasses from us,” Fitzgerald said. “We’re always here to listen to the patients with any issues they may be having with the prescription or the glasses.”

The staff of Texas State Optical.

5th

Annual VARSITY CUP AWARDS

Tuesday, May 16th

Honoring Outstanding Student Athletes in the Crossroads

Guest Speaker Jerheme Urban

Stroman High School Graduate, current Football Head

Coach at Trinity University. Coach Urban had a nine-year career in the National Football League. The talented wide receiver played for the Seattle Seahawks; Arizona Cardinals, including the 2008 Super Bowl team; and Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Urban amassed 91 receptions for 1,256 yards and eight touchdowns in his career.

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Photo for Illustration