2019 Readers' Choice

Who won?

The readers of Fairbanks have chosen ‌

Check out the winners inside

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

And the 2019 Readers’ Choice winners are:

Hello readers!

Thank you for nominating and voting for the best of the best in Fairbanks and North Pole. It’s always wonderful to see traditional favorites as well as new entries on these lists every year.

3. Sam’s Sourdough Cafe

Brunch 1. The Pump House 2. Cookie Jar 3. Pike’s Landing

Chinese Food 1. Pagoda 2. Bamboo Panda 3. Lin’s Asian Bistro

Cup of Coffee 1. Bucko’s 2. Stir It Up 3. Sunrise Bagel & Espresso

Food And Drink

Asian Fusion 1. Lemongrass 2. Ajimi 3. Thai House

BBQ 1. Big Daddy’s BBQ 2. Bad 2 Da Bone 3. Lane’s Quickie Tacos

Bloody Mary 1. Oasis Restaurant & Lounge 2. Salty’s on 2nd 3. Lavelle’s Taphouse

Breakfast 1. The Cookie Jar 2. DW Grill

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Celebrating

& Bar

wonderful years in North Pole!

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

Your votes motivate us to always BEST STEAK (not prime rib) strive to provide a great dining experience!

www.pagodanorthpole.com 431 N. Santa Claus Lane, North Pole 488-3338

Open 7 days: Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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The Binkley

Family and the Riverboat Discovery would like to thank you, Fairbanks, for voting us the

Best Tourist Attaction and for voting

Steamboat Landing

Best Gift Shop

Gold Dredge 8

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For tour information or reservations 479-6673 • reservations@riverboatdiscovery.com www.riverboatdiscovery.com www.golddredge8.com 1-866-479-6673

Fairbanks’ Premier Attractions

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

The Cookie Jar Restaurant proudly displays Daily News-Miner Readers’ Choice awards dating back to 2004. Most of the awards are for Best Breakfast, but the restaurant has also won for Best Family Restaurant. ROBIN WOOD FOR THE NEWS-MINER

FAIRBANKS!

BEST ANIMAL CLINIC OR HOSPITAL

Thank you again to the best Pet Owners in the Interior!

We sincerely appreciate your continued support 1 Food Truck

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425 Harold Bentley Ave • Fairbanks, AK 99701

907-452-6104 www.mmahak.com

Dr. Kuhn Dr. Chen Dr. Wood

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910 Old Steese Hwy, Suite C, Fairbanks, AK 99701 | (907) 347-8117

Dr. Bacon Dr. Vaughan Dr. DeLeon Dr. Flamme

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1 Pizza

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

The Cookie Jar’s success has a sweet beginning

By Nancy Tarnai FOR THE NEWS-MINER

What began as a tiny cookie shop 33 years ago has grown into a fullscale restaurant serving hearty meals all day long, but especially noted for its breakfasts. For the fifth time, The Cookie Jar is the recipient of the Readers’ Choice Best Breakfast award.

Owner Bob Burcell said he married young and shared his wife Gloria’s homemade cookies with his University of Alaska Fairbanks basketball teammates. One pointed a half-eaten cookie at Burcell and said, “You should sell these.”

“The next thing I knew my wife and mother-in-law were buying restaurant equipment,” Burcell said.

The Cookie Jar first opened in West Valley Plaza and soon moved to

Washington Plaza. It’s now a thriving stand-alone facility at 1006 Cadillac Court off of Danby Street. “It wasn’t a huge leap from cookies to muffins and cinnamon rolls,” he said. “Before you know it, you’re selling breakfast.

We just kept adding stuff as people requested it.”

Staying tuned in to customers is key to The Cookie Jar’s success. “We listen to our customers; we have good people working here and our customers are patient with us,” Burcell said.

Once when the Burcells were attending a community fundraiser, an attorney asked why they weren’t serving corned beef hash, so Burcell thought long and hard about how to do that. “The lawyer said if I could do a good corned beef hash, I’d really COOKIE » 6

The Cookie Jar Restaurant at 1006 Cadillac Court has long been one of Fairbanks’ favorite eateries. ROBIN WOOD FOR THE NEWS-MINER

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

COOKIE

Continued from 5 have something special.”

Not wanting to use canned hash, Burcell buys brisket, which he roasts for seven hours and lets cool. Then he dices the meat and serves it mixed with hash browns and grilled onions with eggs on top.

That selection is the most popular breakfast meal at The Cookie Jar. The restaurant’s menu offers an overwhelming variety of options.

Breakfast is served all day and in addition to the hash, there are country fried steak, eight kinds of omelettes or skillets, quiche, pancakes, waffles, French toast, biscuits and gravy and breakfast sandwiches. As if that isn’t enough, you can

also order a cinnamon roll transformed into French toast or stuffed with cream cheese, then grilled and topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

Kid-size portions are available for five of the breakfast options in the $6 to $8 range.

Burcell is willing to customize menu options, varying the omelettes and skillets according to customers’ special requests. When one of the cooks said he should charge extra for that service, Burcell adamantly said no. “We allow crazy modifications to our menu; that keeps customers happy.”

The Cookie Jar is a family business with Gloria keeping the books and handling personnel matters and two of the couple’s sons working there. “When a

Sunday, July 28, 2019

family can work together it strengthens the business,” Burcell said.

“You can hire really good people but members of the family care the most.”

Burcell believes in giving back to the community so much that the employee handbook has a statement to that effect. “People trust us to do the right thing,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the News-Miner and the people who voted for The Cookie Jar’s breakfast, but wistfully added, “We have a really good burger also.”

Nancy Tarnai has been writing about food for the News-Miner for 24 years and fondly recalls when The Cookie Jar was tucked into a corner of Washington Plaza. She can be reached at njtarnai@gmail. com.

Thanks you, Fairbanks, for voting for us!

Enjoy an Alaskan tradition of fine dining in our lovely, cozy and rustic restaurant.

#1 for Prime Rib #1 for Salad Bar

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A carved moose greets diners at The Cookie Jar Restaurant, winner of the 2019 Readers’ Choice Best Breakfast. ROBIN WOOD FOR THE NEWS-MINER

Thank You, Fairbanks!

1ST PLACE REAL ESTATE COMPANY

www.fairbanksakhomes.com 1st Place REALTOR - Jonathan Bradish 907.347.7935

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Featuring Our Award-Winning Prime Rib • Giant Prawns • King Crab Australian Lobster • Halibut

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Hungry Robot serves up top pizza from top food truck

By Nancy Tarnai FOR THE NEWS-MINER

When Randy Bezdek learned his Hungry Robot had been awarded Best Pizza in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Readers’ Choice contest, he was pleased; when he found out he also won Best Food Truck, he was puzzled.

“I thought they made a mistake,” he said. “There are so many food trucks in town. At first I didn’t believe it.”

But Bezdek is thrilled with both awards. “It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s a great feeling.”

Growing up with an Italian mother, Bezdek was familiar with hearty Italian food but the

family rarely had pizza, which he always loved.

While working full time at Fort Wainwright, he started selling ice cream and popsicles at the Tanana Valley Farmers Market and added woodfired pizza to the menu in 2015. “I wanted to find something I could connect with,” he said.

He now has several portable wood-fired stoves that remind him of hungry robots always needing to be fed wood and pizza, hence the name of the business.

His secrets to success are using locally sourced ingredients and providing good customer service and quality control.

The staff makes the dough with organic flour

and lets it proof for a few days. The pork, beef and reindeer used in the pizzas are locally raised.

Bezdek buys as much locally grown vegetables and herbs as possible for his unusual pizzas.

One example is the Dilly Dilly, a pickle pizza, which is one of the Hungry Robot’s best sellers.

“People eat it like crazy,” he said.

The Okie Dokie Artichokie, the Spicy Islander and Murdered

by Meat are other examples of non-traditional pizzas. Bezdek said he usually thinks up the combinations late at night and tries them the next day to see if they are too weird. The Burning Bumble Bee, with two

THANK YOU North Pole and Fairbanks for once again voting Dr. Peter Marshall a top spot in the category of Best Doctor!

Best Doct

or

Be

st Doctor

Dr. Marshall and Kimberly Bean, office manager, are proud to celebrate our 34th Year of practice in North Pole!

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Checking on a wood-fired pizza at the Hungry Robot, which won Readers’ Choice for Best Food Truck as well as Best Pizza. Hungry Robot’s food truck can be found throughout Fairbanks, and it also has a storefront at 910 Old Steese Highway. ROBIN WOOD FOR THE NEWS-MINER. kinds of pepperoni, pepperoncinis and a drizzle of spicy honey, is his favorite.

Pizzas bake in an extremely hot oven heat-

ed entirely with seasoned birch logs. The oven is so hot (800 degrees on the deck and 1200 degrees in the dome) that it only takes 15 seconds to

cook a pizza. “It’s fun to watch,” Bezdek said.

While he has a brick and mortar establishROBOT » 9

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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Desserts 1. Jo’s Oven 2. Marlo’s Bakery 3. Hilltop Truck Stop

Fine Dining 1. Lavelle’s Bistro 2. Turtle Club 3. Bobby’s Downtown

Food Truck 1. Hungry Robot 2. Spice It Up 3. Alaska Cheesesteak Company

Hamburgers 1. Brewster’s 2. Frostbite Foods 3. DW Grill

Ice Cream/Milkshakes 1. Hot Licks 2. Cold Stone Creamery 3. C & J’s Drive In

Italian Food 1. Geraldo’s Italian Restaurant 2. Vallata 3. House of Fire Pizza

Continued from 8

finds his new career as a business owner satisfying. “I love doing this,” he said. “The worst day here has been better than the best day I ever had at my day job.”

Nancy Tarnai has been writing about food for the News-Miner for 24 years.

She can be reached at njtarnai@gmail.com.

Continued on Page 11

Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse Thank you for voting us as being on one of the best Japanese Restaurant in Fairbanks! tJ Bes

ment at 910 Old Steese Highway, there are three movable ovens that Bezdek takes to other venues such as Black Spruce Brewing Co. and HooDoo Brewing Co. He travels with them to events like Chickenstock in Chick-

en and Soundwaves at Harding Lake.

The Hungry Robot recently added a one-of-a-kind 1955 handbuilt firetruck from Belgium to its repertoire and Bezdek is looking forward to fixing it up for another way to take his show on the road.

He thoroughly enjoys meeting people and

3. Shogun

Margarita 1. Gallo’s Mexican Restaurant 2. Miguel’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine 3. Mayan Palace

Mexican Food 1. Miguel’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine 2. Taco King 3. Gallo’s Mexican Restaurant

Microbrewery/Distillery 1. HooDoo Brewing Co. 2. Black Spruce Brewing Co. 3. 49th State Brewing Co.

Pizza 1. The Hungry Robot 2. East Ramp Wood Fired Pizza 3. House of Fire Pizza

Prime Rib (not steaks) 1. The Turtle Club 2. Two Rivers Lodge 3. Alaska Salmon Bake

Salad Bar 1. Turtle Club 2. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital 3. Fred Meyer West

ap

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Open 7 Days A Week Mon.-Thurs. 11:00am-10:00pm Friday 11:00am-11:00pm Saturday Noon-11:00pm Sunday Noon-9:00pm

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Wine & Beer • Birthday Parties

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ROBOT

Japanese Food 1. Ajimi 2. Pagoda

ran t

Slicing pizza at The Hungry Robot, which won Readers’ Choice Award for Best Pizza and Best Food Truck. ROBIN WOOD FOR THE NEWS-MINER

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

It’s a team effort at Equinox Physical Therapy FOR THE NEWS-MINER

Ask around Fairbanks where to go for injury rehabilitation and you’re likely to hear a lot of recommendations for Equinox Physical Therapy.

Occupying the western corner of Campus Corner Mall, 3677 College Road, the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Physical Therapy Office has been helping people heal since 1992.

Co-owners Ruth and Cole Carson met during physical therapy school at Minnesota’s College of St. Scholastica. In 1986 the couple moved to Fairbanks, working for a few years

before opening their own practice.

“We love our jobs, and I always tell people it’s just the best job,” Ruth Carson said.

“Our goal is to provide instruction and direction for bodies to move better in space,” she continued.

The team at Equinox Physical Therapy includes four full-time and one part-time physical therapists, and three office staff.

The facility features four treatment rooms and a gym with appropriate equipment.

Typical patients visit Equinox Physical Therapy for orthopedic injuries — muscles, bones or joints — but

Reserved parking spots for handicapped drivers fit right in at Equinox Physical Therapy, which was voted Best Physical Therapy Office in the News-Miner’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Their offices are located at 3677 College Road. ROBIN WOOD FOR THE NEWS-MINER

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By Robin Wood

Equinox also offers some services for women’s health, the vestibular system (for balance) and pre-employment testing.

Creating and running a successful physical therapy business requires knowledge and skill. Doing so exceptionally requires a strong staff, which is why Ruth credits her employees for winning Readers’ Choice.

“We have a fantastic office staff. I always tell people that’s where the healing begins, when you make a phone call,” Ruth said.

With the help of her excellent staff, Equinox treats 40 to 50 patients per day while creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere.

Big windows help the atmosphere as well.

“All of those things together lend them-

“We love our jobs, and I always tell people it’s just the best job. Our goal is to provide instruction and direction for bodies to move better in space.”

selves to a good outcome,” she said.

Regardless of winning a Readers’ Choice Award, Ruth is simply grateful to have been treating patients at Equinox Physical Ther-

— Ruth Carson

apy for 27 years.

“We’re just very thankful people consider us,” she said.

Robin Wood is a Fairbanksbased freelance writer and photographer

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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Pagoda Restaurant in North Pole is a perennial favorite for Best Chinese Food in the annual Readers’ Choice awards.

NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO

Continued from 9

Sandwiches 1. Chowder House 2. Great Harvest Bread Co. 3. DW Grill

Seafood 1. The Pump House 2. Salmon Bake 3. Lavelle’s Bistro

Steaks (not prime rib) 1. Lavelle’s Bistro 2. Pagoda 3. Silver Gulch

Thai Food 1. Lemongrass Thai Restaurant

2. Thai House Restaurant 3. Bahn Thai

Medical Services

Animal Clinic or Hospital 1. Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital 2. Aurora Animal Clinic 3. North Pole Veterinary Hospital

Animal Day Care 1. Holy Dog Kennel 2. Animal House Veterinary Hospital/Muttessori School For Dogs / Noah’s Ark 3. ABC K-9 and Equine

Chiropractor 1. Arctic Chiropractic 2. Woodland Wellness Center

Doctor 1. Dr. Herbert Day 2. Dr. Peter Marshall 3. Dr. Corrine Leistikow

3. Spaulding Chiropractic Clinic

Dentist 1. Dr. Andrew Wappett 2. Dr. Phyllis Pendergrast 3. Dr. Eric Buetow

Continued on Page 13

"We cannot be more humbled and blessed that our community chose us for this award!

We know there are many great coffee cups around town, so this means a lot! We also cannot thank our employees that we get to call 'our Bucko's Family" enough for helping our dream come true by truly loving our customers and putting a smile on everyone's face, even ours!

We hope to always spread love and good will to our community through a cup of coffee!"

Best Cup of Coffee

281 Bentley Trust Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701

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READERS’ CHOICE

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Spruce Tree Montessori named top school

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Staff report

We appreciate our customers as much as they appreciate us!

796 Chena Pump Road • 479-8452 • www.pumphouse.com

Spruce Tree Montessori is a multi-year favorite in the Readers’ Choice. The school was founded in 2012 by Sabrina Binkley, whose son had attended Fairbanks Montessori School for preschool and kindergarten.

Spruce Tree’s teaching methods are based on the model developed in the early 20th century by Maria Montessori. The method relies on the stance that young students learn best when they are given a certain amount of guided freedom to engage in and take ownership of their learning.

The school moved into the former Fairbanks Train Depot, 280 N. Cushman St., in 2016 after an extensive remodel.

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Eye Care Professional 1. Dr. Damien Delzer 2. Dr. Michael J Mavencamp, West Valley Vision 3. Dr. Katherine Johnson, Mountain View Medical 3. Eye Clinic of Fairbanks

Eyeglasses, Contacts 1. Eye Clinic of Fairbanks 2. West Valley Vision Center 3. Costco Massage Therapist 1. Flor Banks 2. Erin Tilly 3. Amy Galeano

Pet Spa 1. Studio K9 : Dog Grooming 2. Happy Tails Grooming Salon 3. Cold Spot Grooming

Pharmacy 1. Fred Meyer (West) 2. Fred Meyer (East) 3. North Pole Safeway

Physical Therapy Office 1. Equinox Orthopedic Physical Therapy 2. Home Town Physical Therapy 3. Advanced Physical Therapy of Alaska - Fairbanks Sports Medicine 1. Dr. Mark Wade 2. Dr. David Witham 3. Dr. Cary Keller

Continued on Page 16

Stephanie Woodard, seen in this 2015 News-Miner file photo, is a former Fairbanks journalist who was named the top personal trainer in the 2019 Readers’ Choice.

Congratulations to Jessica MacCallum & Taylor Churches 2019 OFFICIAL Readers’ Choice

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

READERS’ CHOICE NOMINATING & VOTING WINNERS OF $250 EACH

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Alaska USA Federal Credit Union has 670,000 members across the country, but they still have localsupport, and won the Readers’ Choice for Best Bank or Credit Union. Their Fairbanks Financial Center is located off the Old Steese Highway.

ROBIN WOOD FOR THE NEWSMINER

Alaska USA named top bank, financial institution for 2019

By Robin Wood FOR THE NEWS-MINER

Alaska USA Federal Credit Union has 670,000 members spread across all 50 states, and in Fairbanks

it’s a favorite, winning the Daily News-Miner’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Bank or Credit Union.

The member-owned financial cooperative continues to thrive 70

years after forming.

Founded in 1948 by 15 civil service personnel who gathered in Anchorage’s Alaska Air Depot, pooled their earnings and formed the credit union.

Thank you for voting our Optical and Contacts Department number 1 and voting Damien Delzer, O.D. as the Best Eyecare Professional. We value your business and look forward to serving you in the future.

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Thank You, Fairbanks!

907-456-7760 • 116 Minnie Street • Fairbanks, AK 99701

Those founding members hoped to provide financial services to personnel recently transferred to Alaska, and began extending credit to one another while volunteering time to operate the credit union.

That’s according to Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations Dan McCue, who offered written responses to emailed questions.

McCue gives members the credit for Alaska USA’s strength.

“We don’t have stockholders, we’re owned by our members… we exist to serve the finical needs of our members by providing outstanding service and products,” he stated.

Business services, personal insurance and real estate loans are all offered, as well as mortgages through Alaska USA Mortgage Company. Online banking and a 24-hour call center ensure that clients can access information and address emergencies in a timely manner.

When compared to competing banking institutions, members of Alaska USA benefited from $198 in member benefits or value transfers based on higher deposit rates, lower loan rates or decreased fees, according to McCue. One factor likely contributing to winning Readers’ Choice, McCue stated, is a desire to

teach financial literacy.

He stated that the credit union is “committed to providing a partnership that helps to keep its members on the path to financial wellness.”

Direct financial contributions also forge a strong partnership with the community at large. In 2018, Alaska USA donated nearly $750,000 to nonprofit organizations.

Their union philosophy is “People Helping People.”

“It’s more than our mission, it’s the whole reason we exist,” McCue said.

Robin Wood is a Fairbanksbased freelance writer and photographer.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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HooDoo Brewing Co. opened on Halloween in 2012 and has been growing ever since.

It was named the top brewery in the 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards.

NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO

All of us at University Chevron are deeply honored and humbled to receive the Reader’s Choice Award!

ChrisMarok Marok Chris 907-452-5664 907-452-5664

59College CollegeRd., Rd.,Ste. Ste.205 205 59 Fairbanks,AK AK99701 99701 Fairbanks, ChrisMarok@allstate.com chrismarok@allstate.com

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Thank you Fairbanks for placing your trust in my office Thank you Fairbanks placing your trust inand myam office for multiple years. I for appreciate the award for back-to-back I appreciate the award andwith am looking forwardyears. to helping my fellow Alaskans looking forward to helping fellow Alaskans their insurance needs nowmy and in the future! with their insurance needs now and in the future!

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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Personal Care

Barber Shop/Hair Salon 1. Suki’s Alaska Salon & Esthetic 2. Elements Salon and Day Spa 3. S Salon & Studio Nail Salon 1. Happy Nails 2. US Nails & Spa 3. Pro Nails

Personal Trainer 1. Stephanie Woodard 2. F&H Fitness 3. Alaska Club

Tanning Salon 1. Turbo Tans 2. Sun Fix 3. Planet Fitness

3. The Beach House Tanning Salon

Tattoo/Body Piercing 1. Evergreen Tattoo Company 2. Scott Gyatso 3. Sublime Line Tattoo

Professional Service/ Business Needs Automotive Service and Repairs 1. Pearson Auto Repair 2. Metropolitan Garage 3. Alaska Chevron Service

Bank/Credit Union 1. Alaska USA FCU 2. Denali State Bank 3. Spirit of Alaska FCU

Best Customer Service (Business) 1. DW Grill

2. Marok AllState Insurance Co. 3. Spice It Up

Car Wash 1. Splash and Dash (East) 2. Bentley Car Wash/Self Serve 3. University Avenue Truck and Car Wash

Cleaning Service 1. Becky Waggoner cleaning service 2. OCD Cleaning Services 3. C & A Cleaning 3. Merry Maids

Gym/Workout Center 1. F & H Fitness Studio 2. Trax Yoga 3. Alaska Club 3. Planet Fitness

Heating Fuel Delivery Company 1. Sourdough Fuel

Sunday, July 28, 2019

2. Alaska Petroleum 3. Alaska Aerofuel

Home Builder 1. TS Construction 2. Big Street Construction 3. Spenard’s

Insurance Company 1. AllState - Chris Marok 2. USAA 3. State Farm

Interior Designer 1. Lowes 2. Joan Stepovich 3. Tamara Spaulding

Landscaping Company 1. Mulcare Lawncare 2. Holm Town Nursery 3. Labrenz Landscaping

Continued on Page 19

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Volunteers pack holiday food boxes at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank Thursday morning, November 16, 2017. The food bank serves the community DINE IN /but TAKE OUT /onCATERING year-round and puts in extra effort for the holidays to help ensure families in need can enjoy the holidays, relies heavily community generosity.

DINE IN /bank.

TAKE OUT / CATERING Numerous local businesses, schools and organizations hold food drives and fundraisers to support the food One example is Chartwells, the food service provider at the University of Alaska Fairbanks which, with the help of students, faculty and staff, raised enough money to purchase and donate 500 turkeys. ERIC ENGMAN/NEWS-MINER MENU: www. emongrass laska.com

(907) (907) 456 456 –– 2200 2200 L A MENU: www.LemongrassAlaska.com LLunch p.m. unch11 11a.m. a.m.––44p.m. p.m. // D Dinner inner 55 –– 10 10 p.m.

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Hedgecock Group Real Estate, incorporated in 2014, won the NewsMiner’s Readers’ Choice Award for best Real Estate Company.

Their offices are located at 1221 Noble St. ROBIN WOOD FOR THE NEWSMINER

Hedgecock has long family history in Fairbanks, real estate

By Robin Wood FOR THE NEWS-MINER

While growing up in Fairbanks, Ted Hedgecock watched his father work as a real estate agent, so it seemed nat-

ural to join the profession.

His career began in 1999, and he was ready to start his own company by 2014, when he founded Hedgecock Group Real Estate.

Originally just himself and business partner Brett Evens, Hedgecock Group Real Estate now has nine licensed Realtors (including Ted’s dad, Dennis Hedgecock) and this year was voted

Thank You

to our customers for voting us your

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Readers’ Choice for Best Real Estate Company.

Hedgecock attributes the accolade to a diverse group of real estate agents and the effective use of technology.

“The group of people in our office are very outgoing. We’re really personable and we use the latest technology to buy and sell,” he said.

His company has a balanced mix of male and female real estate agents, includes four military veterans and a few lifelong Fairbanksans.

In regard to technology, he references the company’s “constantly updated” website (fairbanksakhomes.com)

and the use of electronic signatures “so people don’t have to scan or fax or drive around town and drop things off.”

While the real estate business may seem straightforward — helping people buy and sell houses — Hedgecock explained that working with clients often takes months, a year or more.

It may be coordinating with a military family before they reach Alaska, or making sure sellers go through all the necessary steps.

Thanks to great customer relationships and technological assistance, Hedgecock’s real estate group has “grown significantly every year

since we opened,” he said.

Being personable usually lasts long after the sale for Hedgecock.

“One of my favorite things is that so often I actually become friends with the people I help,” he said.

And with help from his staff, any potential clients can find someone they enjoy working with.

“We just have a really diverse group of people that anybody in the community is going to find someone they’re comfortable working with,” Hedgecock said.

Robin Wood is a Fairbanksbased freelance writer and photographer.

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

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Law Office 1. Merdes Law Office 2. Downes, Tallerico, & Schwalm Law Firm 3. Law Offices Of William R. Satterberg Jr.

Nonprofit Organization 1. Fairbanks Community Food Bank 2. Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund 3. Bread Line Inc./Stone Soup

Nursery/Garden Center 1. Holm Town Nursery 2. Risse Greenhouse 3. Ann’s Greenhouses

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Real Estate Company 1. Hedgecock Group Real Estate 2. Somers & Associates 3. Madden Real Estate

Realtor 1. Jonathan Bradish 2. Angie Tallant 3. Heather Lambert

School 1. Spruce Tree Montessori 2. University of Alaska Fairbanks 3. Hutchison High School 3. Lathrop High School

Taxi Company 1. Uber 2. Lyft 3. Alaska Cab/King Cab Continued on Page 20

I LIST IT, I STAGE IT,

I SELL IT!

I LIST IT, I STAGE IT, I SELL IT!

We love what we do and appreciate the support of our community.

Thanks you, Fairbanks, for voting me among the best Interior Designers

for the last 6 years.

JOAN STEPOVICH (907) 378-4646 F12509031 F543390-1

Thank You Fairbanks!

5 YRS IN A ROW

VOTED BEST DESIGNER REALTOR / BROKER / INTERIOR DESIGNER READERS CHOICE AWARD FROM THE

NEWSMINER stageanddesignfairbanks.com • joanstepovichrealtor.com

Call Joan for any of your interior designer or real estate needs!

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REALTOR/ BROKER/ INTERIOR DESIGNER

(907) 378-4646 joan@gci.net From all of uswww.joanstepovichrealtor.com here at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, we would like to thank you for supporting community journalism. Readership at News-Miner.com has grown 75% this past year. We are the oldest continuously operating daily paper in Alaska and the only paper publishing a print edition 7 days a week in the state. We are so proud and humbled.

200 N. Cushman St. Fairbanks, Alaska (907) 459-7566 newsminer.com

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Tourists enjoy the sunshine while riding the upper deck of the Riverboat Discovery III on the Chena River in this 2018 file photo. The Riverboat Discovery and its associated gift shop are Readers’ Choice favorites.

ERIC ENGMAN/ NEWS-MINER

READERS’ CHOICE

Continued from 19

Shopping

Antique Shop 1. Blue Door Antiques 2. Bad Mother Vintage and Thrift 3. Roxy’s 2nd Hand

Art Gallery 1. Two Street Gallery (2nd St. Gallery) 2. UA Museum of the North 3. Venue

Cannabis/Marijuana Retailer 1. Pakalolo 2. GoodSinse 3. Grass Station 49

Florist 1. College Floral 2. Safeway/College F543422-1

3. Santina’s

Furniture Store 1. Sadler’s 2. Baileys 3. House of Kustom

Gift Shop 1. Riverboat Discovery Gift Shop 2. Knotty Shop 3. Santa Claus House

Jewelry Store 1. Taylor’s Gold-n-Stones 2. Bishop’s 3. Gold Rush

Ladies Clothing Boutique & Vintage 1. In My Element 2. Bad Mother Vintage 3. The Vintage Junky

Continued on Page 21

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

READERS’ CHOICE

Continued from 20

Liquor Store 1. Brown Jug 2. Costco 3. Gavora’s Fine Wine

New Car Company 1. Kendall Toyota/Subaru/Honda 2. Seekins Ford 3. Chevrolet Buick GMC of Fairbanks

Pet Supplies Store 1. Cold Spot Feeds 2. Alaska Feed Company 3. Petco

Snowmachine/Motorcycle/ ATV/UTVs Dealer 1. Compeau’s 2. Northern Power Sports

3. Delta Powersports

Sporting Goods Store 1. Sportsman’s Warehouse 2. REI 3. Beaver Sports

Tools/Hardware Store 1. Samson True Value Hardware 2. Lowe’s 3. Home Depot

Used Car Company 1. Affordable Used Cars 2. Kendall Toyota/Subaru/Honda 3. Gene’s Chrysler Ram and Jeep

Sports and Entertainment

Local Sporting Events 1. Fairbanks Ice Dogs (Hockey) 2. Nanook Hockey

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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3. Midnight Sun Run

Local Sports Team 1. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 2. Alaska Nanooks (Hockey) 3. Goldpanners (Baseball)

Nightlife 1. Lavelle’s Taphouse 2. Regal Cinemas Goldstream 16 & IMAX 3. The Blue Loon

Theater/Performance Company of 2018-19 1. North Star Ballet 2. Fairbanks Drama Association & Fairbanks Children’s Theatre 3. Fairbanks Concert Association

Tourist Attraction 1. Riverboat Discovery 2. Chena Hot Springs 3. Pioneer Park

We appreciate your votes of confidence in our community service!

THANK YOU 45-SHARE (457-4873)

A United Way Agency

1982–2019, and we are still receiving salvage and surplus food free and giving it away free to those in the Tanana Valley who need it.

Thank you to all who support the local Fairbanks Community Food Bank and the people in the Tanana Valley we serve.

One of the Seniors we served told us of the impact our program has on his life. His monthly check is $440.64. We provide fresh food so he can pay rent, buy medications and one tank of gas for his truck each month.

It is a privilege to be able to help our neighbors.

543189-1-7-28-19RC

Please come and tour your community investment!

As we move forward in our 38th year, we ask you to consider 5% for the Fairbanks Community Food Bank as you prepare for the next generation in your estate planning.

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725 26th Avenue fairbanksfoodbank.org

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2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Co-owners Joe Taylor, left, Glenn Taylor, right, and assistant manager Jyllyen Ballard, center, pose in the showroom at Taylor’s GoldN-Stones in the Teddy Bear Plaza in this 2018 file photo. Some examples of their designs are shown on the opposite page.

ERIC ENGMAN/ NEWS-MINER

907.452.5400

866.452.3741

Thank You for voting us your favorite law office!

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“And while we hope you never need us...

We’re here if you do.”

2019 READERS’ CHOICE

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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Taylor’s Gold-n-Stones named top jewelry store

By Robin Wood NEWS-MINER

Brothers Glenn and Joe Taylor, along with their father, decided to take a summer vacation in 1979.

Inspired by Alaska Magazine, they decided to fish and prospect for gold on the Fortymile River. Six ounces of gold and many grayling later, the brothers decided to close their wholesale jewelry business in Arizona and run to the hills of Alaska.

The two spent years working in other industries around Fairbanks; Joe at the downtown coal bunkers and Glenn at OK Lumber/Ace Hardware.

But by 1992, they were ready to return to jewelry and opened Taylor’s Gold-n-Stones.

Twenty-five years later, the jewelry shop just celebrated its best year ever, a success Glenn credits to “having excitement, being tenacious and always striving to learn about best practices.”

Bridal jewelry is the shop’s biggest market — selections include a ring in almost every price range, from a couple hundred dollars to more than $10,000. But engagement rings and wedding bands are just the tip of the gem. Their vast and varied offerings include jewelry and eyeglasses repair, clocks, engraving, custom jewelry, appraisals and gemstones cutting and polishing.

Recently, Taylor’s Goldn-Stones has offered a uniquely Alaska product: a wide selection of Alaska gems. For the

past 15 years, the Taylor brothers have struck claims and prospected with picks and shovels to find gem-quality stones around the state, such as smoky quartz from Northway, clear crystal quartz from the Brooks Range and rose quartz from the Alaska Range.

In keeping with Alaska themes, the clear crystal quartz is cut into “Arctic Ice Cubes,” or treated with a coating of titanium and oxygen to give it the shimmering technicolor of the aurora for their “Borealis Quartz.” Many of the rose quartz gems are set into rose gold mountings, providing complementary pink hues throughout the piece.

“We love to get out and look at what we can find in nature,” Glenn said.

And the brothers think they might have a big find: The first gem-quality pink and green tourmaline in the state, found on a moving glacier. They

hope it’s in quantities large enough to offer a national line of gems.

Back at the shop, those Alaska gems are turned into jewelry by a skilled staff of master stonecutters, setters and jewelers.

The business also sends gems to a stonecutting outfit in Sri Lanka that they’ve used for two decades.

On a busy Friday afternoon in early January, the staff fields questions from a seemingly constant stream of customers.

Meanwhile, in the shop, Joe’s fingertips turned black from polishing a pair of rings his crafting.

In an adjacent room, Ed Rouleau, a master faceter and the shop’s fix-it guru, teaches an employee how to use the laser welder.

Rouleau said the equipment “will weld anything” and is used to repair two or three pairs of eyeglasses daily. Saleswoman Jyllyen Ballard quickly pops into the shop to polish a customer’s bracelet.

The nine-person staff taking turns at work sta-

tions, walking past each other and completing tasks, resembles a bustling kitchen. “We know how to dance,” Glenn said with a smile. “We pretty much try to present all of us as a unit, instead of Joe or I,” he added.

“We’re all trained to know as much as possible,” Ballard said.

The brothers take the same approach to Alaska gems as they do their staff. “It’s their (Alaskans’) stones, it’s not our stones. We’re bringing it to them,” Glenn said.

Around the shop are pictures of their first Alaska adventure — prospecting and fishing on the Fortymile River.

In the business office, maps of mountains indi-

cate where the brothers prospect for gems. The pair even took mountain climbing classes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to access mountains more safely.

Glenn, 65, usually keeps the books running smoothly, while Joe, 60, oversees the shop. “My love is setting stone; if that’s all I could do, I’d be happy,” Joe said.

Joe, who made his first ring in seventh grade, said the key to business success is, “Desire of, and love of what you’re doing.”

And the brothers have been following their own advice for decades. “We knew jewelry, and we enjoyed it, and we knew we could sell it,” Glenn said.

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Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in the News-Miner business section in January 2018.

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