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Ladies and gentlemen, the results are in‌ The Rome News-Tribune proudly presents the results of our 6th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Included on this highly anticipated list are the names and brief descriptions of a wide variety of people, places and things which our readers have chosen as the best of the best in 2013. As you read through it, you’ll notice many of our past winners have been recognized again, along with a variety of newcomers we know you’ll be glad to discover. In today’s economy our readers like to know where they can turn for reliable products as well as fast and friendly service. This colorful edition serves as a handy guide. From individuals and small neighborhood establishments to national corporate chains - all are well represented in this valuable community reference which gives participants a chance to not only display their advertising, but to tell you a little about their business in their own words. Please join us in congratulating all of this year’s honorees. And our special thanks to all who participated. The Rome News-Tribune Staff
BEST FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
Arborhaven Investments 409 Broad St., Rome 706-291-6946 www.arborhave.com
Owning his own business for five years, Nathan D. Roberts said he enjoys helping his clients maximize their returns. Nathan D. Roberts is a financial adviser and is the owner of Arborhaven Investments, 409 Broad St. “I started Arborhaven because I saw the need to offer high net worth clients an alternative to commission-and fee-based services,� he said. “I think that the most successful professional relationships are based on performance, and that performance based accounts are the most equitable models for qualified investors. For accounts like that, the client has to make a profit before the adviser is compensated.� Usually working alone, Roberts hires other financial advisers to help him during what he calls busy season. “Sometimes I need help around New Year’s and tax season,� he says, “but I handle my clients’ accounts personally.� Roberts says he chose to be an independent adviser because it allows him to focus on fewer accounts, and that ratio benefits his clients. “I love what I do because I have amazing clients,� he said. “They are disciplined investors with goals, and we work together to make those goals a reality. I am blessed to work with them.� For more information or appointment call 706-291-6946.
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THANK YOU!
For voting us BEST Dentist
Dr. Muller & Staff
2236 Redmond Circle NW Rome, GA • (706) 295-7385 Rome News-Tribune
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BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
Riverwood Retirement Life Community/ Remembrance Village 511 W. 10th St., Rome 706-235-0807 FAX: 706-291-9267 www.riverwoodretirement.com It can be hard to start the process of looking for the perfect retirement home. The staff at Riverwood Retirement Life Community prides itself on making the process easy. Executive Director Regina Wright says the purpose of their business, which employs 48 people, is to be a retirement personal care community with a luxury of a continuum of care and to be in the business of helping others. “Riverwood Retirement Life Community and Remembrance Village is a top-notch community that strives to exceed the standard of care,” Wright said, “Not only are we a retirement community, we now offer a brand new state of the art Memory Care Community as well.” Community Consultant Tessa Baker and Director of Resident Care Stephanie Freeman say the business is unique because they have a tenured, loving and caring staff. “We enjoy our chosen profession because of the wonderful residents and family member we live with daily,” Baker says. “And the most interesting challenge is striving to be better than we were yesterday by improving tomorrow,” Freeman says.” Riverwood Retirement Life Community/Remembrance Village is located at 511 W. 10th St. For more information visit riverwoodretirement.com or call 706-235-0807.
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Call 706-235-0807 • 511 West 10th Street • Rome, GA • www.riverwoodretirement.com 8
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BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Provino’s Italian Restaurant 288 Shorter Ave., Rome 706-378-9009 www.provinos.com Provino’s Italian Restaurant has provided Rome with some great Italian food for more than 14 years. General Manager Bill Adams says he lives by the motto of serving the best Italian food possible with friendly, professional service. “I definitely enjoy our customers,” he says, “so many people come in as customers and leave as friends. We have a great, loyal customer base.” Originating in 1977 in Atlanta, Provino’s restaurants have also opened in the Chattanooga area. Adams says the Rome branch, 288 Shorter Ave., began to offer larger family-style dinners for takeout. Family meals for four start at $18 for takeout only. For more information call 706-378-9009.
96=056m:
Voted Rome’s Best Italian Restaurant
FREE DINNER ON YOUR BIRTHDAY Your choice of any pasta dinner up to $12.95. Includes salad, fresh baked garlic rolls, and Spumoni ice cream for dessert. ID required, dine in only.
288 Shorter Ave. Rome, GA 30165 • 706-378-9009
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BEST ORTHODONTIST
Fore Orthodontics 402 N. Fourth Ave., Rome 706-291-0383 www.forebraces.com Finding the right orthodontist is not easy, but many Romans turn to Dr. Lavonne K. Fore, DMD, MSD, for those needs. In business for 23 years with six employees, Dr. Fore strives to meet the standards of her patients. With patients ranging from young preschoolers to adults, Fore’s focus is to achieve the most attractive smile and face possible for each individual. “The dental specialty of orthodontics involves the growth and development of the face and teeth,” she said, “We are unconditionally committed to providing orthodontics in a caring and fun environment.” Fore has always had a big dream for her business and in 1990 she purchased an existing orthodontic practice wanting to bring a hightech approach to patient care. Since that time, Fore Orthodontics has expanded. “It has always been my goal to add value to the community by striving for excellence in my orthodontic practice,” she said. “What I love most about my job is seeing my patients smile bigger and brighter at each appointment and meeting the need of each patient definitely makes for a fulfilling practice.” Dr Fore’s orthodontic team members have been chosen for their exceptional qualifications. Office manager, Linda Shepherd is highly qualified on the business side of the practice with her extensive
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financial background and past experience in banking. Shannon Cross, a graduate of Shorter University, brings ten years of business experience to the team. As new patient treatment coordinator, Shannon ensures that new patients are comfortable and informed about treatment. Brandi Mathis, scheduling coordinator, has had over ten years of customer service experience. The orthodontic assistants are Ashley Bice, Kelley Hardin and Barbie Hudgins. Each is committed to clinical excellence and is certified by the state of Georgia to perform expanded orthodontic procedures. Dr. Fore added, “The benefit of orthodontics extends to adults. I work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to help our adults achieve beautiful smiles. We have every reason to keep smiling.” Office hours are Monday through Thursday by appointment. For more information call 706-291-0383 .
BEST BANK and BEST MORTGAGE LENDER
United Community Bank Inc. Rome: 307 W. Second Ave. West Rome: 2436 Shorter Ave. Mount Berry: 2760 Martha Berry Highway Cave Spring: 15 Cedartown St. 706-234-5800 www.ucbi.com/ Steve Kemp, Regional President; David Johnson, Floyd County President 307 E. Second Ave., three other locations in Floyd County Home office phone 706-234-5800 The bank grew from the old Bank of Cave Spring, Home Federal Savings and Loan. First Floyd banks and became a part of UCBI in 2002. United Community Bank leaders are quick to point to their employees as the reason for the bank’s success in the Rome market. “It’s pretty simple, the people,” said Steve Kemp, regional president. “It’s not anything that we do to train them. So many of these folks have been here a whole lot longer than we have.” Kemp said that when he’s interviewing potential employees that there’s nothing he can do to make them nice, can’t make them treat people the way you’d like to have them treated. “It’s a lot like the Golden Rule,” Johnson said. “You’ll treat your customers like you’d want to be treated if you were a customer.” Johnson said that when it comes to mortgage lending, United Community Bank has five people devoted strictly to residential mortgage lending. “They have experience, a desire to wait on
customers and we try to make it as easy as possible for customers when they come in,” Johnson said. Kemp said that going back 10 years, UCB was as active as anyone else in the Rome market in terms of mortgage closings both for purchases and refinancing. “Ken Guice is making loans to the kids of children he made home loans for,” Kemp said. United Community has also been a major player in construction lending in the Rome area for the past decade. “When a person walks in and wants to talk about a home loan we can put them into one of our in-house products or we can get them into the secondary market. We do what’s best for the individual customer,” Johnson said.
Thank You
Rome News-Tribune Readers!
preciate being your hometown bank. is our privilege to serve you, and we
commitment. Wefor arethis very honored to be voted Winner for Best Bank and Best Mortgage Lender anywhere, and we are humbled that our community has recognized bytisfaction Rome News-Tribune Readers. r bankers are dedicated to providing the best service and highest customer Ou bankers are dedicated to providing the best service and highest customer Our Readers. satisfaction anywhere, and we are humbled that our community has recognized sa Rome News-Tribune are very honored to be voted Winner for us for this commitment. It is our privilege to serve you, and we appreciate being your hometown bank. ap ROME - Main | 307 E. Second Ave. | 706-234-5800 WEST ROME | 2436 Shorter Ave. | 706-234-2371 MT. BERRY | 2760 Martha Berry Hwy. | 706-378-2225 Copyright © 2013 United Community Bank
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CAVE SPRING | 15 Cedartown St. | 706-777-3367
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Member FDIC |
ucbi.com
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BEST FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
CATEGORY WINNERS Best Hamburger.............................Brewhouse Best Burrito....................................El Zarape Best Fried Chicken.........................The Partridge Best BBQ........................................Big Bear’s BBQ Best Salad Bar................................The Homestead Best Pizza...................................... Johnny’s New York Style Pizza Best Steaks....................................333 on Broad Best Asian Food............................ Blue Fin Best Ice Cream...............................Bruster’s Best Cup of Coffee ........................Starbuck’s Best Bartender...............................Heather Williams (Brewhouse) Best Iced Tea.................................Chick-fil-A Best Dessert..................................Honeymoon Bakery Best Ribs.......................................Sonny’s BBQ Best Chili.......................................Wendy’s Best Breakfast ..............................Chick-fil-A
CATEGORY WINNERS Best Italian Food................................Provino’s Best Sandwich...................................Schroeder’s Best Seafood .....................................333 on Broad Best Soup .........................................Panera Bread Best Mexican ................................... El Zarape Best Locally Owned Restaurant.........Harvest Moon Best Bakery........................................Honeymoon Bakery Best Hot Wings .................................Brewhouse Best Home Cooking ..........................Homestead Best Caterer.......................................Harvest Moon Best Donuts.......................................Dunkin Donuts Best Milkshake................................. Steak n’ Shake Best Bar.............................................Brewhouse Best Place for Live Entertainment .....Brewhouse Best Breakfast Biscuits..................... Bojangles Best Chain Restaurant.......................Chick-fil-A
BEST RETAIL & SERVICES CATEGORY WINNERS Best Used Auto Store.....................The Car Store Best Auto Dealership......................Riverside Auto Group Best Real Estate Co........................Toles, Temple & Wright Best Tanning Bed...........................Buffey’s Tanning Salon Best Mortgage Lender....................United Community Bank Best Furniture Store.......................Ford’s Furniture Best Women’s Clothing..................Mel & Mimi Best Apartment Community...........Eastland Court Best Pet Groomer...........................Sandy Paws Mobile Grooming Best Bank.......................................United Community Bank Best Gym........................................YMCA Best Tire Store............................... Bert Brooks Tire Best Auto Body Shop.....................Auto Collision (Elbert Roberson’s) Best Motorcycle Dealer..................Honda & Suzuki of Rome Best Oil Change..............................Riverside Toyota Best Funeral Home.........................Henderson & Sons Best Pest Control...........................Thornton Pest Control Best Hearing Aid Center.................Audibel Best Bridal Store............................Top Hat Best Women’s Accessories............Elysium Best Gift Store............................... Bella Luna
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CATEGORY WINNERS Best Beauty Salon.............................Shear Madness Best Cometologist.............................Vicki Little (Shear Madness) Best Day Care Center........................Super Kids Best Shoe Store................................DiPrima’s Best Home Health Agency................Amedisys Best Senior Living............................Riverwood Retirement Best Grocery Store...........................Kroger Best Heating/AC Service...................Moody Heating & Air Best Laundromat..............................Wishy Washy Best Framing Store...........................Michaels Best Tattoo Shop..............................Body Canvas Best Real Estate Agent......................Debra McDaniel (Toles, Temple & Wright) Best Jeweler......................................Knight’s Jewelers Best Finanical Consultant..................Nathan Roberts (ArborHaven) Best Banker.......................................Grant Espy (River City Bank) Best Ortodontist................................Dr. Lavonne K. Fore (Fore Orthodontics) Best Chiropractor............................. Brian Lieberman (Lieberman Family Chiropractic) Best Family Doctor............................Michael S. Jackson, M.D., PC Best OB/GYN.....................................Leigh S. Barrell, M.D. (Rome Women’s Health Center) Best Pediatrician................................Raj Miniyar, M.D. (Dr. Miniyar’s Pediatrics)
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BEST FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORY RUNNERS-UP Best Hamburger.............................Fuddrucker’s Best Burrito....................................Las Palmas Best Fried Chicken.........................Kentucky Fried Chicken Best BBQ........................................Troy’s Best Salad Bar................................Sonny’s BBQ Best Pizza...................................... Pasquale’s Best Steaks....................................LongHorn Steak House Best Asian Food............................ China City Best Ice Cream...............................Jandy’s Best Cup of Coffee ........................Honeymoon Bakery Best Bartender...............................Skip (Applebee’s) Best Iced Tea.................................333 on Broad Best Dessert..................................The Partridge Best Ribs.......................................Troy’s Best Chili.......................................Steak’n Shake Best Breakfast ..............................Waffle House
CATEGORY RUNNERS-UP Best Italian Food................................Olive Garden Best Sandwic.....................................Panera Bread Best Seafood ....................................Red Lobster Best Soup .........................................Duffy’s Deli Best Mexican ................................... Las Palmas Best Locally Owned Restaurant.........Schroeder’s & 333 on Broad (Tie) Best Bakery........................................Hana’s Best Hot Wings .................................Jefferson’s Best Home Cooking ..........................The Partridge Best Caterer.......................................Two Can Do Best Donuts.......................................Hana’s Best Milkshake................................. Chick-fil-A Best Bar.............................................333 on Broad Best Place for Live Entertainment .....Schroeder’s Best Breakfast Biscuits..................... Hardee’s Best Chain Restaurant.......................Chili’s
BEST RETAIL & SERVICES CATEGORY RUNNERS-UP Best Used Auto Store.....................Sherold Salmon Best Auto Dealership......................Riverside Toyota Best Real Estate Co........................Hardy Realty Best Tanning Bed...........................SunTan Hut Best Mortgage Lender....................Tabatha Helms Best Furniture Store.......................R.J. Fricks Best Women’s Clothing..................Snazzy Rags Best Apartment Community...........Heatherwood Apartments Best Pet Groomer...........................Dippity Do Da Dogs Best Bank.......................................Heritage First Bank Best Gym........................................Velocity Best Tire Store............................... Tony’s Tires Best Auto Body Shop.....................Barnes Auto Collision Best Motorcycle Dealer..................Kawasaki Best Oil Change..............................Quick Tune & Lube Best Funeral Home.........................Daniel’s Funeral Home Best Pest Control...........................Allgood Pest Solutions Best Hearing Aid Center.................Beltone Best Bridal Store............................Perfect Dress Best Women’s Accessories............Belk Best Gift Store............................... Room Service
CATEGORY RUNNERS-UP Best Beauty Salon.............................Salon Chateau Best Cometologist.............................Wiyanna Blalock (Wiyanna’s) Best Day Care Center........................Winthrop Academy Best Shoe Store................................Higgins Shoes Best Home Health Agency................Floyd Home Health Best Senior Living............................Winthrop Senior Living Best Grocery Store...........................Food Lion Best Heating/AC Service...................North Georgia Equipment Company Best Laundromat..............................Starr Cleaners Best Framing Store...........................Meeks Picture House Best Tattoo Shop..............................Eternal Expressions Best Real Estate Agent......................Mimi Richards (Toles, Temple & Wright) Best Jeweler..................................... Ford, Gittings & Kane Best Finanical Consultant..................Lynn Whatley (Synovus) Best Banker.......................................Kay Chumbler (Heritage First Bank) Best Ortodontist................................Dr. Benjamin Pridemore, Jr. (Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics) Best Chiropractor............................. James Keene (Proctor-Keene Clinic) Best Family Doctor............................Todd Robinson, M.D. (Harbin Clinic) Best OB/GYN.....................................Margaret T. Marion, D.O. (Nortons Women’s Clinic) Best Pediatrician................................Robersteen W. Howard, M.D. (Harbin Clinic) Best Dentist.......................................Abigail Faul, D.D.S. (Northwest GA Family Dental Care) Rome News-Tribune
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BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT BEST BURRITO
El Zarape Mexican Restaurant 429 Broad St., Rome 706-295-5330 Like us on Facebook With a staff of eight people, El Zarape restaurant prides itself on being family and friend oriented. “We just love serving great, authentic Mexican food,” said Melinda Naranjo. “It seems like the people that come in regularly are like great friends and distant relatives.” Carlos and Melinda Naranjo have owned the restaurant at 429 Broad St. for a year but it has been in the family for 31 years. “It’s funny. My sister was offered the business initially and didn’t like it because there was very little parking. But we’ve always figured if people like our food they will come out and eat.” Tony Valdovinos, manager, has been with El Zarape for 18 years. He truly enjoys serving his customers and always wants them to feel like family. “I have seen kids grow up and now bring in their own kids” says Tony. He really appreciates and thanks all of Rome for voting. Keep El Zarape in mind when planning holiday parties, they have full service catering and group reservations for dine-in events. For more information on El Zarape call 706-2955330 or email info@elzarape.com.
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Fransico Castro, Assistant Cook; Carlos Naranjo, Owner; Hector Gonzales, Bus Boy; Noel Sanchez, Waiter; Tony Valdovinos, Jr., Bartender; Tony Valdovinos, Manager; Luis Antonio Castillo, Chef
Rome News-Tribune
Tony Valdovinos, Manager and Tony Valdovinos, Jr., Bartender
BEST GROCERY STORE
The Kroger Co. 1476 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome 706-290-8039 www.kroger.com/ Kroger has been a fixture in Rome since 1957, and for the sixth year in a row has been named Rome News-Tribune readers’ favorite grocery store. The store, located in the Riverbend shopping center, has been remodeled twice and significantly expanded just recently. Manager Steve Van Meter said that, while Kroger is a very structured corporation, the Rome store is a perfect reflection of the wants and needs of local customers. “We focus on taking care of our customers and associates at a very high level; that is our main goal,” said Van Meter. He said that if the company can keep its associates happy, that in turn, the associates would keep the customers happy. “We intend to satisfy every customer that walks through the door,” Van Meter said. Van Meter, who has been the manager of Kroger stores in Rome for 18 years, over two separate stints, said that he is in the people business. “The employees are great. We’ve got a great team here, and I love the customers. I’ve known many of them for many years,” Van Meter said. “They are truly great to Kroger.” The store manager said that all of the services the store provides, from the cheese section to the bakery, the meat and seafood to fresh produce and pharmacy, are designed to provide the best service to its customers every day.
Come See Why Audibel Was Voted Best Hearing Aid Center in Rome For 2013
6DQG\ 3DZV 0RELOH *URRPLQJ Services Available In Floyd, Bartow and Polk Counties
Thank You Rome For Voting Me
BEST PET GROOMER
I look forward to continuing your pet grooming needs
Charles Scoggins, Sr. BC-HIS, ACS, Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist Audioprosthologist
We want to offer you: Ask About • The Best Quality • The Best Service Our Low Price Guarantee! • The Best Price
Come meet Charles Scoggins, Board Certified Instrument Specialist, for a FREE Hearing Test. Audibel is locally operated and backed by the largest American owned network of hearing aid providers.
Free service for your aid at over 1,000 locations nationwide. Locally Owned & Operated Sandy De More - Silver Creek Over 35 Years Experience &DOO 7RGD\
Rome • 4 Coosawattee Ave. Calhoun • 646 Redbud Road • 706-622-4939 Thursdays Only In Calhoun Rome News-Tribune
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8LERO =SY to All Our Customers for Voting Us the
Best Grocery Store in the Rome Area!
This year, our Kroger Associates and Customers have helped raised over $36,000 to support local organizations. Your Rome Kroger Associates have over 1,225 years in combined service.
6 Years in a Row!
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