2• 0 •1•8
Best Of Alvin & Manvel Look Inside For Winners OF
THE BEST EATING & DRINKING ••••• PLACES ••••• RECREATION ••••• SHOPPING & SERVICES
Publication
Page 2 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Eating and Drinking
Best Restaurant 1 – Joe’s Barbecue 2 – Alvin Seafood 3 – Olive Garden
Best BBQ 1 – Joe’s Barbecue 2 – Alvin Smoked Meats 3 – Honore’s Cajun Café
Best Buffet 1 – Joe’s Barbecue 2 – Park’s Restaurant 3 – Hartz Chicken
Best Breakfast 1 – Joe’s Barbecue 2 – Diana’s Grill 3 – Busy Bee Café
Best Bakery 1 – Martinez Mexican Restaurant 2 - Kroger
Best Burger 1 – Joe’s Barbecue 2 – Dairyland 3 – Burger Barn
Best Lunch 1 – The Sandwich Shop 2 – Gordon Street Tavern 3 – Kelley’s Country Cookin’
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 3
Kelley’s Country Cookin’ remains an Alvin favorite By Joshua Truksa Alvin Advertiser James “Jim” Kelley Sr. opened the first Kelley’s in 1983 after retiring from the Houston Police Department with 26 years of service as badge #1. Shortly after Kelley’s retirement, the owner of his favorite restaurant, Rocky Brook’s Grill, located inside of Lang’s Pharmacy off the Gulf Freeway, passed away. Facing boredom in retirement, Kelley purchased the 50-seat restaurant from the owner’s widow for $7,500. Jim Kelley Jr., who owns the Alvin Kelley’s location, said the first restaurant was not a moneymaker. “It was just something to do, till we started expanding,” Kelley said. Soon after, Jim Kelley Sr. was driving down the Gulf Freeway
and noticed a Sambo’s location which had become vacant during the restaurant chain’s demise in 1982. This location became the first expansion of Kelley’s. Over the years, new locations have opened as the Kelley family bought closed restaurants and converted them into Kelley’s. The chain has a unique business model. Each restaurant is a completely independent business entity, owned and run by a family member. Decisions are made collectively about where to open a new Kelley’s when a family member wants to do so, but the business is not incorporated. The number one rule is that a Kelley’s restaurant must be owned and run by a Kelley. Kelley said having an owner at every location helps the restaurants keep a personal touch. Kelley’s Alvin location opened in 2007. Jim Kelley Jr. wanted to build a facility from the ground
up. All Kelley’s prior had been e x i s t i n g restaurants. Jim Kelley Sr. suggested Alvin as the place for the first Kelley’s location with a new building constructed from scratch. “Actually, my brothers fought me on it. They didn’t want me to put one in Alvin; they didn’t think it would support it. But it’s done far better than we ever expected,” Kelley said. Kelley said that if Kelley’s expands again, the family has decided that it will be in the Angleton/Lake Jackson area.
After 30 years in the business, Kelley has seen a lot of changes. Food distributors do many things online now, and Kelley said he misses going to food shows hosted by companies such as Sysco to find new things to serve his customers. Kelley’s also sees more
competition in serving breakfast than in the past. “Back then, it was Denny’s, IHOP or us. I mean, there wasn’t that many places you go. Now you can drive through anywhere and get a breakfast and a biscuit or whatever,” Kelley said.
Thank you!
Alvin Animal Clinic 2202 N. Gordon • Alvin, TX 77511 • 281.331.5183 • “We Care for You and Your Pet”
Page 4 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Best Carry Out rant 1 – Juanita’s 2 – Little Mexican Restau- Caesar’s
Best Caterer 1 – Joe’s Barbecue
THANK YOU FOR VOTING
PARKS RESTAURANT
“Best Buffet” & “Best Service”
in the Alvin/Manvel communities. It is our pleasure to cook, serve, and provide a “Family Style” atmosphere for your enjoyment.
Breakfast Buffet - Sat. & Sun.
10% Senior Discount on Buffet 4 PM - CLOSE CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
2422 S. Gordon, Alvin | 281-585-5046
Thank You For Voting For Us Froberg Funeral Home
Froberg Funeral Home at Oak Park
115 N. Hill Street • Alvin
281-331-3194
300 Oak Park • Alvin
281-331-8217
Best Chicken 1 – Joe’s Barbecue 2 – Chicken Express 3 – Alvin Smoked Meats
Best Donuts 1 – Dannay’s Donuts 2 – Shipley DoNuts 3 – Riley Donut Shop
Best Wings 1 – Popeye’s
Best Family Value 1 – Kelley’s Country Cookin’ 2 – Busy Bee Cafe 3 – Casa Ole
Best Asian Food 1 – Jade Garden 2 – C Fu Yang 3 – China Buffet Best Coffee 1 – Starbucks 2 – Kelley’s Country Cookin’ Best Dinner 1 – Kelley’s Country Cookin’ 2 – Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 3 – Busy Bee Café
Best Ice Cream/Yogurt 1 – Blue Bell 2 – Frozen Spoon 3 – Dairy Queen Best Italian Food 1 – Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 2 – Tomasso’s Italian Grill
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 5
Joe’s a big community favorite By Joshua Truksa Alvin Advertiser
Opened in 1983, Joe’s Bar-B-Q has been a tradition for many years in Alvin. Joe Saladino’s family has lived in the area for over 100 years, and Saladino can be seen every day in his restaurant sitting with his group of friends, an unofficial forum that discusses whatever’s on the mind, with a lot of lively jokes. Saladino doesn’t believe in bragging or accepting praise. The love and loyalty his customers show for the restaurant by being regular customers is enough. Joe’s has undergone two expansions since it first opened at its current location —one in 1989 and one in 1990. In 2001, Joe’s built a banquet hall next door. Many Alvin residents remember going to events at the hall, from See JOE’S, page 6
Socorro Alvarez, waitress, has worked at Joe’s Bar-B-Q for 28 years. (Photo by Joshua Truksa)
Best of the best
Joe’s Bar-B-Q was the big winner during the Best of Alvin and Manvel voting as the long-time Alvin restaurant dominated the voting in the food and drink category. The restaurant was named the best in the following categories. • Best Restaurant • Best Buffet • Best BBQ • Best Breakfast • Best Burger • Best Caterer • Best Chicken • Best Salad • Best Ribs • Best Seafood • Best Steaks
Thank You To All Who Voted For Best Of Alvin & Manvel
WESTERNRUSTIC.COM
BEST FURNITURE STORE BEST MATTRESS STORE
Mon-Sat 9:00 to 7:00 & Sun 11:00 to 6:00 MANVEL MATTRESS & FURNITURE GALLERY 20350 HWY 6 • MANVEL, TX 77578 281-489-0505 WWW.WESTERNRUSTIC.COM
We Accept Visa, M/C, Amex & Discover Layaway & Financing Available
Page 6 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Little League to wedding receptions. Alvinites can smell barbecue being prepared for lunch on their way to work or school in the morning. Joe’s has been “advertising” this way for years. It is not only customers who are loyal to Joe’s. Several employees have stayed for decades. Pam Robbins is a secretary at Joe’s; she has worked there for 34 years, starting as a waitress. She said Saladino’s amicable treatment of his employees and her interactions with customers have kept her there over the years. “Joe has kept me here at Joe’s for so long because he’s good to work for and he’s a very fair employer,” Robbins said. Socorro Alvarez has worked at Joe’s for 28 years, first bussing tables and now as a waitress. She said she has seen “little kids from babies” grow up and continue coming to Joe’s. Sandy Bynum has worked at Joe’s for 31 years and has seen Joe’s grow over the years. Her husband, Delbert, also worked at Joe’s for many years before retiring. “Business has probably quadrupled. When I first came here, this room wasn’t here, and the other side wasn’t there,” Bynum said, referring to the extensions, “It was just the center building; that was the original building. When you walked in the door it was dark. There was no light up in the front; they’ve added all of the front on. There was like a Joe’s Bar-B-Q has been a mainstay in Alvin for 35 years and remains one of the more popular restaurants in the city. (Photo by Joshua Truksa) little bitty lamp right above my register.”
VO T E D
el v n a M / in v f l o A Best 2018
Thanks to everyone who recognized our commitment of 125 years of service to our community. Our neighbors in this area have helped support us by donating and buying clothes from our Clothing Outlet, which provides school supplies, scholarships, church building funds, and opportunities for community service. With 3 other churches, we host the Gathering Place ministry, which provides food, activities, and fellowship to a special group of people. With our MEGA Brain, we are allowed to work hand-in-hand with the Brazoria County Alzheimer’s Awareness Project, area school districts, and local healthcare entities to provide screenings, education, and information about good brain health. We are also honored to be a part of 23 other ministries and missions that impact our part of the world. As we reflect on our 125 year history, we have discovered that the common link is all of you. Collaboration with our community partners has allowed us to live out our mission statement of: “The First Presbyterian Church of Alvin, Texas is called by God and organized to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and world.”
First Presbyterian Church (USA), of Alvin 302 South Johnson Street, Alvin, Texas 77511 281-585-3406 www.fpcalvin.org email - fpcalvin@fpcalvin.org
Trick or Treat Trail
“Join us each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. for a blended worship!”
Clothing Outlet
MEGA Brain
School Supplies
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 7
Best Sandwich 1 – Firehouse Subs 2 – Subway 3 – The Garage
Barbecue 2 – Kelley’s Country Cookin’ 3 – Big Horn BBQ
Best Mexican Restaurant 1 – Las Flores 2 – Habanero’s Fresh Mex 3 – Casa Ole
Best Ribs 1 – Joes Barbecue 2 – Alvin Smoked Meats 3 – Big Horn BBQ
Best New Restaurant 1 – Alvin Smoked Meats 2 – Firehouse Subs 3 – Chicken Express
Best Seafood 1 – Joe’s Barbecue 2 – Manvel Seafood 3 – Alvin Seafood
Best Pizza 1 – Papa Johns 2 – Dominos 3 – Cici’s
Best Steaks 1 – Joe’s Barbecue 2 – Gordon Street Tavern 3 – Big Horn BBQ
Best Salad 1 – Joe’s
Best Service 1 – Gordon
Street Tavern rant 2 – Olive Garden 3 – Park’s ResItalian Restautaurant
To The Very “Best” Customers & Friends
From the staff of Jack & Jill’s Children’s Boutique & Jill’s Closet Thank you for your votes!
2625 S. Loop 35 #194 (Meadow Park Shopping Center)
281-331-1346 | jillsclosetalvin.com
YMCA brings a lot of healthy opportunities to Alvin Page 8 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
By Stephen Collins Sports Editor
After the YMCA provided
programs here through a few churches and also worked with Alvin Community College during the early 2000s, the Thelma Ley
Anderson Family YMCA facility officially opened in the city of Alvin in 2007. “The Y brings the family
Thank you to all who voted us BEST PIZZA
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COUPON
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together from young to seniors,” said Jami Huygens, YMCA community executive director. “We have programming for all segments of the community. It unites individuals together in a common purpose and a common cause.” Programs at the YMCA include health and fitness (group exercise classes, personal training, active older adults, family fitness, community health, camp k`aana); sports (youth baseball, youth basketball, youth NFL flag football, youth soccer, youth volleyball, adaptive sports, other youth sports, adult sports); swimming (swim lessons, swim team, lifeguard certification and training, drowning elimination); camps (summer camps, sports camps, specialty camps, overnight camps, holiday camps, family camp and retreats, corporate retreats); and child care and activities (before and after school, infants and toddlers, preschool, arts and dance, academics, teen leadership, home school programs, parents night out). The YMCA has also turned its focus toward health issues in recent years with a diabetes prevention program. Huygens said the year-long program is for individuals who are pre-diabetic. The two primary goals the program aims to accomplish are reducing an individual’s body weight by 7 percent and having them engage in regular physical activity. “We’re trying to get them to be healthy and change their lifestyle, so they don’t become diabetic,”
Huygens said. “We also have a program called healthy weight for your child. It’s working with kids and parents who are overweight now to try and change their lifestyle and eating habits.” “We’re trying to do more preventative programming and change how family thinks about exercizing and get them active.” Other health programs at the YMCA feature a “moving stronger” class which helps to bring needed resources to individuals with MS through increased physical activity and social support; “enhanced fitness” whose goal is to help senior adults become more active for independent living and “livestrong” for adult cancer survivors. Huygens said the Alvin YMCA currently employs about “80 workers with the number rising in the 140 vicinity during the summer. “We are always looking for staff with life guarding, day camp and summer counselors,” she said. The membership cost at the YMCA varies in categories such as student memberships and senior memberships. The pricing ranges from $17 a month for a student to $66 for a family. A financial assistance program which offers a discount is provided for individuals who can’t afford a membership. “Our goal is not to turn any one away,” said Huygens, who added that the Thelma Ley Anderson facility probably has about 3,000 members.
OFFICE 281-830-0367
FAX 281-756-0900 Michael W. Newton 832-802-1807 Email: hometownplumber1@gmail.com
Thank You For Voting For Us VO T E D
anvel
Best of Alvin/M 2018
The Thelma Ley Anderson Family YMCA facility in Alvin offers many programs, such as exercise classes for senior adults. (Photo by Stephen Collins)
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 9
Places and Recreation
Best Apartments 1 - Morgan Oaks Apartments 2 - Kenton 3 – Hillcrest Village Best Community 1 - Alvin 2 - Manvel 3 – Santa Fe
Best Community College 1 – Alvin Community College
Best Hotel 1 – Holiday Inn Express 2 – La Quinta
Best Community Event 1 – Frontier Day 2 – Fourth of July 3 – Thanksgiving feast Best Movie Theater 1 – Wellborne
Best Museum 1 – Alvin Historical Museum
Best Private School 1 – Living Stones Christian School Best Place to Work 2 – Arcadia First Bap1 – Alvin Indepentist Christian School dent School District Best Wedding Best Church Reception Venue 1 – New Hope Church 1 – Joe’s Banquet 2 - Aldersgate United Hall Methodist Church 2 - Oakwind Wed3 – First Presbyterian dings Church 3 – DeLeon & Son Hall
Thank you to all who voted for us
When you or a loved one are looking for a place where you can truly enjoy all the comforts of home, without the work or worry, Orchard Park at Southfork in Pearland is the best choice!
3151 Southfork Parkway Manvel, TX 77578
Just south of Pearland Town Center
713.960.4727
Page 10 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Best Park 2 – Jack Brooks 1 – National Oak Park Park
Best Exercise Class 1 – YMCA
Our Partner’s Would Like To Say...
2 – Planet Fitness
1 – YMCA
Best GymnasBest Retiretics Classes ment/Assisted 1 – YMCA Living Facility 1 – Laurel Court Best Health 2 – Orchard Park and Fitness at Southfork Club 1 – Planet Best Dance Fitness School 2 – YMCA
“Thank You”
for those who voted Alvin H-E-B your Best Grocery Store 207 E. South St. • Alvin, TX 77511 • 281-585-5188 • www.heb.com
From generation to generation we have watched our patients grow in good health. We are grateful.
Thank You For Voting Us Your Trusted Alvin Family Practice Dr. Grant MacDonald, M.D. Family Practice
Dr. Grant MacDonald & Staff
208 West Coombs • Alvin, TX 77511 • 281-331-8223 or 281-585-6811
National Oak Park, which hosts events like Home for the Holidays every December, was voted the top park in the Alvin and Manvel area. (Photo by Albert Villegas)
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 11
Thank you for Voting for us BEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL and Robert Langley, DVM BEST VETERINARIAN
Dr. Bob’s Animal Hospital 631 S. Douglas St. 281-331-8860
Frontier Day, which is hosted every year in April by the Alvin Rotary Club, was voted the best community event.
Thank You For Voting For Us: “Best Feed Store” “Best Garden Store” “Best Deer Processing” “Best Shopping Center”
Frontier Day Truck Raffle See Neal
MON. - SAT. 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SUN. 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. 219 N. TAYLOR • ALVIN 96 Years in Business (1922-2018)
281-331-4491
www.stantons.doitbest.com
Page 12 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Shopping and Services
We would like to Thank Voters for Selecting Beazer Homes!
New Homes from the $190’s - $400’s 16 Communities Across Houston
Best Air Conditioning/ Heating Company 1 – Stoffer’s Air Conditioning and Heating 2 – Mabry’s Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. 3 – Hayden Cooling & Heating Service
2 – Veterinary Hospital of Alvin 3 – Dr. Bob’s Animal Hospital Best Antique Shop 1 – Alvin Antiques 2 – Alvin Emporium
Best New Auto Dealer Best Animal 1 – Ron Carter Hospital 2 – Toyota of 1 – Alvin Animal Alvin Clinic 3 – McRee Ford
www.beazer.com
Pricing, features, and availability of homes are subject to change without notice. See New Home Counselor for complete details. ©2018 Beazer Homes.
Thank You for voting us your “Dog Boarding” Facility! “Heiman Ranch is honored to be your chosen dog boarding kennel! It has been a privilege serving our community and taking care of your fur babies since 1999. Your support has allowed our family owned small business to live the American Dream. We appreciate your continued support through the years. We have watched some of your pets grow and grow old. We love each and every one of them. It has been a pleasure to take care of your extended family. Thank You from our hearts to yours.”
Sincerely, Renita Heiman, Heiman Ranch Dog Boarding
Heiman Ranch Dog Boarding 8543 County Rd. 511 • Rosharon, TX 77583 www.heimanranchdogboarding.com
281-682-9211
Stoffer’s Air Conditioning & Heating was voted as the best air conditioning and heating company.
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 13
Garrett helps Jack & Jill’s grow into Alvin retail favorite By Joshua Truksa Alvin Advertiser
Kerri Garrett comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Both of her grandfathers were self-employed and her father bought, restored and sold classic Corvettes. Garrett was an advertising manager for nearly 20 years with a degree in radio, television and film from Sam Houston State University, but when her son was born in 2004, she was introduced to the consignment business. She noticed that her son would outgrow his clothes so quickly that some stuff was never worn. She found herself visiting various consignment shops to sell the old clothes and buy new items. Garrett began working at a consignment shop with a friend in League City, and when Jack & Jill’s was put up for sale by the original owner in 2011, she jumped on the opportunity. Using the knowledge learned at her previous consignment job, Garrett
said learning to run the business was easy and the transition in ownership went smoothly. Garrett did not merely want to mimic the policies of other stores. She used what worked and created new, innovative policies. Jack & Jill’s was one of the first consignment shops in its area to begin including new boutique clothing along with its consignment products. Other shops have since followed. In 2014, the business space next door to Jack & Jill’s was for sale. Garrett purchased it and opened her second business, this one, Jill’s Boutique, to be built by her from the ground up. Garrett’s mother also helps with the business in setting up window displays, posting on social media and going to market with her daughter to help decide which products to carry. Garrett has given back to the community through Jack & Jill’s over the years. During Harvey, the store gave 50 percent off to
disaster victims, meaning only consigners received money for certain items and Jack & Jill’s
relinquished its share of the sale. Jack & Jill’s also adopted a family at Christmas 2017 through Alvin
HOPE’s Giving Tree program and regularly donates to local schools during fundraisers.
We Appreciate Your Votes!
It has been an honor for our family to serve this community and surrounding areas for 17 years.
Thank You,
Kevin and Cory Scott
281-585-1000 1421 E. Hwy. 6 • Alvin, TX 77511
Arcadia First Baptist Christian School
SPORTS • SMALL CLASS SIZES • K-12 • FULLY ACCREDITED
Kerri Garrett purchased Jack & Jill’s in 2011 and has helped the store become a favorite consignment store in Alvin. (Photo by Joshua Truksa)
Thank you to all who voted for us Best Private School 14828 HWY 6 • SANTA FE • 409-925-2825
Page 14 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Best Used Auto Dealer 1 – Toyota of
Alvin 2 – Ron Carter 3 – Otto’s Auto
World Best Auto
Thank You For Honoring Me With Your Votes! Your Votes are Appreciated!
A
-AFFORDABLE
American Weatherstar Platinum
Certified Contractor
R O O F I N G
20 Year NDL • Warranty Available Commercial/Industrial • Fully Bonded & Insured
832-876-ROOF • Alvin 281-335-ROOF • Houston Metro 409-935-ROOF • Galveston Metro 817-200-4750 • Metroplex 855-330-ROOF • Toll Free www.houstonflatroofs.com www.dallasflatroofs.com
Thank You!!
Alvin & Manvel for Voting
Repair Shop 1 – BC Auto Repair 2 – DeLeon & Son Automotive 3 – Texas Fairway Car Care Center
Best Car Wash 1 – Lil’ Tuck’s Car Wash 2 – Clean Ride Car Wash
Best Credit Union Best Baby/ 1 – Chocolate Children Store Bayou Credit 1 – Jack and Union Jill’s 2 – Amoco Credit Union Best Barber 3 – Associated Shop Credit Union 1 – Texas Barbershop Best Construc2 – Short Cuts tion Company 3 – Sports Clips 1 – Robert Juelich Roofing Best Bank 2 – Bunky & Son 1 – HomeTown Construction Bank 2 – First Best Flooring/ National Bank Carpet Store 3 – BBVA 1 – Alvin Compass Decorating
Your Best
Air Conditioning/Heating Company ~~~~ Thanks for 42 GREAT YEARS! 603 N. Gordon / Alvin, TX 281-331-7749 / www.CoolingTexas.com TACLB006978E
Hometown Bank of Alvin, which offers a broad range of banking services, was voted the best bank in Alvin by readers of The Alvin Sun and The Alvin Advertiser.
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 15
Best Childcare 2 - Jill’s Closet 1 – The Little Rascals Child Best Deer Care Center Processing 2 – Ms. Susan’s 1 – Stanton’s Christian Child Care Center Best Dentist 1 – Dr. W. Clay Best Wright Chiropractor 2 – Dr. 1 – Fairway Raymond B. Chiropractic Fournier (Alvin 2 – Dr. Blackwell Dental Care) (HealthWorks 3 – Dr. David Chiropractic) Boyles (Boyles 3 – Dr. Azbill Family (Chiropractic Dentistry) Healthcare Center of Alvin) Best Dental Hygienist Best Consign- 1 – Jodie ment Store Blankenship 1 – Jack & Jill’s 2 – Vickie Webb
3 – Joy McGinn
Best Dog Groomer Groomer 2 – Joleta 1 – Sharon’s Dog Wilkinson
Robert Locally Owned and Operated
Juelich Est. 1987
ROOFING
We Stand Behind Our Work
31 Years Experience
Windstorm Certified Licensed/Insured
ROBERT JUELICH
281-388-0202
“I Am Humbled and Grateful For All Your Votes”
We are so honored to be apart of this community. Thank you for voting us your “Best”
Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Keith S. Schauder M.D.
Scott Funeral Home was voted the best funeral home in the Alvin and Manvel area.
One Medic Lane • Alvin, Texas 77511 (281) 331-3100
Page 16 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Sembera wins two categories for her passionate work with dogs By Joshua Truksa Alvin Advertiser
Sharon Sembera said she had
wanted to groom dogs for years. When her children got older, she pursued this dream, learning the trade by working for Judy Shores’
dog grooming business, The Dog House, in Alvin for two years. She then worked at Paws, inside Manvel Feed, for a year before
Thank-you Alvin/Manvel We Appreciate Your Votes for “Best Of” and the Opportunity to Serve you!
opening her own shop in September 2004. Today, she grooms about six to eight dogs on a typical day. Growing up, Sembera’s family raised a variety of animals both large and small, including horses, rabbits, birds and, of course, dogs. Today she has three dogs of her own, a horse, four goats and five chickens. The goats will be having kids this week. Sharon’s Dog Grooming doesn’t only groom. Sembera also sells essential oils and necklaces and bracelets that Sembera makes from lava beads and other stones. The oils can be used for medicinal and stress relief purposes. Sembera often uses essential oils in her shop as the scent is also calming to the dogs, she said. She also sells pottery, planting pots and other gardening material and said she wants to set up a tree nursery
nearby. Sembera said she did not expect the business to grow as large as it has when she first set up shop behind the house on County Road 146 that her grandfather built in 1932. She was just hoping for a few customers to help pay the bills, she said, but it has since become a business that she can easily have as her sole income. She has never advertised and has only had a Facebook page for the business since January 2017. “I was afraid that people wouldn’t want to drive out here, but it’s been the best business I could’ve ever asked for,” Sembera said. Sembera also participates in trade days at Miss Ellie’s Antiques and Collectibles in Manvel to help the Alvin Animal Shelter. Proceeds from toenail trimming at Miss Ellie’s go toward the shelter.
Thank You to All Who Voted For or U Uss
- BEST SEAFOOD -
Thank You For Supporting
Manvel Seafood for All These Years! 19015 Hwy. 6 • Manvel, TX • 281-692-1556
Sharon’s Dog Grooming may look simple, but the work done inside by Sharon Sembera has made her one of the favorites in the Alvin and Manvel areas. (Photo by Joshua Truksa)
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 17
Best Electric 1 – Walmart Home 2 - Froberg Company 1 - Scott Funeral Funeral Home 1 - Atec Electric Best Funeral Home 3 – Oak Park Best Dog Service Boarding 2 – Daniel W. 1 – Sharon’s Dog Hawley Groomer Electrical 2 – Heiman Ranch Best Farrier 1 – Alvin Farrier Best Dry Supply Cleaners 1 – George’s Best Feed For Voting Cleaners Store and 2 – Pilgrim Supply Best Dentist Cleaners 1 – Stanton’s Dr. Wright 2 - Steinhauser’s Best Emergen- 3 – Evans Farms & cy Room Feed 412 W. House St. 1 – First Choice Dental Hygienist Alvin, TX 77511 ER Best Fishing Jodie Blankenship 281-331-4382 Gear 3 – Cynthia Jackowski
THANK YOU
Thank you to all who voted for us
Plan your next event with us!
Thank you for voting for Oakwind Bed & Breakfast Special Wedding Occasions Venue oakwindweddings.com Alvin Flowers was voted the best florist in the region by the readers of The Alvin Sun and The Alvin Advertiser.
Contact: Ann McGilvray
4601 CR 156 • Alvin • 281-585-0060
Page 18 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Best Financial 2 – JJ Marin Planner 1 – Kelly Hayes Best Florist
1 – Alvin Flowers 2 – Helen’s
Alvin Antique Center & Marketplace 2500 S. Loop 35 • Alvin, TX 77511
281-388-0537
55,000 sq. ft. of Antiques & Collectibles Under One Roof! 300+ Quality Friendly Dealers
Thank You For Voting Us Your
A Charming Antique Store
Antique Shops in Alvin/Manvel
Flowers 3 – Kroger
2 – Dr. Grant MacDonald
Best Furniture Store 1 – Manvel Mattress 2 – Cox Furniture
Best Garden Store 1 – Joseph’s Nursery 2 – Stanton’s Shopping Center 3 – Home Depot
Best General Practice Doctor 1 – Dr. Kerry McCarroll 2 – Dr. Dale Messer
Best Grocery Store 1 - Kroger 2 - HEB 3 – Walmart
314 S. Gordon (Downtown Alvin)
281-331-1998
Robin’s
Full Service Salon 108 E. Wildwinn • Alvin • 281-824-8774
I am so grateful to have made it in the Top 3 Hair Salons for Alvin! Thank you to our loyal customers for taking the time to vote us as your BEST and Thank You for your patronage!
We VOTE OUR CUSTOMERS THE BEST! God Bless You All! Much Love & Gratitude,
Robin & Staff
State Farm was popular with voters in the Best of Alvin and Manvel as the insurance company was named the best and Chris Peters was named the best agent.
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 19
Best Hair Salon 1 – Da Vinci Salon 2 – Hair Station 3 – Robin’s Full Service Salon Best Hair Designer 1 – Tracy Clark 2 – Martha Vasquez 3 – Tina Castillo
Store 1 – Home Depot Best Home Builder 1 – Bunky & Son Construction 2 – Beazer Homes
Best Insurance Company 1 – State Farm Insurance 2 – Farmer’s Best Home Insurance Improvement 3 – Independent
Insurance Counselors Best Insur-
ance Agent 1 – Chris Peters 2 – Mike
Lansford 3 – Claron Salter-Clark
Thank-You Customers & Friends for your Votes!
Alvin Decorating & Floors, Inc. is extremely honored to be voted your
“BEST FLOORING” Company in Alvin/Manvel Alvin Decorating & Floors has been faithfully serving Alvin, Manvel, Pearland, Friendswood, and surrounding areas since 1945 and is family owned and operated. We are experienced and knowledgeable about our products. We are committed to providing the finest selection of name brand floors.
Estimates are always free. www.alvindecorating.com
2680 South Bypass 35 • Alvin, Texas 77511
Phone: (281) 331-5241
Thank You for Voting Us Your Best Tax Preparation Services Paul, Phipps, & Co., PLLC can provide you with accounting and tax services tailored to fit your unique specific needs. We are a full-service accounting firm licensed in the great state of Texas. We offer a wide array of services and solutions for businesses, including corporations, partnerships, self-employed individuals (DBAs), non-profit organizations, and government entities. We are experienced, friendly, and affordable.
Call (281) 585-8894 to learn more.
1600 E. Hwy. 6, Ste. 425 • Alvin, TX 77511 Da Vinci Salon & Nails was voted both the best salon and best nail salon in the region.
Email: office@paulphippscpas.com • Web: paulphippscpas.com
Page 20 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Best Jeweler 1 – Ed Nesrtra Jeweler
3 – Arturo’s Lawn Care & Landscaping
Best Laundromat 1 – Hood Street Laundromat 2 – Coastal Coin Laundry
Best Loan Store 1 – Amoco Credit Union
Best Lawn Care Service 1 – DeLeon & Son Lawn Service 2 - Cruz Lawn Services
Best Mattress Store 1 – Manvel Mattress 2 – Sears Best Mechanic 1 – BC Auto Repair
We are humbled and excited that you once again voted us your Best Pest Control company in Alvin and Manvel. To show our appreciation we’d like to offer you $25 OFF any initial service. Offer good until 12/31/18
www.AlvinPestControl.com
281-331-0126
Being involved helps Manvel Mattress be the best Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 21
By Joshua Truksa Alvin Advertiser
Frank Hagdorn Jr. moved to Manvel in 1994 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to open Manvel Mattress and Furniture. Already having connections in the bedding manufacturing business, opening a mattress store seemed like a natural move, and the location that is now Manvel Mattress became available. “It seemed crazy that we were going to open up a bedding store in the little town of Manvel. I think there was only 500 or 600 people here, so demographics wasn’t the best, but it was an opportunity, and we opened up a sleep shop to start with, and furniture came later,” Hagdorn said. Having run a landscaping business in Florida, Hagdorn had experience in running a business. With Hagdorn’s expertise and commitment to customer service, Manvel Mattress became a success. “I just felt that if you took care of your business, you took care of your customers, you were a man of your word, you provided a good product and a fair price, gave good service and concentrated on customer service. In a small town like this you get involved in the community, you get involved with your churches, you get involved
with your schools, you get involved with your city affairs and you get yourself known and be a man of your word and you can write your own ticket in business today,” Hagdorn said. Hagdorn believes in giving a lot back to the community and being grateful for a successful business. Manvel Mattress is heavily involved in local schools, providing support for the Manvel High School football team and holding events for AISD’s special needs children at Christmas and before the end of the school year. Hagdorn is a commissioner on the local Emergency Service District Board, was chairman of the board for Manvel EMS for 13 years, has been involved in the Manvel Lions’ Club and Meals on Wheels. “In my world and the way I was brought up,” Hagdorn said, “the more you give back, the more comes back to you, and that means something to me. So the more I give back to my community and to the people in this area and the church, it works. It comes back to me.” The store has made an impression not just on the local market. People visiting from other parts of the country have stopped by, and Manvel Mattress has shipped furniture all over the country to customers as far away as California and New Jersey. “If we decorate the front of our
Frank Hagdorn Jr. and his staff at Manvel Mattress and Furniture have made the store one of the best in the region. (Photo by Joshua Truksa)
store so that it looks appealing and people pull in and if they decide they like it then we got to figure
out how to get it to them, and if you can make that work at a reasonable rate then you will
generate those sales outside of your local tri-county area,” Hagdorn said.
Thank You For Your Votes!
We Appreciate Your Business! (State Recognized Emission Repair Facility)
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
AC, Suspension, Computer Diagnostics and Complete Auto Repair
ASE MASTER TECHS
2301 S. Gordon / Alvin, TX 77511 / 281-331-5781
Thank You to All Who Voted For Us
- Best Farrier -
2498 CR 145 • Alvin, TX 2
Page 22 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Thank you to all who voted for us
Best Chiropractic Visit us at Fairway Chiropractic
“In my world and the way I was brought up, the more you give back, the more comes back to you, and that means something to me. So the more I give back to my community and to the people in this area and the church, it works. It comes back to me.”
Major Insurance Accepted
Frank Hagdorn Jr. Owner, Manvel Mattress and Furniture
281-331-5000 1701 Fairway St. 3B, Alvin
Thank You For Voting Us Best Optometrist in Alvin/Manvel area 2018
www.coastaleyeassociates.com 1913 Steele Rd • Alvin
281-331-0292
We love our Patients!
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 23
2 – Texas Best NeighBest Painter Best Kazmi Fairway Car Care borhood Shop- 1 – Joe Castillo Pediatrician 2 – Dr. Shari Center ping Center 1 – Dr. Syed Jackson 1 – Stanton’s Best Mortgage Shopping Center Lender 1 – Regions Best Voted Your Bank Optometrist Best Real Estate Company 1 – Coastal Eye Best Nail Associates Salon 2 – Dr. Suzanne 1 – Da Vinci Correale Salon 2 – CT Nails Best 3 – Pro Nails & Orthopedic Spa 1 – Dr. Keith Schauder
Visit our New Location
112 South Gordon St. Alvin 281-968-7759
Thank you for your Votes in the Categories of BEST • Breakfast • Dinner • Family Value
Thank You For Your Votes!
“New to the Area or Just Hungry For Home Cookin?” “Come See What All The Buzz Is About!”
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER
Open 24 Hrs. Day ~ 7 Days A Week BC Auto Care was named the best mechanic by the voters of the The Alvin Sun and The Alvin Advertiser.
2419 S. Gordon St. - Alvin • 281-331-2298
Page 24 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Best Pest Control 1 – Alvin Pest Control 2 – Hometown Pest Control 3 – Ben’s Pest Control
We are so proud of our therapist, Mike Hanlon. Thank you to those who
Best Physical Therapist
Skilled Nursing Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Medical Social Worker Home Health Aide Sitter/Companion Services
Family owned and operated right here in Alvin for the last 22 years, House Calls Home Health is dedicated to providing excellent care to residents of Alvin and the surrounding areas, in the comfort of their own homes.
Best Pharmacy 1 – Walgreen’s 2 – Medic One Pharmacy 3 – Parkwood Pharmacy Best Physical Therapist 1 – Mike Hanlon 2 – David Eldridge
(281) 331-1516
218 W. Coombs St., Alvin, TX 77511
www.HouseCallsHomeHealth.com
Thank You For Voting Farmer’s Insurance
e c n a r u s n I T S E B r You Company in Alvin/Manvel
I Can Help You Save On: Wind • Home • Flood Auto • Motorcycle SCOTT KEITHLEY AGENCY 2521 S. Bypass 35 Suite A Alvin, TX 77511
1824 S. Gordon St., Ste. 1 • Alvin, TX 77511 281-331-1000 (Office) • 281-585-8833 (Fax) John McLelland welcomes new Agent, Chad Thoe, to the team. Clients are encouraged to stop by and meet Chad. We look forward to continuing to serve you!
281-331-3838
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 25
Stanton’s continues to be an Alvin area favorite By David Rupkalvis Alvin Advertiser For almost 100 years, Stanton’s has been a mainstay in Alvin, offering everything from garden plants and appliances to fresh meat and collectibles. After decades of serving the community, the family-owned store remains popular, winning best feed store and best shopping center in the 2018 Best of Alvin and Manvel voting. While Stanton’s Shopping Center remains at its downtown location, it has greatly expanded since it first opened and sold wood and coal. Now Stanton’s is three stores under one roof, with three Stanton brothers managing each store. Neal Stanton runs the home and garden section, which includes the food store. Stanton’s offers dozens of varieties of feed for all kinds of livestock. Neal said many local residents have used Stanton’s for decades to provide food for their animals. Paul Stanton runs the hardware
store of the family business. In addition to traditional hardware items like wood, nails, tools and plumbing supplies, Paul’s section also includes some surprises such as appliances and a gift shop with a variety of Texas goodies for sale. Allen Stanton runs the grocery store inside Stanton’s Shopping Center. While the store offers pretty much anything a traditional grocery store would, it is best known for its fresh meat. Along with beef, pork and poultry, Stanton’s has a little bit of everything one could ask for — buffalo, elk, camel, frog legs, alligator, pheasant and much more. Sausage and smoked bacon have become favorites and have won awards in big competitions. “We’ve got a lot of exotic stuff,” Alan said. “They all seem to go well.” Alan and a team of seven employees run the meat market, which includes processing wild game for others. The sausage ranges from traditional pork to alligator, camel and even some made with ghost peppers.
Paul Stanton looks over supplies inside the gift shop at Stanton’s Shopping Center. Paul and his brothers continue to run the family business. (Photo by David Rupkalvis)
While Alvin has changed a lot over the last 100 years, one constant has been Stanton’s
Shopping Center near downtown. With the Stanton brothers continuing their family legacy,
they hope to continue to remain popular to shoppers in Alvin, Manvel and beyond.
Thank-you to our customers & friends for your support & patronage & for voting us
Best Jewelry Store We are grateful to be part of the Greater Alvin Area Business Community.
Thanks, David 214 W. COOMBS • ALVIN, TX 281-331-4852 Hours:
Tues.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-4:30
Page 26 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Thank you for voting for us BEST APARTMENTS
877 E. House St. • Alvin | MorganOakstx.com 281-388-0090
Papa John’s Pizza was named the best pizza by voters of the The Alvin Sun and The Alvin Advertiser.
Kelley’s Country Cookin’ THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US
1100 N. Bypass 35 • Alvin
281-585-5777
• Best Lunch • Best Coffee • Best Dinner • Best Family Value Thank You!
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 27
Best Physician 1 – Dr. Kerry McCarroll 2 – Dr. Grant MacDonald 3 – Dr. Nibu Mathew Best Place to Buy Produce 1 – Froberg’s Farm 2 - HEB 3 – Kroger Best Plumber
1 – M&M 2 – Re/Max Plumbing American 2 – Ray Williams 3 – Re/Max Top Plumbing 3 – Mike Mutina
Best Roofer 1 – Juelich Roofing
2 – Affordable Roofing
Best Realtor 1 – Eileen Jasper 2 – Betty Herndon 3 – Suzanne Dillman Best Real Estate Company 1 – Reyes Realty
In Appreciation for Your Votes...
VO T E
D
anvel
lvin/M f A o t s Be
2018
For decades, strawberry picking has been a family favorite at Froberg’s Farm. Froberg’s was named best place to buy produce.
The Staff of Alvin Dental Care...says “THANK HAN YOU!” And we are especially proud of Vickie Webb and Joy McGinn
Voted two of Your Best dental hygienist!
Page 28 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Thank You for Voting for us!
BEST APARTMENTS
Hillcrestvillagetexas.com | 2500 Fairway Dr. | 281-331-2627
AT
FREE ESTIMATES
EC
ELECTRIC
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • Mobile Home Hookups • Repair • New Construction • Remodeling g
1717 Heather Lane TECL #17699
(281) 331-0848 (281) 331-5349
The Alvin Historical Museum was named the best museum by readers of the The Alvin Sun and The Alvin Advertiser.
Thank you to all who voted for us Best Electric Co.
Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 29
Best Veterinary Center 1 – Dr. Bob’s Animal Hospital 2 – Alvin Animal Clinic 3 – Veterinary Hospitalof Alvin
& Co. 3 – H&R Block
Best Tax Preparation 1 – Joel J. Marin, CPA 2 – Paul, Phipps
Best Tire Store 1 – NTB 2 – Firestone
Best Thrift Store 1 - Goodwill 2 – DAV Thrift Store
& Equipment Store 1 – Alvin Equipment
2 – Tractor Supply Best Urgent
Care 1 – UTMB 2 – Affinity Immediate Care
Best Tractor Thank You for Voting us
Da Vinci Salon
Best Hair Salon Call to book your appointment with an experienced hair care professional today!
1516 S. Gordon St. | Alvin 281-331-1700
www.facebook.com/Da-Vinci-Salon
THANK YOU Dr. Bob’s Animal Hospital was named the best veterinary center by the readers of The Alvin Sun and The Alvin Advertiser while Alvin Equipment, below, was named best tractor and equipment supply.
Alvin and Manvel for voting us your
“Best Mexican Restaurant” The Flores family have owned, operated and opened up their kitchen to offer only the best for the surrounding communities. For the past 20 years this Alvin eatery has been a familiar meeting place, serving up delicious fresh Mexican food for lunch and dinner. “We are thankful for your continued support and if you have never experienced our flavorful Mexican food served in a family friendly atmosphere, stop by today and...Welcome!!!”
306 E. House St. • Alvin, TX 281-331-4993
Hrs: Mon.-Sat. 11 am-10 pm Sun. 11 am-3 pm
Page 30 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
Best place to work in Alvin and Manvel
Alvin ISD was voted as the best place to work by voters of The Alvin Sun and The Alvin Advertiser. Votes from teachers made it possible for the district to win.
Best of voters give us a chance to choose the best Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018 • Page 31
Anyone who spends time on social media in Alvin will easily acknowledge one of the most common questions seen is people asking for recommendations. The questions cover the gamut — best place to go for a romantic dinner, best place to get a new tire, best place for an oil change, best place to take my dog for shots and, of course, best place to get my hair or nails done. I’ve lived in Alvin for six months so I honestly don’t know the answer to most of those questions. I can tell of my few experiences, but since I don’t know much detail, I stay out of the conversations. In this special section, consider all of your questions answered. Now I haven’t been to many of the places that were named “best of” by our readers, but I can tell you the people who voted have many years and hundreds of encounters with the businesses highlighted in this section. And according to them, these are the best of the best. So, if you want to know the best place to get your nails done, I might try Da Vinci Salon. Hundreds of people who voted in this effort say they are the best, so there’s a good chance they are. Need to have someone care for your dog? Dr. Bob or Alvin Animal Clinic are a good bet. Now like every best of contest, these are opinions and people’s opinions are different. But from what I have seen in my short time here, the choices our readers made are pretty good. If you want the best barbecue in town, our readers say go to Joe’s. That wasn’t unanimous, but it was a pretty popular choice. I’ve been to Joe’s and I get it. The food was good, service was excellent, and I left stuffed. It was a pretty good day eating out.
it often when making business decisions. So, if I need a good
mechanic, I think I’ll give BC Auto or Texas Fairway a try. I
would recommend you do the same.
My Turn by David Rupkalvis
Best place to go out to dinner? Our reader’s say Kelley’s Country Cookin’. I’ve also been there, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Another place it’s hard to leave without being completely full. I like food, so many of my experiences in Alvin have been related to food. After seeing how our readers voted, there are a few places I need to visit. So, I will be checking out Las Flores, Honore’s Cajun Café, Gordon Street Tavern, Tommasso’s Italian Grill and a few others. And next year, I might even cast my own ballot. You guys can read these over, debate the results with friends and take them as seriously as you want. But I think the hundreds and hundreds of men and women who took the time to nominate businesses and then cast ballots likely did a good job choosing winners. In fact, I took the voting seriously enough that I chose my doctor based on the results. If you’ve lived here 15 or 20 years, you probably know what you like and why. But for someone like me, who is relatively new and doesn’t have a lot of preferences, the favorites chosen best of can carry a lot of weight. I am grateful to the men and women who took the time to vote and share their opinions. I may never need a dog groomer or a daycare, but I will keep this section handy and refer to
19405 HWY 6 • Manvel, TX (281) 489-3200 25 Different Burgers 12 Different Wing Sauces and Much More
Ice Cold Beer Margaritas Wine
www.TheBurgerBarn.Net Thank you to our loyal customers for voting us the Best Burger in the Alvin/Manvel Area.
Page 32 • Best of Alvin/Manvel • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • April 11, 2018
The Ron Carter Family
Thank You To All Who Voted For Us
BEST NEW & USED AUTO DEALER VO T E D
el v n a M / n i v f l o A Best 2018
Ford Chrysler 281-331-8111 • Chevrolet GMC Buick 281-331-3111 3205 FM 528 • Alvin, Texas 77511