PEOPLE’S CHOICE
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE
It’s time for the stars to shine As picked by you, our Tri-City Herald readers
All the winners of our second annual People’s Choice Awards are here. Your bests and your favorites are shown from our online balloting. We’ve published this edition as a record of all that is good about the places, people and things that positively define the Tri-Cities. New this year are three featured “Category Crushers” — vote-getters
that earned top billing across two or more categories. We’ve also featured five “Ballot Busters” — the top vote-getters. Watch for the official seal of People’s Choice winners on display in their businesses. Enjoy!
ENTERTAINMENT Golf Course ..........................................6 Nightlife Venue ......................................7 Lounge..................................................8 Outdoor Dining ......................................8 Movie Theater ......................................9 Sports Bar ............................................10
FOOD & BEVERAGE Asian Cuisine ........................................12 Bakery ..................................................12 Canyon Lakes: This
golf course is known for its large, fast greens. Tri-City Herald
Breakfast..............................................12 Coffee Shop ..........................................14 Family Restaurant ................................16 Fine Dining ............................................16 Steakhouse ..........................................16
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Rosy’s Ice Cream & Diner:
Serving up burgers, milkshakes with a fun 50s theme. Courtesy Rosy’s Ice Cream & Diner
Pizza ....................................................17
Credit Union ..........................................24
Microbrewery ......................................17
Tattoo Shop ..........................................26
Wine Tasting Room ................................18
Insurance Agent ....................................26
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Frozen Yogurt........................................18
Real Estate Agent ..................................28
Hair Salon ............................................36
Ice Cream..............................................19
Real Estate Company ............................29
Drug Store ............................................36
Seafood ................................................19
Auto Service Center ..............................29
Spa ......................................................37
Sandwich Shop ....................................20
Veterinarian ........................................30
Dentist ..................................................38
Mexican Restaurant ..............................20 Taco Truck ............................................20
GOODS
Jewelry ................................................35
Hospital ................................................38 Health & Fitness Club ............................38
Italian Cuisine........................................21
Gardening & Landscaping......................32
LOCAL FAVORITES
SERVICES
Furniture Store......................................32 Sporting Goods ....................................33
News Anchor ........................................40
Florist ..................................................22
Hardware Store ....................................34
Sportscaster ........................................40
Barber Shop..........................................22
New Auto Dealer....................................34
Company to Work For ............................41
Flooring Store ......................................23
Used Auto Dealer ..................................34
Radio Personality ................................42
Home Builder ........................................24
Appliance Store ....................................35
Weather Forecaster ..............................42
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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ENTERTAINMENT
Golf Course #1 Canyon Lakes 3700 W. Canyon Lakes Drive, Kennewick; 509-582-3736 canyonlakesgolfcourse.com Canyon Lakes Golf Course just got a facelift. The management has trimmed more than 75 percent of the roughly 500 trees on its 150 acres this year. It was no easy feat. “It gave it a clean and refreshed look,” said Mike Lundgren, general manager. Built in Kennewick in 1981, the course is locally owned by Lundgren and Terry Graff. It was designed by John Steidel, an architect who lives in the Tri-Cities. There are currently eight PGA golf professionals affiliated with Canyon Lakes. Golf Digest rated it 41⁄2 stars, making it the highestrated golf course in the Tri-City area. It shares
the highest ranking in Washington. Northwest Travel Magazine rated the course among “18 of the best in the Pacific Northwest.” Hole #9 was selected as one of the Northwest’s “Dream 18” holes. The magazine touted Hole #12 for having the largest green in the Northwest. “It’s a 12,000-square-foot thing of beauty,” Lundgren said. Known for its large, fast greens, the course has five sets of tees and is more than 7,000 yards from the back tees. “For golf groups, we offer the Canyon Lakes Special, which gives them a great rate for green fees and carts depending on the day,” Lundgren said. “We also offer free range for groups over 16 and free use of the 3,000square-foot Champions Room. That’s a $2,500 value.” Golfers do not have to worry about getting lost. Canyon Lakes equips all its carts with GPS, so players can easily get from the 18-hole championship golf course to the 18-hole putting course, driving range, chipping area or practice green.
The golf course offers 22 different memberships, including yearly, monthly, VIP and twilight memberships. They also have twilight rates starting at 3 p.m. every day. Many annual and weekly events are scheduled.
#2 Columbia Point 225 Columbia Point Drive, Richland; 509-946-0710 playcolumbiapoint.com
#3 Meadow Springs Golf 700 Country Club Place, Richland; 509-627-2234 meadowspringscc.com/Golf-484.html
Thank you Tri-Cities for choosing
Canyon Lakes as your favorite golf course.
Canyon Lakes is rated 4 1/2 Stars by Golf Digest making it the highest rated golf course in the Tri-Cities and shares the highest ranking in Washington State! Start your Monthly Membership at any time for only $100 and we will prorate the current month! Buy your 2014 V.I.P. Membership for only $325! Buy your 2014 Twilight Membership for only $495! (Get unlimited play during twilight hours 7 days per week)
Twilight Golf $34 with Cart $41 Everyday 2pm & Later Senior’s Tuesday (50 & over) 50% OFF all day Tuesday until Twilight
www.canyonlakesgolfcourse.com 6
Call 582-3736 Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife Venue #1 Jokers 624 Wellsian Way, Richland; 509-943-1174 jokersrichland.com; jokerscasino.net Jokers has opened up its checkbook within the past year in an attempt to bring some bigger star power to the Tri-Cities. The comedy club, which also doubles as a nightclub, has started to attract some bigger names in the comedy world, said Max Faulkner, general manager. Managers have handpicked the right comedians to try to make Jokers one of the most popular comedy clubs in the state. “We are paying a little more for comedians to add a little more spice and variety,” Faulkner said. “We have some different names that aren’t just the standard Northwest comedians. We have a desire to bring the next notch of standup.” The club on Wellsian Way in Richland also has been able to attract larger acts in music in the last year. Rap artist T-Pain recent performed at the club and a Pink Floyd tribute band will be coming back for a second time, Faulkner said. Faulkner has plans to try to get different DJs, such as country or electronic dance music (EDM), for some Friday nights and to offer concerts outside, possibly during Water Follies weekend in July. The comedy club is attached to a bowling alley, casino and arcade, creating a hodgepodge of entertainment under one roof and making it perfect for families or young adults to find something to do. Faulkner said the club’s ability to appeal to different age groups FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
BALLOT BUSTER Best Movie Theater
Movie buffs might find a bit of a sameness from one movie house to another, but several features set the Fairchild Cinemas in Pasco apart. The theater that’s been at 5020 Convention Drive for seven years has an openness, cleanliness and friendliness of employees that’s not always found at cinemas, said manager Diane Munson. They also offer good prices on movie tickets and better concessions than other theaters. “We want to be able to be affordable for the families to come and enjoy time together,” she said. The theater’s concession stand offers locally grown products, including popcorn seeds raised by area farmers, Munson said. “We think it’s important to involve other people in the community,” she said. The theater also has pizza, nachos and freshly baked cookies for customers. Free refills are offered on large popcorn and sodas. “We have many people who come in and we know them by name,” she said. “We almost know what they are going to order.” Fairchild, which also has a location in Moses Lake, features stadium seating and digital projection in all of its auditoriums. It allows moviegoers to relax in plush, high-backed rocking seats. It also has a selection of arcade games in the lobby. Moviegoers also can get the exact movie start times from Fairchild’s website (www.fairchild cinemas.com) if they want to avoid the previews and commercials. Movie audiences have been boosted in recent years by popular blockbuster films like the Harry Potter and The Hunger Games franchises, as well
is one of the reasons it is so popular. “It’s such a unique venue,” he said. “Between the comedy and everything else, we work hard at customer service. Our mantra is treat the customer like you want to be treated.” Some of Jokers’ most popular events include Ladies Night on Thursdays, salsa dancing on Saturdays and happy hour all day
Fairchild Cinemas: Ice cream
is among the goodies moviegoers can purchase at the CineCafe. Tri-City Herald
as the superhero movies, Munson said. All this has helped theaters increase business despite audiences turning to the Internet and other activities, she said. “We’re really glad that the public likes us, and we’re glad to be a part of the community,” she said.
Sunday, he said. Comedy shows at the club are usually scheduled at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
509-946-9328 emeraldofsiam.com
#3
#2
Branding Iron
Emerald of Siam Authentic Thai Cuisine
213 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick; 509-586-9292
1314 Jadwin Ave., Richland;
brandingironnightclub.com 7
ENTERTAINMENT
Lounge #1 Twigs Bistro 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd. #901, Kennewick; 509-735-3411 twigsbistro.com Shaken or stirred. At Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar in Kennewick, you can get any of its 36 signature martinis just the way you like it. That’s one reason why customers voted the venue at the Columbia Center mall their favorite lounge. It’s more than a beautiful bar with handcrafted drinks like a Lime Basil Kamikaze, Huckleberry Lemon Drop or Kosmonaut. And the cocktail list is always evolving.
They offer some unique entrees like Calamari a la Romana, Argentinean Fish Tacos, Kalua Pork Tacos and Moroccan Beef, along with classic sandwiches, pizzas and salads. And for Trevor Blackwell dessert, their Drunken Donuts — dusted with powdered sugar and served with three decadent dipping sauces — are a fan favorite. The Kennewick restaurant, which opened in October 2011, has been welcomed with open arms, said Trevor Blackwell, vice president and director of operations. The Blackwell family opened its first Twigs in Spokane 10 years ago. Now it has 10 locations in
Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Utah. “The economy in the Tri-Cities seems to be stronger than other markets, and overall business has been good,” he said. “It is a fun and comfortable atmosphere,” Blackwell said. “We provide a great product and a really good value.” Twigs opens daily at 11 a.m. Closing time is 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. on the weekends, depending on business, Blackwell said. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to closing.
#3 Jokers 624 Wellsian Way, Richland; 509-943-1173 jokersrichland.com; jokerscasino.net
Outdoor Dining #1
#2
Tagaris Winery & Taverna Tagaris
3 Eyed Fish Wine Bar
844 Tulip Lane, Richland; 509-628-1619
1970 Keene Road, Richland; 509-628-3255 3eyedfishwinebar.com
tagariswines.com See story, page 9
We are Humbly Honored by Your Votes!
Here in Eastern Washington, the Archibald name is synonymous with the highest levels of ethical business practices resultingg in unparalleled levels of customer satisfaction since 1981. p p We know our customers are some of the greatest car enthusiasts in the world and only expect the best. This is what ignites our passion to perform for you.
6902 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336 • (866) 582-1379 • http://www.archibalds.net/ 8
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ENTERTAINMENT
#2 Cedars Restaurant & Lounge 355 Clover Island Drive, Kennewick; 509-582-2143 cedarsrest.com
#3 Anthony’s Restaurants 550 Columbia Point Drive, Richland; 509-946-3474 anthonys.com/restaurants/ detail/anthonys-atcolumbia-point See story, page 13
Movie Theater #1 Fairchild Cinemas 5020 Convention Drive, Pasco; 509-544-8500 fairchildcinemas.com See story, page 7
#2 Carmike Cinemas 1380 N. Louisiana St., Kennewick; 509-374-0356 carmike.com
#3 Regal Cinemas 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick; 509-783-5008 regmovies.com FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
CATEGORY CRUSHER Best Outdoor Dining, Best Wine Tasting Room
You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy Richland’s Taverna Tagaris. The Mediterranean restaurant features a menu that pairs locally-made wines with tasty entrees that complement each other. Winemaker Frank Roth and Tagaris executive chef Josh Duquist collaborate to find unique matches of Tagaris wines Josh Duquist and entrees. Brandon Emch, Taverna Tagaris general manager, said the duo taste and test everything to make sure the suggestions work. And Taverna Tagaris’ knowledgeable servers also can Taverna Tagaris: make recommendations to Winemaker Frank Roth helps create unique guests, Emch said. matches between It’s a destination restaurant wines and entrees. for people who want to try Courtesy Taverna Tagaris something new, he said. A wide variety of wines are offered. The menu and wine list are food and travel guides, as one of eight interupdated three times a year, he said. Some national wineries with top-notch meals. menu staples, such as applewood grilled The restaurant’s bar also serves as tenderloin steak, stay on the menu, but Tagaris Winery’s tasting room, and from what it is paired with can change. May to October that expands to an outdoor Most of the restaurant’s entrees can be patio with an outside bar. The first band will served gluten free, and Emch said they also play May 30-31. offer gluten-free flatbreads. Vegetarian Emch said they hope people will enjoy options also are available. bands, food and wine together. Each year, it Duquist also tries to incorporate local seems to get better. ingredients into the meals. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday Tagaris Winery, owned by Michael Tagthrough Thursday, 11 a.m. until close Friday gares, a longtime Columbia Valley fruit and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. grower, recently was recognized by Call 509-628-0020 to make reservations at Zagat.com, the Google-owned producer of Taverna Tagaris, at 844 Tulip Lane , Richland. 9
ENTERTAINMENT
Jack-Sons Sports Bar:
This Richland restaurant features new entrees and appetizers after a recent remodel. Courtesy Chuck Fisher
Sports Bar #1 Jack-Sons Sports Bar 99 Lee Blvd., Richland; 509-946-8118 richlandjacksons.com Customers of Jack-Sons restaurant may not recognize one of the most popular spots for a burger and beer in the Tri-Cities. The Richland restaurant recently was remodeled and its menu got a makeover. The floors were stripped, the bathrooms were renovated and chalkboard walls were put in place for people to draw on. Fun food like turkey and waffles, Southwest eggrolls and a Reuben burger are new to the menu. There are eight new entrees and eight new appetizers. Five of the new items have been among the top 10 sellers recently. 10
The new look and more creative menu are ways to let customers know Jack-Sons is always looking for ways to improve, said owner Chuck Fisher. “It’s an ever-changing industry, and we are independent in a corporate world,” he said. “You have to be fresh. You have to put out a new look sometimes.” The remodel brightened up the sportsthemed bar and added more TVs for watching games, Fisher said. It also changed the tap system for serving beer. Even though there are changes at the restaurant, customers still come in for some of the 2,600 pounds of hot wings served each month and the popular bacon cheeseburger, Fisher said. “It’s still the same Jack-Sons,” he said. Fisher credits Jack-Sons ability to stay on the People’s Choice list with the work he and his staff do in the community. Jack-Sons helped raise about $30,000 last year for area charities and fundraisers, he said. “We are really blessed in our community to be
able to do those things,” he said. “The people love it. And it doesn’t hurt they love our great hot wings and burgers.”
#2 Sports Page Bar & Grill 6 S. Cascade St., Kennewick; 509-585-0590 Find them on Facebook
#3 Uncle Sam’s Saloon 8378 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick; 509-783-8942 unclesamssaloon.com Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
Asian Cuisine
The bakery also makes cakes for special occasions like weddings and birthdays, Zarate said. Viera’s also is busy during the Christmas holidays, but also draws crowds during downtown events like the Pasco Farmers Market.
#1 Double Dragon Restaurant 3107 W. Clearwater, Kennewick; 509-737-8833 If you’re looking to feed a large group or stock the refrigerator with leftovers, diners rave about Double Dragon Restaurant in Kennewick for its huge portions of tasty food and low prices. Owner Lisa Chen believes the restaurant is a fan favorite because, “We are doing what the people like.” Lisa and Ron Chen emigrated from the Canton province in China about three decades ago. Their dream was to own a restaurant, and after Ron Chen spent time working as a chef in Oregon, they made it a reality in 1993 by opening the Golden Dragon in Hermiston. They moved to the Tri-Cities five years later, after the building they were in was sold to a drugstore. The Chens decided Kennewick provided the perfect opportunity to start anew, and they opened Double Dragon about 16 years ago. Favorites on the menu include General Tso’s chicken, sweet & sour chicken or pork, barbecue pork, almond chicken and fried eggrolls. The restaurant also serves American food, like hamburgers, for meal companions who don’t want Chinese food. Diners often pack the West Clearwater Avenue spot for its weekday, two-item lunch special. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
#2 Shang Hai Restaurant 3013 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-783-8998 12
#2 Frost Me Sweet Bakery & Bistro 710 The Parkway, Richland; 509-420-4704 frostmesweetbakeryandbistro.com Tri-City Herald
Viera’s Bakery: Popular pastries come in a rainbow of colors at the bakery’s two
locations in Pasco.
#3 P.F. Chang’s 8108 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick; 509-735-3270 pfchangs.com
Bakery #1 Viera’s Bakery 430 W. Lewis St., Pasco; 509-546-9726 6411 Burden Blvd., Pasco; 509-545-4043 Sweet smells fill the air each morning in downtown Pasco, leading hungry customers to Viera’s Bakery. The bakery, which has been open about a decade, sells dozens of pastries in a rainbow of colors at the store at Lewis Street and Fourth Avenue. Manager Eulogio Zarate said the most popular pastries include the bolillo, a Mexican pastry filled with cream cheese and jalapeños; con-
chas, flavored sweet bread shells; and oversized doughnuts. A diverse group of customers come from as far away as Spokane, Walla Walla and the Yakima area to taste the pastries. Zarate said the quality and variety make Viera’s a downtown gathering point. “We always try to do our best on the product we put out,” he said. The bakery’s original location is at 410 W. Lewis St. It has a second location, which opened in 2009, off the bustling Road 68 at 6411 Burden Blvd. Each bakery keeps long hours. The downtown bakery is open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, while the west Pasco Viera’s is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Zarate said employees work one of two 12-hour shifts, with someone baking 24 hours a day. But the work is rewarded by a loyal customer base, he said. “Customers come in here and know that they can come back year after year,” he said. “You see the same customers and build a relationship with them. Then they help new customers when they see we are busy.”
#3 The Spudnut Shop 228 Williams Blvd., Richland; 509-943-3000 thespudnutshop.com
Breakfast #1 Magills Restaurant & Catering 3214 Road 68, Pasco; 509-547-6448 magillsrestaurants.com Have a hankering for a loaded waffle or chicken-fried steak and eggs at 3 p.m.? Magills Restaurant & Catering has made its mark in the TriCities by serving up heaping breakfast plates all day long. And now, customers can order up a Bloody Mary or mimosa on the side. Sheila Bentley, who owns the Pasco family-friendly restaurant with husband Darren Martin, said many of Magills menu changes or additions have come from listening Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
FOOD & BEVERAGE
BALLOT BUSTER Best Frozen Yogurt
When someone walks in to any MyFroYo in the Tri-Cities, they should feel like the first customer. That’s what owners Scott and Crystal Carroll and their employees try to inspire by offering an array of frozen yogurt and toppings in sparkling clean shops. The goal is to have something for everyone, whether they have allergies to gluten or dairy or are watching their sugar intake, Scott Carroll said. About 95 percent of their products are gluten-free, and all are clearly labeled. A nutritional guide is also available at each store. As a family with five children, the Carrolls said they want to offer a place where families can enjoy spending time together. They enjoyed visiting frozen yogurt shops when they traveled, and decided to bring what they loved to the Tri-Cities. They also chose frozen yogurt because it can be a healthy, exciting treat that gives people choice
to the customers since opening six years ago. It’s that steady customer base that has allowed Magills to grow into a full-service catering business too, featuring breakfast pans, boxed lunches and appetizers. “I think that they like our quality of food. We really go the extra mile to make things from scratch and cook to order. We don’t microwave any meals,” Bentley said. “It’s all cooked the old-fashioned way, and we have good, quality ingredients.” Magills briefly expanded into Kennewick and Richland, but both FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
and a chance to be creative, with more than 50 toppings from fresh fruit to candy, Scott said. “Frozen yogurt is just as delicious as ice cream,” he said. But it’s healthier, with no more than a third of the calories. MyFroYo has an ’80s feel, with upbeat music and outdoor patios at all but the mall location. The Dannon-made frozen yogurt flavors vary, with some staples, depending on customer demand. Cake batter wasn’t one of those staples until a wave of customers asked for it, Crystal said. MyFroYo also offers at least one Yo Custard, which is a blend of the “rich decadent creaminess of a custard” with the health benefits of yogurt, Scott said. Employees try to update www.myfroyo.com daily to reflect flavors at each location. Since June 2010, the Carrolls have opened four MyFroYos, starting in Pasco and expanding
locations were closed in what Bentley said was a decision to trim down and make their lives easier. It has allowed the couple to return to the work they did before opening a restaurant by transitioning son Jared Bentley to manage daily operations. Magills offers standard breakfast fare, like eggs benedict, cinnamon roll french toast, biscuits and gravy and omelets, skillets and scrambles with a variety of fixings. But the menu often is updated with new or “back by popular demand” items. The latest offerings include meat lover breakfast
Tri-City Herald
MyFroYo: Owners Scott and Crystal Carroll encourage customer feedback
because it helps them decide which flavors to offer. Crystal holds a cup of their “Yo Custard” lemon chiffon pudding.
to Kennewick, Richland and the Columbia Center mall. They have 20 to 50 employees, depending on the season. The Carrolls try to give back to the community and have opened up MyFroYo for a number of community fundraisers. At the Kennewick Avenue MyFroYo, Talk Time is offered Monday through Friday from 11
mac, breakfast taquitos, chickenfried steak sliders, smothered hashbrowns and breakfast burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
#2 Sterling’s Restaurant 3200 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-736-1588
a.m. to 3 p.m. Coloring books and crayons and games are available in the shop’s party room for families to hang out, the couple said. That party room is also available for free to the community, with no requirement to buy frozen yogurt. And special promotional offerings are given to MyFroYo’s Facebook fans, which have grown to more than 11,000.
2500 Queensgate Drive, Richland; 509-628-2414, 890 George Washington Way Richland, 509-943-1588 Find them on Facebook
#3 IHOP Restaurant 6511 W. Canal Drive, Kennewick; 509-737-0491 ihop.com 13
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Coffee Shop #1 Dutch Bros. Coffee Multiple Mid-Columbia locations dutchbros.com Nate and Krisanna Frary grew up in Southern Oregon, in and around Grants Pass — where a coffee company called Dutch Bros. was founded. They specifically relocated to the Tri-Cities to open the franchise here. They own stores on Clearwater Avenue, Columbia Center Boulevard and Columbia Drive in Kennewick. And they plan to open their fourth location on Keene Road in Richland in early summer. “We fell in love with the company as customers,” Nate Frary said. “It’s so much more than a business to us. It’s a way of life, and it’s family.” The same is true for Brad and Meghan Barnes, who own both Pasco Dutch Bros. on Burden Boulevard and Court Street. “After living here for more than five years, the Tri-Cities is undeniably a great place to raise a family,” Brad Barnes said. “There are great parks, schools and sports programs, to name a few,” he said. “Plus, we love the sunshine and would choose never to see the rain again having grown up on the west side.” The core philosophy of Dutch Bros. is about the people, Nate Frary said. “The customer service is No. 1, and everything else falls into place after that.” Customers tell the Barneses the reason they go to Dutch Bros. every day is because of the workers’ upbeat attitudes and their positive mindset, “outside of an amazing cup of coffee,” Brad said. “Many people tell us they come by every day because they know they will leave smiling no matter what mood they showed up in,” he said. Dutch Bros. is also known for giving back to the community. “During these events and community projects, our hope is to help our community by inspiring our children and peers to continue to support one another. The Tri-Cities community never disappoints,” Brad said. Giving back has been a company philosophy since 1992, Nate said. “Every Dutch Bros. gives back a minimum of 1 percent gross revenue every year,” he said. 14
BALLOT BUSTER Best Steakhouse
You’re guaranteed to see a show at least every 30 minutes when you dine at Texas Roadhouse. That’s how often servers at the countrythemed Kennewick restaurant break into a line dance show. They will bust out one of 10 dances they are taught. It’s all part of the restaurant’s plan to give customers great food and a little bit of entertainment. “It’s all about the atmosphere here and having the guests have a good time while they are here,” said Bryan Maine, general manager. “We have legendary food and legendary service with a casual atmosphere.” The steakhouse at 845 N. Columbia Center Blvd. serves large portions of fall-off-thebone ribs, pulled pork, pork chops, chicken and other barbecued favorites. There is a butcher on site who hand-cuts steaks as big as 16 ounces daily. Maine said the steaks and ribs are the most popular items at the restaurant, and people always enjoy the free peanuts. Meals come with sides made from scratch like mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and fresh vegetables. “We don’t really change the menu much,” Maine said. “We are definitely proud of the product.” Texas Roadhouse also enjoys being a member of the Tri-City community, helping local chapters of organizations like the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, Maine said. The restaurant recognizes area first responders, veterans and educators with weekly specials.
Tri-City Herald
Texas Roadhouse: From line-dancing to barbecued favorites, this steakhouse has you covered.
Every Monday is local hero night, where first responders and military personnel get 30 percent off. On Tuesdays, those working in education receive 20 percent off. “We love being able to give back to the community,” Maine said. Hours are from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
#2
#3
Starbucks
Roasters Coffee
Multiple Mid-Columbia locations
Multiple Mid-Columbia locations
starbucks.com
roasterscoffee.net Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
Family Restaurant #1 Sterling’s Restaurant 3200 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-736-1588 2500 Queensgate Drive, Richland; 509-628-2414, 890 George Washington Way Richland, 509-943-1588 Find them on Facebook The Tri-Cities cannot seem to get enough of Sterling’s. Jim Sterling opened his first restaurant on George Washington Way in Richland in July 1982 and now the Tri-Cities has three locations. A fourth Sterling’s is serving diners in Walla Walla. Sterling has called his establishments “just a restaurant.” “Where I grew up, a restaurant meant wholesome, fresh-baked bread, fresh-cut meats and soups fresh from the back of the house,” he said. “And that’s what I serve in my restaurants now.” He grew up in the restaurant business — his mom owned a restaurant in Montana for 50 years — and has owned many restaurants during the course of his career. But the formula he found for the George Washington Way restaurant seems to be one that works. The restaurants offer breakfast items, a salad bar and entrees from sandwiches to steaks and seafood.
#2 Red Robin 1021 N. Columbia Center Blvd, Kennewick; 509-736-6008 redrobin.com
Brick House Pizza:
This restaurant’s piping hot pizzas feature homemade sauce and crust. Tri-City Herald
Fine Dining
Steakhouse
#1
#1
Anthony’s Restaurants
Texas Roadhouse
550 Columbia Point Drive, Richland; 509-946-3474
845 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick; 509-783-1288
anthonys.com/restaurants/detail/anthonys-atcolumbia-point
texasroadhouse.com
See story, page 18
#2 Cedars Restaurant & Lounge 355 Clover Island Drive, Kennewick; 509-582-2143 cedarsrest.com
16
See story, page 14
#2 Outback Steakhouse 6819 W. Canal Drive, Kennewick; 509-735-9304 outback.com
#3
#3
#3
Magills Restaurant & Catering
Bonefish Grill
3214 Road 68, Pasco; 509-547-6448
133 W. Gage Blvd., Richland; 509-628-9296
355 Clover Island Drive, Kennewick; 509-582-2143
magillsrestaurants.com
bonefishgrill.com
cedarsrest.com
Cedars Restaurant & Lounge
Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Pizza
Microbrewery
#1
#1
Brick House Pizza
Ice Harbor Brewing Co.
3791 W. Van Giesen St., West Richland; 509-967-3733
206 N. Benton St., Kennewick; 509-582-5340
Find them on Facebook
350 Clover Island Drive; Kennewick; 509-586-3181
Brick House Pizza’s favorable reputation could be because of its homemade sauce and crust. Or perhaps it’s the variety of its sub sandwiches, or its salad bar, burgers and wine. Or perhaps it’s the 21 beers on tap. Whatever the reason, the popularity of the West Richland restaurant has increased during the years. Brick House Pizza began as Brewster’s Pizza before Tim Curet and his wife Saundra bought it in 1998. The West Richland location was chosen to serve area workers for lunch, along with a growing residential community, and its popularity spread by word of mouth, Saundra Curet said in an email. Aside from pizza, beer and salad, Brick House Pizza also offers “Home of the Big Bull,” a phrase found on its logo. It references its most popular sandwich with nine toppings. “There is high attention to detail to give the customer the best quality food, service and enjoyable dining experience,” Saundra said. Throughout its more than 15 years of operation, it has employed several young adults entering the work force. Brick House Pizza is open daily at 11 a.m. Their closing time is about 8:30 p.m., depending on the season. They tend stay open later during the summer. Phone: 509-967-3733.
#2 Hubby’s Pizza 346 W. Columbia Drive, Kennewick; 509-586-2340 hubbyspizza.com
#3 Pizza Hut Multiple Mid-Columbia locations pizzahut.com FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
iceharbor.com Ice Harbor Brewing Co. of Kennewick offers a true taste of Northwest craft beers. All of the company’s beers, including its bestselling India Pale Ale, or IPA, are made in Kennewick using Yakima-grown hops and Northwest grain. Co-owner Mike Hall credits Ice Harbor’s success to their brewmaster, Russ Corey, who has been creating Ice Harbor beer for about 13 years. Mike Hall Ice Harbor’s beer takes a day to brew, a week to ferment and usually one more week to condition before it is ready to keg or bottle. But Hall said they go through it so fast, it doesn’t have a chance to get any older. It takes Corey, another full-time brewer and three part-time brewers to make enough Ice Harbor beer to quench the thirst at Ice Harbor’s two restaurants, Hall said. Last year, Ice Harbor brewed about 2,200 barrels. One barrel is 31 gallons. The brewery also sells bottled Ice Harbor brews, fills growlers and sells party pigs. The pigs hold a full case of beer that can be dispensed by pushing a button. While the Ice Harbor brews are the same, the atmospheres at Ice Harbor’s two restaurants are diverse. Ice Harbor Brewing Co., at 206 N. Benton St., has a pub atmosphere, with a group of regulars whom staff greet by name. “It’s like getting together with your friends in your garage and your basement,” Hall said. Whenever a train passes by, staff spin a wheel to set the price for Ice Harbor beer for the next five minutes. That happens every day except for Monday, when the beer is already discounted, Hall said. Ice Harbor at the Marina, at 350 Clover Island Drive, is a little more upscale, adding steaks and seafood to the pub fare of burgers and sandwiches.
The Clover Island location also offers glutenfree options and bottled gluten-free beer. Hall, his wife, Cindy Hayes, and Bill Jaquish started Ice Harbor Brewery in Pasco as a packaging microbrewery, selling kegs to taverns and restaurant, in 1997. But after seven years of struggling on the low profit margin, the trio decided to open a pub. Hours at the Ice Harbor restaurants are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Ice Harbor at the Marina also offers breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
#2 White Bluffs Brewing 2000 Logston Blvd. #126, Richland; 509-554-7059 whitebluffsbrewing.com
#3 Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery 1015 Lee Blvd., Richland; 509-946-5465 atomicalebrewpub.com
Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery:
Pouring beer by the bottleful. Tri-City Herald
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
Wine Tasting Room #1
Tagaris Winery & Taverna Tagaris 844 Tulip Lane, Richland; 509-628-0020 tagariswines.com See story, page 9
#2 J. Bookwalter Wines 894 Tulip Lane, Richland; 509-627-5000 bookwalterwines.com
#3 Barnard Griffin Winery 878 Tulip Lane, Richland; 509-627-0266 barnardgriffin.com
Frozen Yogurt #1
MyFroYo Frozen Yogurt 2500 Kennewick Ave.; 509-737-0777 Columbia Center mall, Kennewick; 509-735-3444 4803 Clemente Lane, Pasco; 509-547-3300 2841 Duportail St., Richland; 509-627-5500 myfroyo.com See story, page 13
#2 Yoplicity Frozen Yogurt 4309 W. 27th Place, Kennewick; 509-783-1106 yoplicityfrozenyogurt.com
#3 Finnegan Frost 696 Gage Blvd.; Richland; 509-572-2477 finneganfrost.com 18
CATEGORY CRUSHER Best Seafood, Best Fine Dining, Best Outdoor Dining
Buy local, buy quality — that’s the thinking that sets the Anthony’s Restaurants chain apart from others. “We have our own wholesale seafood company to provide the finest, freshest seafood from Alaska and fishermen on the West Coast,” said Lane Hoss, the company’s vice president of marketing. “We complement our Northwest seafoods with inseason produce, local wines and Northwest beers to provide the best Pacific Northwest dining experience possible,” he said. The atmosphere and decor follow that thinking, and the Anthony’s at Columbia Point in Richland is no exception. Built overlooking the Columbia Point Marina and Columbia River, with its generous use of glass and tiered seating, there isn’t a table in the restaurant without a panoramic view of the water. The restaurant seats 150, yet is designed in such a way that it never feels crowded, said Mike Tvedt, general manager at the Richland Anthony’s. The deck is open for the season, though the weather this spring hasn’t been the best. As soon as the sun comes out, there will seldom be an empty table, Tvedt said. But the view isn’t the reason Anthony’s is one of the
Anthony’s Restaurants: Tony Ring, regional chef for Anthony’s Restaurants, prepares salmon. Courtesy Anthony’s Restaurants
top restaurants in the TriCities. “What I hear time after time, is people appreciate our consistency,” Tvedt said. “They know they can bring out-of-town guests, their business clients, their family and friends here and always get the finest food and quality service.” Executive Chef Carlos Cortez and his staff create menus reflecting the bounty of the season, buying from Mid-Columbia producers whenever possible. The asparagus served this spring was grown by Middleton Farms outside Pasco, and the rhubarb was cut in Puyallup. In June, strawber-
ries grown on Lovejoy Farms in Eltopia will appear on the menu. Even the beef is homegrown at Double R Ranch in Toppenish. Anthony’s has always supported the Northwest wine industry, Tvedt said — there are no California wines served in the restaurant. The pinot noir on the wine list comes from Oregon, but the rest are Washington vintages. Their top seller is Prosser’s Thurston Wolfe PGV (a blend of pinot gris and viognier). “It’s excellent with many seafoods and, like us, consistent from year to year, bottle to bottle,” Tvedt said.
Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Ice Cream #1 Baskin-Robbins 890 Stevens Drive, Richland; 509-943-3231 140 Gage Blvd. #205, Richland; 509-374-4310 2803 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-783-9279 2307 W. Court St., Pasco; 509-542-1931 baskinrobbins.com Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlors are known for their wide and tasty selection of ice cream flavors. The ice cream chain, which was founded in 1945, has sold more than 500 flavors through the years. Stores rotate between 40 and 45 different flavors and have 16 different toppings. Rand Akins, the local franchise owner, has been involved with Baskin-Robbins ever since the store in Moses Lake opened in 1980. Back then, he was an office manager, and a friend of his approached him about opening up the store. Because Mount St. Helens erupted that year and covered everything in 4 inches of ash, the store’s opening was put on hold. “We finally got opened and it’s been great. I love ice cream so much, and it’s just fun to run. I can’t seem to get out,” Akins laughed. This year, he will celebrate 34 years as a Baskin-Robbins franchise owner. Akins owns the Baskin-Robbins parlors at 2803 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick, and on Stevens Drive and Gage Boulevard in Richland. There is also a Baskin-Robbins on Court Street in Pasco and a booth in the Toyota Center in Kennewick. Burt “Butch” Baskin co-founded the BaskinRobbins ice cream parlor chain with his partner and brother-in-law Irv Robbins. Both men served in World War II, and when they moved to California, they opened an ice cream parlor. “Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry were what other ice cream shops usually sold, but these guys devised different flavors and added toppings, and the Navy men loved it. They were just great flavor-makers,” Akins said. Akins said Oreos Cookies ’n’ Cream is a popular favorite among customers. “In Baskin-Robbins, we like to say, ‘We don’t sell ice cream, we sell fun,’ ” he said. And that’s why teenagers not only love eating FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
Baskin-Robbins: This chain has sold more than 500 flavors since it was founded in 1945.
Tri-City Herald
there, but love working there as well, he said. “Those guys started offering jobs to teenagers and so do I,” Akins said. “It’s a great place to start because they work hard and fast and learn to interact with all kinds of customers.” Akins said he has former employees come to him 10 to 15 years later with fond memories of Baskin-Robbins as their first job in high school. “I’ve had hundreds of employees, so it’s hard to keep track, but it’s always nice see them,” Akins said. Baskin-Robbins has more than 6,700 locations throughout the world, with flavors unique to those countries.
#2 DQ Grill & Chill Multiple Mid-Columbia locations dairyqueen.com
#3 Rosy’s Ice Cream & Diner
Seafood #1 Anthony’s Restaurants 550 Columbia Point Drive, Richland; 509-946-3474 anthonys.com/restaurants/detail/ anthonys-at-columbia-point See story, page 18
#2 Red Lobster 1120 Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick; 509-735-1190 redlobster.com
#3 Bonefish Grill
404 Bradley Blvd., Suite 106, Richland; 509-943-0102
133 Gage Blvd., Richland; 509-628-9296
Find them on Facebook
bonefishgrill.com 19
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Sandwich Shop #1 Subway Multiple locations subway.com Hungry customers like their sandwiches made to order, so it’s no wonder Subway shops are so popular. “It is all about healthy options, and customers are able to have input into their selections,” said Russ Cazier, who owns 10 of the 16 Subway sandwich shops in the TriCities. Subway has been in the TriCities for 24 years. In 1990, Cazier opened his first shop on George Washington Way in Richland and since then has significantly grown the presence of Subway in the Tri-Cities and in the Mid-Columbia, he said. “Subway is the best product out there and remains to be so in the sandwich segment,” said Cazier, who is passionate about being a Subway franchise owner and knows the history of the restaurant as if it were his own. Subway sandwich shops began in 1965 when then-high school graduate Fred DeLuca, 17, needed to pay his way through college to become a doctor. At the time, DeLuca was working a minimum-wage job. DeLuca partnered with Peter Buck, a doctor and an old family friend who moved back to town, to open a submarine sandwich shop. By 1974, DeLuca and Buck had opened 16 shops throughout Connecticut. At this time, Buck and DeLuca decided to focus on franchising as a way to open more shops. A friend, who at first refused the offer, ended up opening the first Subway franchise restaurant after the company he worked for closed. From that first franchise, DeLuca’s Subway franchise stores 20
grew at a pace unheard of in the fast-food restaurant business. Today, Subway has more than 30,000 stores. “They have been rated repeatedly as a No. 1 franchise opportunity, and DeLuca says that is due to Subway’s pledge to build relationships, set goals and listen to customers,” Cazier said.
#2 Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches 7530 W. Clearwater, Suite 120, Kennewick; 509-222-1144 jimmyjohns.com
#3 Bruchi’s CheeseSteaks & Subs Multiple locations bruchis.com
Seattle restaurants. They opened Inca in 1989, naming it for the ancient culture that inspired them. The restaurant features murals, as well as unique items like the Inca margarita, the website said. The restaurant features a variety of chicken, beef and seafood dishes. Reviewers on Yelp praise its salsa, as well as menudo, a traditional soup made with beef stomach. They say the portions are large and the chips are served warm. Inca has two locations in the TriCities, at 3600 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick and 1813 Leslie Road in Richland. It also has restaurants in Moses Lake and Fort Collins, Colo.
#2 Fiesta Mexican Restaurant 5210 N. Road 68, Pasco; 509-543-6884 fiestarestaurant.com
#3
Mexican Restaurant
1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd. #640, Kennewick; 509-735-6661
#1
2807 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick; 509-735-7231
Inca Mexican Restaurant 3600 W. Clearwater Ave. #G, Kennewick; 509-735-6098 incamexican.com A Mexican restaurant that originated in Kennewick has made its way across Eastern Washington and out of the state. Inca Mexican Restaurant was started by brothers Javier and Jose Rodriguez, who came to the United States in 1984 from a small village in the Mexican state of Jalisco, according to the restaurant’s website. They worked their way up as dishwashers, busboys, cooks and waiters before managing some
Azteca Mexican Restaurants
aztecamex.com
Taco Truck #1 El Fat Cat Grill 539 N. Edison St., Kennewick (behind car wash); 509-546-1413 Find them on Facebook Even though El Fat Cat Grill earned a People’s Choice award for best taco truck, the grill’s co-owner
says it is more like a gourmet food truck. “We do cheeseburgers,” said Jenny Sanchez, who opened the truck in 2011 with her husband, chef Felix Sanchez. “We don’t do regular tortas like you’d see at a taco truck.” The couple moved into the truck at 539 N. Edison St. in Kennewick in 2011. Jenny said they had previously owned a full-sized restaurant of the same name, but moved out after the building’s owner raised the rent. Jenny has several recommendations for first-time visitors to El Fat Cat, and among those is the Fire Cracker Cheeseburger, an allbeef patty with Thai chili, habanero sauce, pickled onion, jalapeño, lettuce and cheese. For those wanting more of a Mexican flavor, she recommends the Triple Threat Torta, with grilled adobada pork, ham, bacon and sautéed onions, topped with mozzarella cheese, lettuce and house mayonnaise on a toasted bun and served with cole slaw. El Fat Cat makes seven different salsas to go with the food. The Sanchezes try to remember all their customers, even immortalizing some of them with their own dishes like the Scary Roy Chilada and the Benny Torta. All the grill’s regular items can be seen on its blog (http://elfatcat grill.blogspot.com), but it also offers some featured items that aren’t usually on the menu. If customers want something different, Jenny said they will be happy to change up the ingredients. “We want it to be very personal because we did have a restaurant,” she said. “We love to laugh with the people who come in.” El Fat Cat is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday behind the Edison Car Wash. Jenny said the business is cash only. Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
FOOD & BEVERAGE
#2 Tony’s Tacos 3809 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-735-2189
#3 Tacos Jalisco 1215 W. Fourth Ave., Kennewick (behind car wash)
Italian Cuisine #1 Casa Mia Italian Restaurant 2541 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick; 509-582-0440 607 George Washington Way, Richland; 509-946-0500 casamiarestaurants.com Dave Brazell believes the recipe for a good restaurant is consistency, with the occasional dash of new flavors. And Brazell knows success. On July 5, his Casa Mia Italian Restaurant in Kennewick is celebrating 22 years in business. “I just want to thank the wonderful customers of the TriCities. It’s a rare occasion for a restaurant to be around for 20some years,” he said. “We’ve had a good, long run, and we’re just going to keep on doing what we’re doing.” The first Casa Mia opened in Hoquiam in 1952. The restaurant was sold three decades later to Brazell’s aunt and uncle, and another 10 years later, Glenda and Dave Brazell decided to try their hand with the franchise. Dave Brazell admits they went from one huge gamble — family farming — to another when the Kennewick restaurant welcomed FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
its first customers in 1992. “We were young and decided, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s give it a try,’ ” he said. The Brazells knew they were onto something when they were able to add the Richland location in 1995. The husband-and-wife owners put in many hours during the first 10 to 12 years, with Glenda waiting tables and Dave cooking. They eventually were able to get off the floor completely and leave the duties to their friendly and loyal staff. Brazell said the average employee is with them for nine years. He attributes that to Glenda, who died in May 2012 from leukemia. He says she was an angel and an “amazing people person.” Casa Mia’s motto always has been consistency, which is why customers know that every time they come in “it darn well will taste the same as it did last time,” he said. “We don’t change the flavor of the month every two days. … A lot of people will try and run specials, and sometimes it won’t work.” Both locations are open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
#2 Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 1420 N. Louisiana Ave., Kennewick; 509-374-3500 olivegarden.com
#3 Carmine’s Italian Restaurant 525 W. First Ave., Kennewick; 509-396-7890 Find them on Facebook 21
SERVICES
Florist #1 Arlene’s Flowers and Gifts 1177 Lee Blvd., Richland; 509-946-7676 arlenesflowers.net Arlene’s Flowers has been serving Mid-Columbia’s floral and specialty gift needs since before 1970. In fact, owner Barronelle Stutzman said Arlene’s was first in the Parkway in Richland before businesses licenses were required. The store is now at 1177 Lee Blvd. in Richland. Through the years, Arlene’s has added on, remodeled and expanded its inventory. Fresh flowers are always available, along with candles, jewelry, cards, plushes, plants, soaps, delicious candy and more. Arlene’s Flowers also is a dropoff and pickup location for FedEx and United Parcel Service. Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The hours work great for people who want to stop by on their way to work to place an early order or to pick up something on their way home. Arlene’s strives to produce a quality product that will convey just the right message. Whether it is a birthday, prom or an unfortunate death in the family, the goal is to fulfill the customer's needs with something truly unique and creative. “We recognize that our business success is 100 percent dependent on our customers, so excellent service is extremely important to us,” Stutzman said. “We would like to thank all of our customers for their vote of confidence, their continued support, and for the joy they bring us when they put faith in our ability to create something special.” 22
Arlene’s Flowers and Gifts: Offering
fresh floral arrangements and gifts since before 1970. Tri-City Herald
#2 Lucky Flowers 6827 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-547-6091 myluckyflowers.com
#3 Shelby’s Floral 5211 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite A, Kennewick; 509-735-9558 shelbysfloral.com
Barber Shop #1 Aaron’s Barbershop 240 Williams Blvd., Richland; 509-851-2226 Find them on Facebook Visitors to Aaron’s Barber Shop in the Uptown Shopping Center in Richland might feel transported to a simpler time. You’re greeted by a classic barber
pole outside and sit in vintage ’40s barber chairs, said Aaron Warburton, who has owned the store for seven years. He has added some personal touches, including a photo of the USS Constellation, the aircraft carrier he once was stationed on. Warburton also has memorabilia from World War II. “Every shop seems to have a theme,” he said. “I have a great respect for the military.” He became a barber after working for a railroad company. The difficult hours too often kept him away from his family, including his young son. “I say the Lord just put a thought in my head to be a barber," he said. That influence can be seen in his shop at 240 Williams Blvd., where Bible verses are posted on the wall. “My faith is that there is only one way to heaven — through your faith and trust in Jesus Christ,” Warburton said. “If anybody sees it and is interested in what it means, I will be able to tell them.” Warburton is the fourth owner of the family-friendly barber shop. It offers haircuts for all ages, with prices starting at $11. Aaron’s Barber Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
#2 Ganzel’s Barber Shop 747 The Parkway, Richland; 509-946-5212 Find them on Facebook
#3 Fellas Hair 321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick; 509-736-1590, 4008 W. 27th Ave., Kennewick; 509-582-4636 fellas-hair.com Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
SERVICES
Flooring Store #1 Cost Less Carpet 1925 Fowler St., Richland; 509-737-0547 costlesscarpet.com Tri-Citians planning on new flooring or countertops for their homes have a chance to inspect their options at Tri-City Cost Less Carpet stores. Most flooring companies sell products based off of distributor samples, but Cost Less Carpet stocks it, said Jeff Gardner, the Richland-based company’s general manager. “We offer our customers the largest selection, lowest prices and best customer service in the
Pacific Northwest,” he said. “We kind of refer ourselves as the ‘Costco of flooring and countertops.’ ” Cost Less Carpet buys everything directly from manufacturers or quarries, Gardner said. Along with carpet, the stores offer hardwood, tile, granite slab, laminate, natural stone and vinyl. “We buy right and pass the deals on to our customers,” he said. The company’s employees also can help people with everything from small projects to large commercial ones, he said. The family-owned company started in 1993, with the first Cost Less Carpet opening in Pasco. Since then, Gardner said they have expanded to nine stores, including locations in Richland, Pasco, Yakima, Hermiston, Moses Lake, Walla Walla, Boise and Columbia Falls, Mont. The ninth
store opened in April in Bend, Ore. Six of the nine stores have owner/managers. In the Tri-Cities, the company employs more than 20 people. Locations include: 2521 W. Court St. in Pasco, 1925 Fowler St. in Richland, 830 NE Rose St. in Walla Walla, 220 W. Harper Road in Hermiston, and 888 E. Broadway Extended in Moses Lake. Tri-City area Cost Less Carpets are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays.
#3 Lowes Home Improvement 1020 N. Colorado St., Kennewick; 509-736-1451 4520 Road 68, Pasco; 509-546-7600 lowes.com
#3 Home Depot
#2 Luke’s Carpet
3910 W. 27th Ave., Kennewick; 509-582-6697
8438 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick; 509-737-1023
2855 Duportail St., Richland; 509-627-0111
lukes-carpet.com
homedepot.com
Thank You Tri-Cities for Voting us Best Salon
Full Service Salon Hair Replacement Studio
Hair • Skin • Nails • Body • Wigs & Mastectomy Fitting 2417 W Kennewick Ave • Kennewick • 509-585-2612 FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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SERVICES
Home Builder #1 Sandhollow Homes 7401 W. Hood Place #114, Kennewick; 509-438-7867 sandhollowhomes.net Sandhollow Homes of Kennewick has designed and built houses based on dreams drawn on a napkin or clipped from magazines. Co-owners Mark Miller and Adam Hunkapillar bring their expertise of building, design and banking together to offer a custom design and build experience. Miller said the homes they offer most appeal to those searchMark Miller ing for high quality, such as young couples who are upsizing or empty nesters who are downsizing. Their homes also are designed to fit the specific lot. “You actually pay for what you want and what you get,” Miller said. As a small firm, the actual construction work is contracted out to subcontractors. But the skill of the subconAdam Hunkapillar tractors is just as important as the cost they represent, because quality is the goal. Miller handles the designs, while Hunkapillar tracks costs, does all the bidding and prepares proposals for banking loans. Earlier this year, the eight-yearold firm had six homes in various stages of design and construction, with three of them presold. They do some spec homes because people like to see the finished product, Hunkapillar said. And some people don’t have the 24
Sandhollow Homes:
Owners offering a custom design and build experience. Courtesy Sandhollow Homes
time to wait four months for construction, Miller said. The spec homes in the works earlier this year were priced between $310,000 and $390,000, Hunkapillar said. All three were in the Benton County neighborhood of Summit View, which overlooks Badger Canyon. Popular designs at the moment? Having the master bedroom and other bedrooms at the opposite end of the home, Miller said. Also, more people seem to want a kitchen as part of a great room, with only one dining area, and bonus rooms for hobbies.
#2 New Tradition Homes 9825 Sandifur Parkway, Suite B1, Pasco; 509-543-6990 newtraditionhomes.com
#3
#2
Gale-Rew Construction
HAPO Community Credit Union
100 Wellsian Way, Richland; 509-528-4699 galerew.com
Multiple Mid-Columbia locations; call 509-943-5676 for all locations www.hapo.org/index.html
Credit Union
#3
#1
Numerica Credit Union
Gesa Credit Union
3115 W. Kennewick Ave.
Multiple Mid-Columbia locations; call 509-378-3100 for all locations
4820 N. Road 68, Pasco 1780 Fowler St., Richland
www.gesa.com
Call 509-734-6900 for all locations
See story, page 30
numericacu.com Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
SERVICES
CATEGORY CRUSHER Best Auto Service Center, Best Company to Work For, Best New Auto Dealer, Best Used Auto Dealer McCurley Integrity Dealerships of the Tri-Cities believes buying a vehicle should be fun. Chairman Bill McCurley said there is nothing like sitting in the seat of an automobile and knowing personally how the vehicle performs and what the visibility is really like. He started the business in 1981 with a Chevrolet dealership. He’s since expanded to dealerships in Bill McCurley Kennewick, Richland, Pasco and Walla Walla. The dealerships feature Chevrolet, Cadillac, fleet Mason and commerMcCurley cial vehicles, Subaru, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota. Empowering the dealership’s 245 employees to make the right decisions has been a winning formula, McCurley said. He said they are fortunate to have many good, intelligent, smart employees who take to heart the company’s guiding principals of integrity and doing the right thing. McCurley Integrity Dealerships were among the 100 U.S. and Canadian car dealerships highlighted in the trade publication Automotive News as the “Best FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
Dealerships to Work For” in 2012. Among the highlights for this year include the new Corvette Stingray and the new Cadillac ATS luxury sport sedan that completes that manufacturer’s “art and science design,” McCurley said. Subaru sales nationally have grown even during the recession, thanks to designs with broader appeal that maintain Subarus’ allwheel drive, safety, security, braking and accident avoidance features people enjoy, McCurley said. At any McCurley location, sales employees can help customers access used cars available at any other McCurley dealership, he said. Each McCurley facility has a full-service department to maintain and repair new and used cars. “Every vehicle we sell comes with a warranty,” said Mason McCurley, president of the company and Bill’s son. Bill McCurley was a finalist for the Time magazine Dealer of the Year award in 2013, a prestigious award for new-car dealers. He has supported area charities and taken leadership roles in the local community and encouraged employees to do the same. Bill McCurley was instrumental to bringing Washington State University Tri-Cities to Richland and has been active with local chambers of commerce and the TriCity Development Council.
Tri-City Herald
McCurley Integrity Dealerships: Cadillac, Chevrolet, Subaru, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota are among the featured vehicles.
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SERVICES
Tattoo Shop #1
Monarch Tattoo 320 W. Kennewick Ave.; 509-582-5598 monarchtattoo.com Tri-Citians have been tattoo artist Jerrett Spaeth’s canvas since he opened Monarch Tattoo 14 years ago in downtown Kennewick. From small flowers to colorful back pieces, to creations that pay tribute to someone special, Spaeth, 40, has inked it all since opening his shop April 1, 2000. His customers range from firstJerrett Spaeth timers to loyal clients who trust no one else. “One of the things people look for is the quality of the work,” he said. “And the attitude of the crew and the atmosphere of the shop. When they come in, it has to be fun.” Shane Nagle of Kennewick recently got work done on his torso. He has been a repeat client of Spaeth’s for 14 years. All but his first tattoo have come from Spaeth’s creative touch. “When you find someone who is good, you stick with them,” Nagle said. “He is a great artist with great skills. I always get compliments on his work.” Finding a good tattoo artist should be first and foremost when deciding to get permanent artwork. “You are having a big alteration done to your body and it has to be done right,” Spaeth said. “I think people respect when you claim you are legit and can prove it. There are a lot of good shops in town, and they are all different.” Monarch Tattoo has five artists and all are highly trained, which puts them in high demand, especially Spaeth, who is booked most of the time. 26
Monarch Tattoo: Creating
body art for 14 years in downtown Kennewick. Tri-City Herald
“I used to book out all year, but people were getting mad and didn’t want to wait,” he said. Now Monarch books appointments a month at a time. Though Spaeth’s creations are highly sought after, he also spends part of his time covering up “regrettable tattoos.” “I dislike covering up a tattoo,” he said. “It limits what you can do. I feel if you get a tattoo, you should have to live with it.” Monarch Tattoo is open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
#2 13 Shades Tattoo 13 S. Cascade St., Kennewick; 509-586-8212 13shadestattoo.com/index.html
#3
Insurance Agent
Van’s High Caliber Tattoo
#1
132 Vista Way, Suite A, Kennewick; 509-491-1228 vanshighcalibertattoo.com
#3 Parkway Tattoo 615 George Washington Way, Richland; 509-946-9412, 509-460-7656 Find them on Facebook
Joe Peterson Insurance Agency 8927 W. Tucannon, Suite 102, Kennewick; 509-736-3599 719 Jadwin, Suite 16, Richland; 509-943-2999 (by appointment only) joepetersoninsurance.com Joe Peterson is around to offer help at some of the worst times in his customers’ lives. His interest in finances and wanting to own a business led him to get his license as a financial adviser. Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
SERVICES them a couple of times a year. The agency shops multiple carriers to find the right price and product for customers. But most of those insurance providers are based in the Northwest, so money stays in the Northwest, Peterson said.
But it took him two years working in the insurance business to realize the important work he was doing, he said. He delivers checks to spouses or families who have lost a loved one prematurely. He’s helped save clients from financial loss when they’ve been involved in serious vehicle accidents. And he’s provided services in the aftermath of fires that destroyed a Joe Peterson customer’s home. He’s been doing that for 11 years at his own business, Joe Peterson Insurance Agency, where he and his six employees have more than 100 years of combined experience in the insurance business. “We are not the Walmart of insurance. We do not write everyone,” Peterson said. The agency focuses on auto, home, life and small-business insurance for people who have demonstrated responsibility — whether by pride of ownership in their homes or good credit ratings. Then it spends quality time with customers, often meeting with
#2 Harvey Insurance Agency 3825 W. Court St., Pasco; 509-543-9744 harveyquotes.com
#2 Scott Smith — State Farm 4303 W. 27th Ave., Suite A, Kennewick; 509-783-0172
#3 Jim Ostrander — State Farm 1901 George Washington Way, Richland; 509-946-9625 statefarm.com/agent/US/WA/ Richland/Jim-Ostrander
OK AUTO SALES
as Best Used Car Dealer!
Come by and see us! We have the in town!
BEST DEALS
http://www.okayautosales.com 101 W Columbia Dr, Kennewick, Washington 99336
(509) 591-4646
Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sun: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
Expert hair care for men, women & children Massage • Skin care • Eyelash extensions Permanent makeup • Facial & body waxing Professional make-up application Wedding & special occasion in-house and on-site services
Stop By May 23rd
for Voting
•
For your votes Tri-Cities. We have the BEST CLIENTS!
statefarm.com/agent/US/WA/ Kennewick/Scott-Smith
Thank You Tri-Cities
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
Thank You
for our Open House of our newly remodeled salon & spa!
We will have some exciting giveaways! 101 N. Union Suite 101 • Kennewick, WA 99336
509.735.3354 ~ spastudioone.com 27
SERVICES
Real Estate Agent #1 Vicki Monteagudo 1020 N. Center Parkway, Suite A, Kennewick; 509-572-2456 century21tri-cities.com/agents/ vicki-monteagudo Most days you’ll find Vicki Monteagudo working past dusk at her Center Parkway office in Kennewick. As the owner and designated broker for Century 21 Tri-Cities, Monteagudo has built a successful homegrown real estate company. She specializes in land acquisition and development, product planning and new construction marketing. Monteagudo has been recognized nationally for her innovative real estate marketing strategies. “Since I was 10 years old, I knew I would
own my own business,” she said. “At the time, I wasn’t certain what type of business. I come from a lineage of entrepreneurs that own businesses ranging from restaurants to farms to funeral homes.” She graduated from Pasco High School as class salutatorian and shortly after enrolled in a variety of business classes at Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Vicki Monteagudo Tri-Cities. She stumbled across a real estate class and was immediately hooked. Not long after graduating, she got her real estate license. “My philosophy has always been that success doesn’t take a day off,” Monteagudo said. “Those who know me know that my mind never takes a vacation from my business. I am always looking at ways to advance our industry.” In 2012, she brought back the Century 21 real estate franchise to the Tri-Cities at 1020 N. Center Parkway in Kennewick. A year later, she
opened Century 21 Central Realty in Yakima and most recently opened a branch inside the HAPO building on Union Street in Kennewick. She also is the owner and publisher of The Perfect Move Magazine and MM3 Design agency. “I love helping people with the educational process of real estate. I love marketing and advertising. I enjoy creating innovative ways of marketing our properties,” Monteagudo said. She recently was nominated to serve on the board of the Pasco Vocational Building Program and is responsible for selling the Bulldog House, a home built by students, and the same program she participated in when she was in high school. “I just love how things go full circle,” she said.
#2 Lori Pruitte 490 Bradley Blvd., Richland; 509-366-1165 loripruitte.com
THANK YOU! all of our loyal customers in the
Columbia Basin. As always we will continue to provide our customers with the highest quality flooring and countertops at the lowest prices.
1925 Fowler St, Richland • 509-737-0547 2521 W Court St, Pasco • 509-544-9686
costlesscarpet.com 28
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SERVICES
#2 Tonya Callies 490 Bradley Blvd., Richland; 509-430-7627 tonyacallies.com
#3 Amy Schneider 6119 Burden Blvd., Suite A, Pasco; 509-366-6221 deserthillsrealty.net/agentsamy-schneider_17-90s.html
Real Estate Company #1 Windermere Real Estate “The franchise” Two franchises in the Tri-Cities:
Windermere Group One 490 Bradley Blvd., Richland; 509-946-1188 Majority owned by Jeff Thompson grouponetricities.com
Windermere Real Estate/ Tri-Cities 329 N. Kellogg St., Kennewick; 509-783-8811 Owned and operated by Dave Retter windermeretricities.com Dave Retter and Harold Thompson opened the first Windermere franchise in the Tri-Cities more than two decades ago because of FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
Windermere’s focus on giving back and supporting real estate agents. That’s something Retter, owner and designated broker of Windermere Real Estate/Tri-Cities, said continues to be a high priority for himself and the Kennewick franchise. “The economy for the TriCities is poised and is very strong,” said Retter, who has 35 years of local real estate experience. “I am as excited about 2014 as I have been about any year in a long time.” Jeff Thompson, who is not related to Harold Thompson, opened the second Windermere franchise in Richland in 2010. “The housing market has stayed stable, with 1 percent to 2 percent appreciation in home values each year,” said Jeff Thompson, majority owner and designated broker for Windermere Group One/Tri-Cities, the Richland franchise.
Kennewick Windermere In 2013, nearly 24 percent of existing home sellers and 19 percent of home buyers in the TriCities area use the services of the Kennewick Windermere franchise, Retter said. The office helps with residential and commercial sales and commercial leases and offers property management services. The Kennewick office has 64 residential and three commercial real estate agents, four property managers and nine staff members. During the past 21 years, the franchise has given back more than $1 million to the community in sponsorships and donations. “Our decision to become Windermere/Tri-Cities in Kennewick has brought much success to our clients, agents and the community because of our dedication to exceeding the client’s expectations and a promise to better the
communities in which we thrive,” Retter said. “We at the Kennewick franchise do this through our commitment to donations and community service.”
Richland Windermere The Richland Windermere franchise is the third-largest real estate office in the Tri-Cities, Jeff Thompson said. Most of the office’s 52 real estate agents are focused on residential sales. The Richland franchise’s mantra, “Dedicated to unlocking the power of ownership,” refers not only to home ownership but also to the fact that they offer company ownership to all full-time staff and agents. Thompson said they want to be the company that Tri-Citians continue to use as they seek a larger home or retire and want to downsize. That’s why they will continue to check in with former clients, even if the real estate agent the client originally worked with has since retired. Since 2010, the Richland franchise has donated more than $37,000 to local charities.
Auto Service Center #1 McCurley Integrity Dealerships 1325 N. Autoplex Way, Pasco; 509-547-5555 billmccurley.com See story, page 26.
#2 Hi-Land Garage 215 N. Union St., Kennewick; 509-591-0409 hilandgarage.com
#2 Meyers Auto Tech
#2
1120 N. Grant Place, Kennewick; 509-735-8436
Century 21
meyersautotech.com
1020 N. Center Parkway, Suite A, Kennewick; 509-572-2456 century21tri-cities.com
#3 Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Associated Brokers 8836 Gage Blvd. #101, Kennewick; 509-783-4147 cbtabs.com
#3 Tri-Cities Battery Auto Repair 5900 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-783-9000 2170 Jericho Road, Richland; 509-628-9550 2104 N. Fourth Ave., Pasco; 509-545-1473 tricitiesbattery.com 29
SERVICES
Veterinarian
BALLOT BUSTER
#1
Best Credit Union
The Tri-Cities is growing, and Gesa Credit Union is growing along with it, opening new branches recently at Queensgate in Richland and in West Pasco. The credit union has a rich, colorful history in the Tri-Cities. It bloomed from its modest beginnings in 1953 to the fourth-largest credit union in the state, serving more than 115,000 members worldwide. Its biggest growth came after 1996, when it became a community-chartered credit union, and the not-for-profit cooperative opened membership to anyone in the state. “Its spirit still reflects its motto of ‘People helping people,’ ” said Brian Griffith, assistant vice president of marketing.
“Gesa is committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. We work closely with organizations that make a difference locally through arts, entertainment, education and beautification projects,” he said. Not only is Gesa growing with the Tri-Cities, but it’s also growing with the times. The credit union offers a fullservice mobile app for Android and iPhone, as well as a native iPad app. Members are able to complete transfers, pay bills and deposit checks directly into their accounts by taking a picture of the check. They also can view transaction histories and connect via social media. Last year, Gesa also intro-
duced Personal Teller Machines that use video banking as a cost-effective way for members to access more branches. Gesa has all the features of a national financial institution, with the personal touch of a local, homegrown institution, he said. Griffith said the credit union also is committed to equipping members with the skills and counseling to make smart financial decisions. It also operates seven high school credit unions in the Tri-Cities, as a way to teach the next generation smart money management. “Our staff are empowered to act as our members’ trusted financial partner through all of the stages of their membership in the credit union,” he said.
Gesa Credit Union:
Branches recently opened at Queensgate in Richland (shown), and in West Pasco. Tri-City Herald
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Meadow Hills Veterinary Center, P.S. 8802 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick; 509-783-0399 3711 Plaza Way, Kennewick; 509-735-0397 mhvc.net Pet comfort and the bond between humans and their furry friends are top priorities for Meadow Hills Veterinary Center’s doctors and staff. Those priorities have led veterinarians and coowners Janine Swailes and Susan Thorson to seek innovative ways to care for pets during the 19 Janine Swailes years since they started the Kennewick clinic. That has meant adopting advances in technology, supporting continued education for the clinic’s eight vets and 35 support staff, having staff massage pets who are tender and sore and having staff sit with patients waking up from surgery. It’s also why Meadow Hills has a cats-only exam room at each location, said Brian Conrad, practice manager. Videos play of fish swimming and stress-relieving pheromones are released for cats. Swailes said it has helped make visits easier on cats. Prevention is the key pet health, making vaccines, technology improvements, nutrition and dental care vital, they said. Most animals they care for are dogs and cats, but they also see others, including rabbits, gerbils, Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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SERVICES hamsters and rats. It’s rewarding to help an ill pet recover so that it can play and be a loving companion for their humans, Swailes said. Thorson said they want to help keep pets healthier longer, then provide support for both the animals and the humans when it’s time to say goodbye. Swailes said they also try to give back to the community, including providing care for Trios Health’s pet therapy animals. Meadow Hills also helped Chocolate, a Chesapeake Bay retriever who won the heart of the Tri-City community in 2008 after he was abandoned and broke both his front legs. It helped arrange his medical care from Washington State University, chose his owners and managed community
donations for his care. Meadow Hills is Veterinary Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
#2 Vista Veterinary Hospital 5603 W. Canal Drive, Kennewick; 509-783-2131 vistaveterinary.com
Meadow Hills Veterinary Center:
#3 3012 Road 92, Pasco; 509-545-9949
Co-owners Susan Thorson, left, and Janine Swailes have been working to keep pets comfortable for 19 years.
pascovets.com
Courtesy Meadow Hills Veterinary Center
Animal Hospital of Pasco
Thank you Tri-Cities!
It’s our pleasure to serve you, your friends, and your family. Thank you for your support! Don’t Settle for Less… Come to Meyers Auto Tech MeyersAutoTech.com
1120 N. Grant Pl | Kennewick WA, 99336
(509) 735-8436 FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
509.592.4206 419 N YELM ST. • KENNEWICK, WA 804 S WASHINGTON ST • KENNEWICK, WA
www.callfamilyfirst.com 31
GOODS
Gardening & Landscaping #1 Beaver Bark Gift & Garden Center 607 Aaron Drive, Richland; 509-946-1000 beaverbark.com Renae and Todd Bobbett were running an automotive battery business when, as a test, they put a big pile of bark out by the interstate near their former Richland Y store. The first Saturday, pickups lined up to collect loads, and Beaver Bark Gift & Garden Center was born. Now it sells more than 50 bulk materials, including compost, gravel, soil, and, of course, bark at its Aaron Drive Renae Bobbett store. Selling gardening material and gifts is much more fun than selling batteries, Renae said, as the shop has evolved to become much more than a rock and bark store. “I’ve always had a passion since I was a little kid for beautiful things and nature,” she said. “I love to beautify my world.” She shops around the world to find unique items for the gift store and groups them in themes. They range from a wine theme, a staple for the Mid-Columbia, to a yellow and black bee theme. Even the public bathrooms are themed, winning a Garden Centers of America award for design. Right now the theme is fairies and peacocks, Renae said. Beaver Bark was named Garden Center of the Year in 2010 by 32
Beaver Bark Gift & Garden Center: Selling much more than gardening materials.
Courtesy Beaver Bark Gift & Garden Center
Garden Centers of America. That’s the year it started growing its plants in a new 10,000square-foot greenhouse next to its store, allowing it to control the quality of its products and offer Mid-Columbia residents a truly local shopping experience. Renae’s creativity carries over to the gardening classes offered at Beaver Bark. This spring, Make and Take Fairy Garden Workshops have been popular.
#2 Heritage Professional Landscaping 2816 W. 27th Ave., Kennewick; 509-586-0744 heritagelandscaping.com
#3 Mac’s Garden Center 6711 W. Court St., Pasco; 509-547-8109 Find them on Facebook
Furniture Store #1 Walker’s Furniture 205 N. Morain St., Kennewick; 509-374-9773 walkersfurniture.com Mark Walker believes in the comforts of home and the value of exceptional in-store customer experiences. In 1980, he founded a small store selling solid oak furniture that would grow to become one of the largest family-owned furniture dealers in the Inland Northwest. Walker’s Furniture today boasts a full line of upholstered leather furniture and wide selection of fabric items, as well as all types of wood furniture in a variety of colors and finishes. The small mom-and-pop furniture store has expanded to six locations in Washington, three in
Oregon and another in Idaho. So what makes Walker’s Furniture different? It’s the dedication to customers and employees who often go above and beyond the call of duty, Walker said. “Our goal is to do as much as we can to make sure our customers feel they are taken care of, due to the fact that the manufacturers’ warranties do not cover many of the customer service issues we deal with,” Walker said. “We often take a loss to make sure our customers are taken care of the way they should be.” Walker’s Furniture’s large, 120,000-square-foot distribution center in Spokane stocks 85 percent to 90 percent of the merchandise displayed in its retail showrooms. Walker said with its large selection, purchases typically are available immediately for pickup or delivery. Walker’s level of service extends to their employees, Walker said, as they form the foundation of a successful furniture business. Walker’s Furniture has incentives and Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
GOODS monthly bonuses to encourage teamwork and excellent customer service. “We’ve tried to create a culture where our employees and customers feel they are important to us and that they are taken care of,” Walker said. “We value our employees’ families and try to maintain normal work hours as much as possible, which can be difficult in any type of retail business.”
#2
#1
Big 5 Sporting Goods 812 W. Vineyard Drive, Kennewick; 509-586-3793 75 Columbia Point Drive, Richland; 509-942-1064 big5sportinggoods.com
Mor Furniture 1430 Tapteal Drive, Richland; 866-466-7435 morfurniture.com
#3 Ashley Furniture Homestore 1340 Tapteal Drive, Richland; 509-736-6628, ashleyfurniture.com
Sporting Goods
Big 5 Stores was founded in 1955 and started with five locations in California specializing in World War II Army surplus items. As customers grew accustomed to the store’s weekly print advertisements in the Los Angeles Times, sporting goods were added to the inventory, eventually taking over in 1963 when the store changed its name to Big 5 Sporting Goods. Big 5 Sporting Goods made its way into the Tri-Cities in 1993 after buying the former Herman’s World of Sporting Goods in Kennewick. It was a move that brought Big 5 Sporting Goods
into Eastern Washington with locations also opening in Yakima and Spokane. In 2002, Big 5 Sporting Goods opened its second Tri-City location in Richland, marking the 30th store to open in Washington. Now, the chain boasts 414 locations in 12 Western states and maintains a “core strategy of providing convenient shopping and low prices,” according to the company’s website.
#2 Sports Authority 908C N. Colorado St., Kennewick; 509-783-7801 sportsauthority.com
#3 Sportsman’s Warehouse 6603 W. Canal Drive, Kennewick; 509-736-2200 sportsmanswarehouse.com
The Pawn Shop We Buy & Sell Gold, Silver, Platinum, Diamonds, & Old Coins
In Any Condition! Make Us An Offer!!
NEW ITEMS DAILY!
If there was a category for awesome, we would’ve been
#1
307 3 30 0 07 7 Ea E East ast st C Columbia olum ol u bia Dri D Dr Drive riv ive • A Ac Across cro ross sss ffrom rom ro m Zi Zip’s p’’s @ Ca p C Cable abl ble le Br B Brid Bridge rid idg dge ge Kennewick, WA • 509-582-8793 • www.thepawnshop.co FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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33
GOODS
Hardware Store
#2
#1
Toyota of Tri-Cities 6321 W. Canal Drive, Kennewick; 509-736-9900
Ace Hardware 801 W. Columbia St., Pasco; 509-547-0566
Ace Hardware:
Keeping it locally owned and operated to best serve customers.
1415 Washington Way, Richland; 509-946-0881 103 Keene Road, Richland; 509-628-3618 2831 W. Kennewick Ave.; 509-987-1124 acetricities.com Charlie Grigg couldn’t be happier the Tri-City community has once again chosen his family’s ACE stores to be the best hardware outlet in town. “It’s always a good feeling to find out people like what you do,” Grigg said. Charlie’s grandfather, Charles G. Grigg, opened the first Griggs Department Store in 1938 in Pasco. The family began its association with Ace Hardware in 1969. The Richland store on George Washington Way opened in 2005, followed by the Keene Road store in 2007, then the Kennewick store about two years ago. Charlie Grigg believes the family business has an edge in customer service because it’s locally owned and operated and not part of a
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Tri-City Herald
huge corporation. “We provide more one-on-one help to our customers that the bigger stores don’t do and I think that means something to people,” he said. “Our customers are very important to us.” One way Griggs Ace Hardware goes above and beyond for customers is staying on top of what they are looking for, including supplies for hunting, fishing and firearms. “We have what people want,” he said. “We stay focused on customer service.”
#2 Lowes Home Improvement 1020 N. Colorado St., Kennewick; 509-736-1451 4520 Road 68, Pasco; 509-546-7600 lowes.com
#3 Home Depot 3910 W. 27th Ave., Kennewick; 509-582-6697 2855 Duportail Street, Richland; 509-627-0111 homedepot.com
toyotaoftricities.com
#3 Legacy Ford 1225 Autoplex Way, Pasco; 509-544-8000 legacyfordofpasco.net
Used Auto Dealer #1 McCurley Integrity Dealerships
New Auto Dealer
1325 N. Autoplex Way, Pasco; 509-547-5555
#1
See story, page 25
McCurley Integrity Dealerships
#2
1325 N. Autoplex Way, Pasco; 509-547-5555
Archibald’s
billmccurley.com
billmccurley.com
6902 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-737-1199
See story, page 25
archibalds.net
Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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GOODS
#3 OK Auto Sales 99 W. Columbia Drive, Kennewick; 509-591-4646 Find them on Facebook
Appliance Store #1 Fred’s Appliance 383 S. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick; 509-736-9595 fredsappliances.com Fred’s Appliance is a locally owned business that’s been serving the Northwest for more than 50 years. The Kennewick store opened more than three years ago with a 15,000-square-foot showroom where customers can browse more than 30 major name brands and take the merchandise home that same day. The family-run appliance dealer is based in Spokane, with other stores in the Spokane Valley, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Missoula and Kalispell, Mont. Fred’s goal is to offer the largest selection in the Inland Northwest and guarantee the lowest prices. They offer same-day or next-day delivery, and anything sold by Fred’s is serviceable by its technicians and their own service department. Household appliances range from refrigerators, freezers, ranges and ovens to washers, dryers and some professional outdoor barbecues, from Amana, Bosch, Danby, Frigidaire, Jenn-air, Kitchen-Aid, Maytag, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool and more. The Kennewick store is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
#2 Sears 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick; 509-736-5630 sears.com
#3 Bunch Finnigan Appliances 9 E. Columbia Drive, Kennewick; 509-586-1074 go2bunch.com
Jewelry
gium, three times a year to find the best high-quality diamonds. “Antwerp is the international hub for diamond manufacturing,” Welsh said. “The city is known for cutting ideal proportions for diamonds. And that’s why we go there, to find the ones that are unique, distinctive and with the most fire.” Welsh and McAlmond are a brother-and-sister team who have worked in the jewelry business for more than 40 years. They’ve been in their Marineland Village store for the past 30 years. Their small staff includes longtime sales associates Dennis Schoeneberg, Haley Welsh and Roediger along with the store’s goldsmith, Thien Van Le. The store stays on top of everchanging jewelry styles while holding on to traditional ones, which is another factor their cus-
tomers appreciate, McAlmond said. “There is always a need for the basic engagement ring because the traditional value remains important,” she said. “The real beauty of the product we work with is that diamonds are made by nature. That’s the joy we see every day in this business.”
#2 Vans Jewelry
3120 W. Kennewick Ave.; 509-783-9861
#3 Kay Jewelers
1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd. #321, Kennewick; 509-783-1124 kay.com
#1 Touchstone Jewelers 5215 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick; 509-392-5464 touchstonejewelers.net Having just the right diamond for customers is a top priority at Touchstone Jewelers. For the second year in a row, owners Mark Welsh and Sharon McAlmond and their sales staff earned the top honor in the annual People’s Choice Awards. “We are so honored to be chosen,” Welsh said. “It’s always important for us to know people like doing business with us.” One of Welsh’s staffers has a theory about why the store is such a hot spot for diamond lovers. “It’s Mark’s beautiful blue eyes that captivate and draw them in,” joked sales associate Brandi Roediger. Welsh travels to Antwerp, Bel-
A HUGE THANK YOU
for your votes and continued support!
Thank you for making Magills #1
3214 Road 68, Pasco, WA 99301 509•547•6448 35
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Hair Salon #1 Franki & Co. 2417 W. Kennewick Ave.; 509-585-2612 Find them on Facebook Franki Anderson was groomed to be a concert violinist from a very young age. Then one day she had a dream. “I had signed all the paperwork to accept a full ride scholarship to study music, then in my senior year in high school, I had a dream that I was going to beauty school,” she said. “When I woke up, I told my parents and they just when into panic mode.” And so began Anderson’s mission to not only be a hair stylist but also to be the best one in town. “Being a hair stylist gave me an incredible opportunity to make people feel really good about themselves, not only on the outside, but on the inside. That’s what defines a successful hair stylist and it’s what keeps people coming back,” she said. Anderson graduated from beauty school in 1984 and immediately started a position at JCPenney, where she quickly built up her clientele. In 1994, she opened Franki & Co. and for 16 years she was on the top floor of the Crossroads Mall in Kennewick. Four years ago, she decided the salon needed more space, not only because the business was growing, but also because she wanted to accommodate a very special type of client — cancer patients. Fourteen years ago, Anderson’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and started receiving treatment at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. “I found I was spending so much time at the cancer center, and before, I didn’t even know it 36
Franki & Co.:
Salon owner Franki Anderson gives free haircuts to patients at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center once a week. Tri-City Herald
existed because we don’t even want to think about cancer,” she said. And that’s when Anderson decided she needed to do more to give back to the cancer center. The year her mother was diagnosed, she raised more than $4,000 doing free haircuts for cancer patients. Now as co-chairwoman of Healed with a Kiss, an event benefiting patient support services of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and Lourdes Foundation’s Free Mammogram program for uninsured women, Anderson has helped raise more than $85,000 for cancer research and support services. Every Wednesday afternoon, you can find Anderson at the cancer center giving free haircuts and doing hair and wig styling for patients.
Franki & Co. is a full service salon and hair replacement studio offering everything from hair care to manicures and pedicures to skin care and massage therapy. Anderson specializes in hair replacement and custom wig styling. She also works alongside Sandy Warner, who makes breast prosthesis for mastectomy patients. “I have a mission to offer all my clients a happy, upbeat and positive experience here at the salon — it makes all the difference,” Anderson said.
#2 Studio One 101 N. Union St., Suite 101, Kennewick; 509-735-3354 spastudioone.com
#3 Z Place Salon & Spa 3600 South Zintel Way, Suite A, Kennewick; 509-735-2524 zplacesalonspa.com
Drug Store #1 Walgreens Multiple Mid-Columbia locations walgreens.com There are eight Walgreens in the Tri-City area all on a mission to make it easier for people to get, stay and live well, said the company. Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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HEALTH & BEAUTY That’s one of the reasons the store was named the best pharmacy in the area by the People’s Choice Awards for the second year in a row. Company officials said customers have easier access to Walgreens pharmacists for answering questions and receiving expert advice on medications. The pharmacies have added drive-up windows and the stores also are expanding inventory by adding fresh food and a broader selection of cosmetics. The Walgreens Balance Rewards program also gives customers additional savings and incentives. The company began in 1901 when Charles R. Walgreen Sr. purchased the Chicago drugstore where he had worked as a pharmacist and that started the Walgreen chain, according to the company’s website. His energy and enthusiasm soon led to new ideas and ambitious expansion. He manufactured his own line of drug products to ensure high quality and low prices. Walgreens invented the malted milkshake in 1922, according to its website said. Customers stood three and four deep around the soda fountain to buy the “double-rich chocolate malted milk.” As of May 31, 2013, Walgreens operated 8,096 drugstores across the country and has 6.3 million customers daily, according to its website. The chain filled 784 million prescriptions in fiscal 2012.
#2 Rite Aid Pharmacy Multiple Mid-Columbia locations riteaid.com
#3 Malley’s Compounding Pharmacy 1906 George Washington Way, Richland; 509-943-917 malleyspharmacy.com
Spa #1 Nouveau Skin Care & Day Spa 8136 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick; 509-736-2321 nouveauspa.com Former Tri-City American Kris Waltze said it was an easy decision to move back to the TriCities to start a family after retiring from professional hockey. He had met his wife, Jenna, whose family is from the Tri-Cities. “We love that there still is that small town feel here, but it is big enough to offer everything that you may need,” Kris Waltze said. And the Waltzes operate Nouveau Skin Kris and Jenna Waltze Care & Day Spa in Kennewick, which they bought from its previous owners in 2007. Nouveau is a full-service day spa that offers skin care, massage, body treatments, manicures
We would like to thank the Tri-Cities for voting us the
Z Place Salon & Spa 3600 Zintel Way, Suite A, Kennewick; 509-735-2524 zplacesalonspa.com
#3 Eden Day Spa & Hair Design 106 Columbia Point Drive, Richland; 509-943-1045 edenawaits.com
BEST FLORIST!
Also thanks to our dedicated staff for great customer service.
Arlene’s Flowers & Gifts 1177 Lee Blvd, Richland (509) 946-7676
We will continue to strive to live up to our accolades.
206 N Benton St., Kennewick
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#2
Thanks to our loyal customers for voting us Number 1 Microbrewery.
Ice Harbor Brewery and Pub
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
and pedicures, a full-service salon, steam therapy, micro-silk soaking tub and a steam room. “I feel what keeps bringing people back to Nouveau time after time is our pride in customer service. We try to offer a luxurious and unique experience to each one of our clients that we feel would be hard to be matched anywhere in town,” Kris Waltze said. Kris Waltze first came to the Tri-Cities from Edmonton, Alberta, in 1996 to play hockey for the Americans. “When I played professional hockey, Jenna had the chance to work at a few award-winning day spas on the East Coast. From there, she learned new services and ideas that we brought back to Nouveau,” Waltze said. Nouveau is at 8136 W. Grandridge Blvd. in Kennewick, but the Waltzes are looking to expand to a second place with a “fantastic view.” Hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
Mike Hall, Bill Jaquish & Staffs
At the Marina 350 Clover Island Dr., Kennewick
37
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Dentist #1 Broadmoor Family Dentistry 9521 Sandifur Parkway, Pasco; 509-547-1600 broadmoordentistry.com Not everyone has sick leave or time off to fit a medical appointment into their work or school day. Broadmoor Family Dentistry & Orthodontics recognizes that and has set up the practice to accommodate patients in the evening and on weekends. “We just try to make ourselves available for them so they’re able to get their dental work,” said Ann Marie Turner, a dental hygienist who also helps manage the Pasco office.
The practice has a long history in Pasco with patients going back to when the dental office first opened downtown in the 1960s. Dr. Victor Robisch eventually moved his business to Dr. Navjot Khurana west Pasco, then retired in 2007 and sold it to Dr. Navjot Khurana. “It’s kind of neat because we have the grandparents and their children and now those kids’ kids here,” Turner said. She said it is fun that some adults’ charts go back so far they include notations of when the patient was acting up as a kid, but it’s also helpful to see history on a particular tooth or dental work. “Dr. Robisch, he was a really wonderful dentist and he had
really very loyal patients,” Turner added. Khurana also owns Benton Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Benton City, Pioneer Dental Center & Orthodontics in Sunnyside and Yakima Dental Center & Orthodontics in Yakima. The Pasco office typically has one full-time dentist and three part-timers who rotate through the other locations. It also contracts with an orthodontist, an endodontist and an oral surgeon who come to the office, so patients can get specialized work done in a place where they’re already comfortable. The practice takes patients from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
#2 Lifetime Dental Care
Trios Health 900 S. Auburn St., Kennewick; 509-586-6111 trioshealth.org
#3 Lourdes Health Network 1200 N. 14th Ave., Pasco; 509-547-7704 lourdeshealth.net
Health & Fitness Club
469 Queensgate Drive, Richland; 509-392-4177
#1
lifetimedentalcaretricities.com
Gold’s Gym
#3
151 N. Ely St., Kennewick; 509-736-1465
Family First Dental
2909 Duportail, Richland; 509-420-2121
419 N. Yelm St., Kennewick; 509-396-6952 804 S. Washington St., Kennewick; 509-582-9182 callfamilyfirst.com
Hospital #1 Kadlec Regional Medical Center 888 Swift Blvd., Richland; 509-946-4611 kadlec.org See story, page 39 38
#2
goldsgym.com The rows upon rows of cardio machines and the dozens of weight stations are the first thing that catch your eye when you enter a Gold’s Gym. The abundance of machines and spacious setup is designed to ensure customers won’t have to wait to hop on a treadmill or use a squat rack. “People are happy about the large selection of equipment we have,” said Jason Robinson, general manager of the Kennewick gym. “We offer a wider variety of equipment to choose from than any other place.” The gyms in Kennewick and Richland are staffed with personal trainers who will tailor a workout Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
HEALTH & BEAUTY plan to their clients. The trainers focus on healthy eating, cardio, proper supplements and weight training. About 20 percent of members decide to sign up for personal trainers, Robinson said. The gyms offer a variety of Les Mills series classes, which include step classes, yoga and cycling. They also offer Latin-inspired Zumba classes. A membership at the gym allows you to use the pool, racquetball courts, sauna and steam room, and basketball court, Robinson said. The average membership cost is about $28 a month. Robinson said people are drawn to Gold’s because its staff encourages healthy living and they can give customers the tools to help them change their lives. “We have the most outgoing staff that will make you feel very comfortable,” he said. “I think feeling uncomfortable is what folks fear the most. They think people will stare at them. We don’t have that here.” The gyms also have a kids club where parents can drop off their children for up to two hours of free child care while they work out.
#2 Tri-City Court Club 1350 N. Grant St., Kennewick; 509-783-5465 tricitycourtclub.com
#3 Columbia Basin Racquet Club 1776 Terminal Drive, Richland; 509-943-8416
BALLOT BUSTER Best Hospital
Rand Wortman has spent his 13 years as the chief executive of Kadlec Health System focused on enhancing access, service, quality and cost. “The changes are incremental,” he said. “But stay focused for a long period of time, and it’s remarkable how much progress can be made.” The result has been dramatic changes, and that’s the reason people from around the region choose Kadlec, he said. Across the Kadlec system, access has expanded. Primary care centers have sprouted in West Richland, west Pasco, and south Kennewick, as well as on the Kadlec Richland campus. The Kadlec system has a new urgent care center on Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick and a new free-standing emergency department in south Kennewick. Kadlec set a goal of seeing patients quickly at the new emergency department and since June has been getting patients in and out in 90 minutes or less. Wortman also has focused on improving service for imaging procedures. More than a decade ago, patients needed to wait close to five weeks for a CT or MRI, unless it was an emergency. Kadlec has increased staff and purchased equipment to allow almost all of those medical Tri-City Herald scans to be scheduled within two days, WortKadlec Health System: Kadlec Urgent Care on man said. Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick opened in December Kadlec’s quality initiatives have included meet- 2013. ing a goal of no induced labor, unless medically necessary, before 39 weeks of pregnancy. National studies in recent years have shown that ments for the same visit to the center. Waiting babies need at least 39 weeks in the womb for times should be reduced, and duplicate tests healthy development. ordered by different health care providers eliminated. The most recent example of Kadlec’s focus on Kadlec also expects to reduce overhead costs access, service, quality and cost is its new after moving services from 10 rented facilities Healthplex at 1268 Lee Blvd., which brings into the former Payless building it purchased and together more than 20 outpatient services and revamped into the Kadlec Healthplex, Wortman programs in one place to provide coordinated said. care. While Kadlec has added wonderful facilities, It creates a synergy among different departthey are just the tools, Wortman said. ments, Wortman said. “In the final analysis, it’s always about the Patients have more convenient access with patient and about the community,” he said. opportunities to schedule multiple appoint-
mycbrc.com FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
39
LOCAL FAVORITES
News Anchor #1 Terry Chick KEPR-TV keprtv.com “This has been my life for nearly 40 years and I can honestly say I have never gotten up in the morning and said, ‘I don’t feel like going to work today.’ ” Life’s been good to Terry Chick, KEPR-TV’s news anchor. Chick is passionate about his career and it shines through — behind the screen and off. When asked about challenges on the job, he struggles with naming any. “I truly believe the community looks to KEPR to be their source for news in the Tri-Cities,” he said.
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“That means I need to stay on top of issues here that affect so many people. I simply can’t ‘phone it in.’ I care about the TriCities, and I have to show that when I’m presenting the news.” Chick started his Terry Chick college life with a dream to play Major League Baseball, but he quickly realized that he would better serve in the role of sportscaster. He ended up studying broadcast journalism at the University of South Carolina. He joined CNN in 1980 when the network was in its infancy. He would later join Fox Sports. Although sports are his first love, he found that covering the news
takes him places he’d never thought of, like the Tri-Cities. Chick has been living here and working at KEPR since 2008. When he is not anchoring and producing for KEPR, he enjoys golfing and going dancing with his fiancée. “But my time away from work is now dedicated to her,” he said. “We go to movies, shopping, out to dinner and we love to cap off a Saturday night with dancing at the Branding Iron in downtown Kennewick. She’s a great dancer. Me? Not so much, but she never points that out.”
#2 Meredith Boggs KNDO/KNDU-TV nbcrightnow.com
#3 Annie Andrews KEPR-TV keprtv.com
Sportscaster #1 Kevin Uretsky KVEW-TV kvewtv.com Once again, Tri-City voters have chosen Kevin Uretsky of KVEW/KAPP as their favorite sportscaster — even though he hasn’t been the station’s sports
Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
LOCAL FAVORITES director since 2006. He’s currently the evening news anchor and news director. Uretsky still dabbles a bit in sports, providing rinkside commentary and reporting for Western Hockey League broadcasts on Root Sports Northwest. “That’s enough of a ‘taste’ to satisfy me,” Uretsky said. “I appreciate the chance I have now to focus on a lot more things and be able to talk about more wide-ranging subjects.” Uretsky feels responsible for delivering quality comprehensive news coverage to the community. He also feels it’s one of his obligations to be a friendly patron to his loyal viewers and fans. “Sometimes it’s simply about being willing to talk to people who want to say hi,” he said. “It’s always nice to be asked, and I don’t view it as a burden — it’s part of the job, and a nice fringe benefit at that.”
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
He remains a big sports buff. When not on the job, he enjoys going to the movies, attending live sporting events and spending time with his daughters. “Although with one in college and another heading for college the year after next, they are much less reliant on dad than years ago,” he says, laughing. “Of course, nothing helps me unwind more than listening to Springsteen. As a fellow Freehold, N.J., native, his music is nothing less than the soundtrack to my life.”
#3
#2
Morgan Vance
Kadlec Regional Medical Center
KEPR-TV keprtv.com
888 Swift Blvd., Richland; 509-946-4611
Company to Work For
kadlec.org See story, page 39
#1
#3
McCurley Integrity Dealerships
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Matt Reichmann
1325 Autoplex Way, Pasco; 509-547-5555
KNDO/KNDU-TV
billmccurley.com
902 Battelle Blvd., Richland; 888-375-7665
nbcrightnow.com
See story, page 25
www.pnnl.gov
#2
41
LOCAL FAVORITES
Radio Personality #1 Faith Martin 98.3 The Key keyw.com Run into Faith Martin in a Tri-City store and the person you’re meeting is the same one you hear when tuned to 98.3 The Key or 102.7 KORD. Martin describes herself as a normal person who just happens to have “a family of support” that is thousands strong. “I’m not really like a radio person, I’m just a person person. I’ve never felt the need to put on any persona or false pretensions,” she said. “For the most part, I’ve just really been appreciative that I can be myself.” Martin did morning shows for 20 years in the Tri-Cities, and believes that is what made her one of the most recognizable voices on local airwaves. While talking about the news or other hot topics, Martin said the conversation often would turn to what was going on in her own life. Listeners were there with her as she raised her kids and went through a divorce, and she acknowledges it’s been easier to share life experiences on the radio than face to face with friends and loved ones. “(Listeners) have been so awesome to me. They just let me be me, and they love me … and so I let them be them,” Martin said. “We just have this thing going on where we have some mutual admiration.” The ever-humble Martin truly thinks her success is more about the good music. She is host of KORD’s midday show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Then she goes down the hall to another studio for KEYWFM’s 3 to 7 p.m. show, weekdays plus Saturdays. Martin said being all digital has allowed radio stations to shorten up the work time, but it has also reduced the on-air contact with listeners. But you can reach out to her through Facebook, email and even text messages. “The way radio is, there’s always somebody younger or cheaper or better,” she said. “I just appreciate the fact that the Tri-Cities audience and public have embraced me, and that’s kept me employed.” 42
Courtesy Faith Martin
Faith Martin: One of the most recognizable voices heard
on local airwaves.
#2 Chuck Hall 94.9 The Wolf 949thewolfpack.com
#3 Reka & Gunner Power 99.1 power991fm.com
The Wonder of You on a cruise with her extended family. On Halloween, you may see “Elvis Adams” make an appearance on KNDU-TV’s weathercast wearing long sideburns and a white jumpsuit. That’s partly his wife’s influence, Adams said. She encourages him to take chances, he said. On one Halloween broadcast, he sang, “Oh, let me be your weatherman” to the tune of Presley’s Teddy Bear. On another, he sang, “You ain’t no Tim Adams high pressure and you ain’t no friend of mine” to the tune of Hound Dog. On his desk are four joke books — a clue that something fun may happen during any weather segment. But as a meteorologist, he also is serious about broadcasting forecasts that are as helpful and accurate as possible. He understands the importance of weather as a privately licensed pilot and from working the wheat harvest in Central Washington during college. “To hear farmers pray about the weather, that was new to me,” he said. At the dinner table during the growing season, they prayed for rain and during the harvest season they prayed for their crops to stay dry. He has been predicting the weather at KNDU for almost a decade, after a career that started with weather reporting in 1978 in Spokane. “The delightful man you see on TV is what you get in real life,” said Christine Brown, KNDU general manager. “There is never a cross word. He is always incredibly positive.”
#2
Weather Forecaster
Mike McCabe
#1
keprtv.com
Tim Adams
KEPR-TV
KNDU-TV
#3
nbcrightnow.com
Jay Frank
The songs of Elvis Presley hold a special place in Tim Adams’ life. He proposed to his wife, Dorothy, by singing
KEPR-TV keprtv.com Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
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FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
No. 1 Family Owned Ford Dealership in The Northwest At Legacy Ford, we are delighted to bring you one of the most advanced facilities in the region. Our award winning Sales and Service department will be completely redesigned, inside and out. The new facility will have many new features, and is designed to deliver the best customer experience possible including an expanded customer lounge and service department. To ensure that you are comfortable during your vehicle purchase or while your vehicle is being serviced, the customer lounge will include free wi-fi and a Starbucks Coffee Café. Thanks to our customers, we have grown to be the largest family-owned Ford Dealership in the Northwest.
We value the relationships with each and every one. That’s why we decided to give our customers a new facility for the next 25 years. Simply put, “We are committed to the Tri-Cities!” ThankYou for voting for Legacy Ford in the People’s Choice Awards! Our people are completely dedicated to growing the relationship with each and every customer and we humbly accept this honor!
Watch for Our New Facility Fall 2014
Legacy Ford Of Pasco
Quick Lane and Legacy Sales of Walla Walla
509.544.8000
509.525.1520 541.963.2161 LegacyDirect.com
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014
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Tri-City Herald People’s Choice
Legacy Ford Lincoln of La Grande
Legacy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of La Grande
541.962.7099 43