Readers Choice 2012

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Fidelity FederalSavings and Loan Association

60 N. Sandusky Street

Delaware, Ohio www.fidfedsl.com740-363-1233740-363-1284

1940 State Route 37 W

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YourHome Town

Banking PartnerCelebrating 125years servingcentral Ohio1887-2012

Thank youfor voting us your#1 Bank &

LendingInstitution!

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� CCllootthhiinngg .......................................................9

� EEnntteerrttaaiinnmmeenntt ........................................10

� HHeeaalltthh && FFiittnneessss .....................................11

� EEdduuccaattiioonn ..................................................14

� TTrraannssppoorrttaattiioonn .......................................16

� MMeeddiiaa ..........................................................17

� LLooccaall PPeeooppllee ............................................17

� SSppeecciiaall SSeerrvviicceess .....................................20

� SShhooppppiinngg....................................................25

In March we once again invit-ed you — our readers — to nameyour favorite local businessesand service providers for ourannual Readers’ Choice Awards,the special section you are nowreading. As in past years, wewere pleased by the volume ofreader response. You submittedhundreds of votes. This year, we’ve tabulated your

top choices in 94 categories,ranging from best restaurant tobest supermarket. Althoughevery business nominee receiveda healthy number of votes,today’s special section lists onlythe top three vote-getters in eachcategory.

In recent years we’ve seenthis section mature from a funfeature to something that localbusinesses take very seriouslyand an award that can drivebusiness and validate a compa-ny’s customer service and mar-

keting efforts. These awards give our readers

the opportunity to help shine aspotlight on the local people,services and vendors they useand trust. While the voting is notscientific and can sometimesresemble a popularity contest,that’s absolutely fine with us. Webelieve that businesses and pro-fessionals who’ve earned a posi-tive reputation and have cus-tomers who are eager to voicetheir praise are probably deserv-ing of greater recognition.

If you have a DelawareCounty favorite you don’t seehere, write in and tell us whythey rank at the top of your list.In the meantime, here are the2012 winners — and if youhaven’t visited them yet, you’remissing out on the best DelawareCounty has to offer.

Congratulations to all of thisyear’s winners.

READERS’ CHOICE 2012 33

And the winners are ...

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� BEST All AROUND RESTAURANT� BEST FINE DINING

� BEST STEAK

1808 AMERICAN BISTRO

29 E.Winter St.740-417-4373

1808americanbistro.blogspot.com

The winner in three categories thisyear, 1808 American Bistro is fastbecoming a major draw to downtownDelaware. Classy is the word thatcomes to mind upon entering the doorsof this restaurant. Situated in the heartof downtown Delaware at 29 E. WinterSt., the bistro features an upscale yetlaid-back atmosphere.

Named after the year the building wasconstructed, the restaurant’s name changefrom D’s Steakhouse to 1808 AmericanBistro also reflects a revamped menu thatincludes pastas, entrees, sandwiches, sal-ads, soups and breads. It’s the steaks andvariety of adult beverages (48 varieties ofcraft beer on tap) that make this eateryamong the most popular in the city.

RUNNERS UP � Buehler’s � Enticing Icing

BABY CAKES BAKERY

47 N. Sandusky St.740-417-4677

babycakescupcakes.com

� BEST BAKERY

Baby Cakes General Manager DougBaki was “surprised, of course,” atbeing selected by our readers as thearea’s best bakery; the establishmenthas only been in business since January2011. Nevertheless, it has quicklybecome a favorite place forDelawareans looking to satisfy theirsweet tooth.“Its been great,” Baki said of the

reception Baby Cakes has received.“Everyone likes it and we enjoy doingit.”Customers seem to like Delaware’s

namesake cupcake — The Jug —most, the store’s website describes as“A decadent chocolate, chocolate-chip cupcake topped with a richchocolate butter cream icing and

chocolate chips (For the TRUEChocolate Lover!)”And what, besides chocolate, does

Baki attribute the success to?“Honestly, when we opened our goal

was to make the best cupcake you canget and that’s what we’ve try to do,” hesaid.With a menu based solely on cup-

cakes — eight flavors daily — the bak-ery sells out maybe half the days it isopen, said Baki, who operates thebakey with his wife Kelly, owner of theestablishment.Baby Cakes is located at 47 N.

Sandusky St. Delaware. Hours are 10a.m. until they sell out on Tuesdaysthrough Saturdays. The store is closedSundays and Mondays.

RUNNERS UP

RESTAURANT � The Jug � Bun’sFINE DINING � Opa � Chandra’s BistroSTEAK � The Jug � Corner Cafe

44 READERS’ CHOICE 2012

Complete Auto Repair Services

Customer Service is Our Priority!

3354 US Highway 23N • Delaware, OHOPEN MON-FRI 9AM-6PM & SAT 8AM-1PM

2280834

�ank you for voting us the�ank you for voting us the2012 Readers' Choice Best �re Shop!2012 Readers' Choice Best �re Shop!

� BEST BBQ

DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT820 Sunbury Road740-417-4373dickeys.com

Assistant manager Jim Gaines hasbeen with Dickey’s since it reopenedunder new management six monthsago. Upon reopening, the restaurantsaw returning regulars from day one,and many customers are known byname, Gaines said.Gaines attributes Dickey’s success to

hard work and good training. The bar-becue chain got its start in Dallas in1941, where the original restaurant stilloperates.“The barbecue stands out because it

is a great smoked barbecue. The ribs aretop notch,” Gaines said, adding it is aTexas-style hickory-smoked sauce.

Other customer favorites include thebaked potato casserole and fried okra.“Over here at Dickey’s we are pas-

sionate about the art of great barbecue,”Gaines said.Dickey’s is located at 820 Sunbury

Road, Delaware. The restaurant is opendaily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For moreinformation call 740-363-2400 or visitdickeys.com.

RUNNERS UP � City BBQ � Bank’s Farm Market

RUNNERS UP � All Occasions � Payne’s Pizza

BOB EVANSVarious Locations • bobevans.com

� BEST BREAKFAST� BEST CHILD’S MENU

KFCVarious Locations • kfc.com

� BEST CHICKEN

In business for more than 50 years,visitors to Bob Evans can get breakfastat any time of the day. Of course, therestaurant also serves lunch, dinner anddesserts — but it is the breakfast thatDelawareans are particularly fond of.The company was founded in 1948

by Bob Evans, who made sausage at hissoutheastern Ohio farm for the 12-stool,a restaurant in Gallipolis.General manager at the U.S. 23 loca-

tion, Ken Kerr, was pleased to hear the

news that Bob Evans retained the title ofbest breakfast in town.“We were hoping to keep it,” Kerr

said, adding that Bob Evans wasfounded on breakfast items.Customers come in for breakfast andthen see other items and then comeback for those, he said.“Our value and quality brings them

in and keeps them coming back. Thefriendly staff and sense of communityfoster a family atmosphere,” he added.

� BEST BUFFETTIAN FU/EN SUPER

850 U.S. 36/Ohio 37740-363-3200

� BEST COFFEETIM HORTON’S

Various Locations • timhortons.com

Tian Fu, a 5,000-square-foot buffet-style restaurant, has earned best buffet,an honor that the establishment haswon in the past.The restaurant is under the ownership

of Susan Wu, who also owns En SuperBuffet at 1139 U.S. 23 in Delaware.“It’s very exciting,” Wu said upon

winning the best buffet category again”We really appreciate that.”Tian Fu has been open for about two

years and offers a wide variety of foods

on its buffet line, including bourbon,peanut and sweet and sour chicken,sushi, snow crab legs and salmon.Wu said the most popular items are

crab rangoon (a deep-fried cheese-filleddumpling) and General Tso’s chicken.The lunch buffet is $6.49 and dinner,

$9.99. Friday and Saturday buffet pricesare $10.39. The location offers a tearoom, hibachi barbecue and sushi rolls.Sushi and can ordered to go, and therestaurant offers catering.

KFC, with its original recipe, extracrispy and grilled chicken, serves morethan 12 million customers worldwide.The fried chicken joint operates morethan 5,200 restaurants in the U.S. and isknown for its original recipe fried chick-

en, made with a secret blend of 11herbs and spices Col. Harland Sandersperfected more than a half-century ago.Sanders opened his first restaurant in

the front room of a gas station inCorbin, Ky.

There’s nothing like a good cup ofcoffee to get the day under way. ForDelaware resident’s the most popularplace to get that coffee is the TimHorton’s on West William Street.The doughnut shop’s coffee is so

popular, in fact, that many customerspurchase the canned coffee to takehome, management said.They also attribute the popularity of

the restaurant to the atmosphere.To keep Delaware’s coffee drinkers

happy, Tim Horton’s uses a timer tohelp get every drive-through customerout in 25 seconds between 6 to 10a.m. weekdays.The drive-thru is open 24 hours a

day, seven days a week, closing onlyfor Thanksgiving, Christmas and NewYear’s Day. Dining room hours are 6a.m. to 10 p.m.Cold Stone Creamery items can be

purchased either inside or in the drive-thru.

RUNNERS UP

BREAKFAST � Hamburger Inn � Bank’s Farm MarketCHILD’S MENU � McDonald’s � Chipotle

RUNNERS UP � BuffaloWildWings � Wendy’s

RUNNERS UP � Mean Bean � Choffey’s


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CHELLEY BELLY

59 N. Sandusky St.740-369-5792

facebook.com/ChelleyMyBelly

� BEST DELI� BEST FRENCH FRIES

Chelley Belly’s co-owner MichelleRunyon was surprised and “very hon-ored” to receive the Readers’ Choiceaward. The downtown Delaware deli-catessen has been in business for sixyears, only recently moving fromWinter Street to its new location onNorth Sandusky Street on Jan. 9.Husband Randy Runyon attributes

the deli’s success to “not being justanother deli style restaurant.”“Our breads take on a whole new

meaning to artisan breads,” RandyRunyon said. “Our ciabatta, focaccia,sourdough and demi’s are baked freshevery day. And our soup is to die for.We also attribute our success to mak-ing all our bakery items such as cup-

cakes, cookies, bars, brownies andblondies in house.”The Runyons also make sure their

employees are polite and friendly andthat the establishment is always clean.Michelle is hands-on every day makingsure the place represents her and herhusband’s hospitality. The communityhas welcomed Chelley Belly as uniqueand not just another carbon copy ofsome other place.“Its all about comfort food,” Runyon

said.Chelley Belly’s is located at 59 N.

Sandusky St., Delaware. The restaurantis open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.Mondays through Fridays and from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

McDONALD’S

Various Locationsmcdonalds.com

With a number of McDonald’srestaurants here, it is not hard to find alocation for the best french fries in thecounty.Rod Boester has owned five of the

local franchises since Jan. 1, 2001 —three are in Delaware city, one is inSunbury and one is located at the U.S.36/Ohio 37 and Interstate 71 inter-change.“It doesn’t surprise me,” Boester

said of the readers’ selectingMcDonald’s as the place with the bestfrench fries in town.He attributed the selection to

McDonald’s attention to quality anddetail.“That’s a big part of it,” he said.

“McDonald’s french fries in DelawareCounty are the same quality of frenchfries anywhere in the country.

Anywhere in the world, for that mat-ter. It’s the consistant quality andattention to detail, which all startswith a good raw product and a goodrecipe.”Boester said McDonald’s is very

consistent in how french fries aremade. “We have very strict standardsand expectations,” he said. “That’s abig part of it, and obviously, a tastepeople like.”Boester has worked almost 40 years

for the brand. He started as a crew per-son in Columbus, working forMcDonald’s in a variety of manage-ment positions“It was always a dream of mine to

own my own business. It’s been veryrewarding,” he said. “It’s a great branda great company to work for. I’vemade a lot of good friends.”

RUNNERS UP � Buehler’s � Delaware Community Market RUNNERS UP � Hamburger Inn � The Jug


Thank you to theDelaware Communityfor making me the#1 Real Estate Agent!

Heather Kamann740-363-7355

345 W. Central Ave.

www.heatherkamann.com22

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� BEST DESSERT� BEST ICE CREAM

WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD31 N. Sandusky St.

740-362-0715 • whitscustard.com

Whit’s Frozen Custard’s Delawarelocation, owned and operated by Danand Julie Huprich, has won the awardfor best dessert.“I’m honored and so excited that

Delaware gave me the award,” JulieHuprich said. “I haven’t been here thatlong, so I’m very honored and veryhumbled by it all.”On its opening day, customers waited

two hours for Whit’s custard, which ismade with 10 percent butterfat, a smallamount of pasteurized eggs and theblending of very little air during produc-

tion. The recipe creates a smooth andcreamy texture with a rich flavor.The store always has vanilla and

chocolate custard — made fresh dailyand throughout the day — in additionto a weekly flavor.Customers can also purchase a cus-

tard treat blended with their favoritetopping, sundaes, banana splits, straw-berry shortcakes, shakes and malts. Thecustard can be purchased in a quart, asa custard cake or in a variety of noveltytypes, such as a cookie and custardsandwich or chocolate nut custard bar.

The hometown favorite for hamburg-ers, the Hamburger Inn Diner, is indeedknown as being the place “where every-body knows your name.”The hamburger joint remains a popu-

lar choice among its many faithful cus-tomers. The owner, Bill Michailidis,understands how iconic the HamburgerInn is to downtown Delaware.Michailidis purchased the Hamburger

Inn Diner from its former owner BeverlyKing. Michailidis, who also owns the BPgas station at 17 E. William St., said heunderstands and respects the landmarkeatery and what it represents to its manyregulars.“I like the history of the town,”

Michailidis said. “The Inn is really a

social network and is packed with all thelocal people throughout the day.”The new owner has recently made

some alterations and additions — therestaurant even had a slight name changefrom Hamburger Inn to Hamburger InnDiner. The menu also features somenewer offerings, including barbecue beefand pork and salads, as well as the abilityto order take-home lunches and dinners.Established in 1932, many credit the

popularity of the establishment to itsatmosphere.The restaurant is also offering expand-

ed hours. It is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 6p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12 a.m. to9 p.m. Sunday.

HAMBURGER INN16 N. Sandusky St.740-369-3850

� BEST HAMBURGER

� BEST HOT WINGSBUFFALO WILD WINGS

Various Locationsbuffalowildwings.com

With its specialty right in its name,it would be difficult not to vote forBW3 as the best spot for hot wings,right?BW-3 offers sauces ranging from

the tame “Sweet BBQ” to “Blazin:Keep Away from Eyes, Pets, Children.”

Included on the readers’ lists offavorite things about BW3 are the 99cent kids meals on Wednesdays, WingTuesdays and Boneless Thursdays.Readers seem to like “B Dubs” as

much for its big screen TVs and draftbeers as its well-known wings.

THE WAREHOUSE1003 U.S. 23N740-369-4650

thewarehouseitalian.com

� BEST ITALIAN FOOD

Offering pasta-based dishes, TheWarehouse Italian Dinners opened itsfirst location in Marion in 1994 andbrought its second location toDelaware in 2010.The interior has a rustic Italian feel

similar to the Marion location, whichis housed inside a 1920s-era train sta-tion. Menu items include toasted ravi-oli, mozzarella marinara, bruschetta,lasagna, Italian wedding soup, pizzaand flatbreads.

� BEST MEXICAN FOOD

ELVAQUERO’S259 S. Sandusky St.

740-362-0919elvaquerosrestaurants.com

The dining room of one of Delaware’sfavorite restaurants is often filled with amixed crowd: families, small groupsholding meetings over dinner and folks

entertaining out-of-town guests. No mat-ter the occasion, readers raved about thefast service, authentic Mexican food andgrand margaritas at El Vaquero’s.

RUNNERS UP

DESSERT � Baby Cakes � Bob Evan’sICE CREAM � Dairy Point � Dairy Depot

RUNNERS UP � The Jug � Five Guys

RUNNERS UP � Amato’s � Shorty’s

RUNNERS UP � Mi Cerrito � Fiesta Mexico

RUNNERS UP � The Jug � Final Score


475 N. Houk Rd., Delaware 740-363-9464

BEST WINGS4th year in a row

2280350

Newly Remodeled.Check Out Our New Look.

WE WANT TO THANK THE PEOPLEOF DELAWARE FOR THEIR CONTINUED

SUPPORT OF BUFFALOWILD WINGS!

� BEST CHINESE FOODCANTON

191 S. Sandusky St. • 740-363-5034

Canton Chinese Restaurant is familyowned and operated and offers bothdining room and carry-out services.Alcohol is also featured.

While most customers come from theDelaware area, assistant manager ViTruong said they get numerous customers

that travel from Sunbury, Powell andColumbus for the home-cooked cuisine.

Among favorites, Truong said, isGeneral Tso’s chicken and the fried rice.

The restaurant serves both lunch anddinner and is open Mondays throughSaturdays.

BUEHLER’S800W. Central Ave. • 740-363-6667

buehlers.com

� BEST SALAD/SALAD BAR� BEST SUPERMARKET

Buehler’s Fresh Foods has been a partof the Delaware community for morethan 40 years and was recently votedBest Small Business by the DelawareChamber of Commerce. Gazette read-ers helped bring Buehler’s more recog-nition by voting it as having the bestsalad bar and being the best supermar-ket in the county.

George Wisener, manager of theBuehler’s Food Market, was pleasedthat Delawareans recognize his storewith multiple Readers’ Choiceawards.

Buehler’s was founded in 1929 andis a family-owned Ohio company with13 supermarket locations and 6 ACEhardware locations in Ohio.

AMATO’S6 S. Sandusky St.740-369-8797

amatoswoodfiredpizza.com

� BEST PIZZA

Brad Hampu, one of Amato’s own-ers, was pleasantly surprised to hear ofthe pizzeria’s Readers’ Choice award.

Hampu attributes the success of theestablishment to “our staff workinghard to take care of our customers. Itkeeps them coming back.”

The restaurant has been in its newspace for more than two years nowand has a growing loyal customerbase.

One of the partners owned thebuilding when it used to be a carry-out, Hampu said, so Amato’s hasbeen a Delaware staple for the pastsix to seven years. Since 2010, therestaurant has offered a dine-inoption and an outdoor patio. Arecent expansion and a liquor

license allowed the owners to buildupon what they began, and hasallowed for occasional live band per-formances.

“I’d like to thank the people ofDelaware for coming out and sup-porting us,” Hampu said. “We appre-ciate everything they do, and we arevery excited to be a part of down-town. We try to have as much com-munity involvement as we can, andappreciate everyone in turn support-ing us.”

Amato’s is located at 6 S. SanduskySt., Delaware. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9p.m. Mondays through Thursdays andfrom 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays andSaturdays. The restaurant is closed onSundays.

RUNNERS UP � Dragon House � Shanghai

RUNNERS UP � Delco � Payne’s Pizza

RUNNERS UP

SALAD/SALAD BAR � Ruby Tuesday � Kroger MarketplaceSUPERMARKET � Meijer � Kroger


Thank you for choosing us the"Best Auto Repair" shop of 2012.For nearly 29 years we have worked hard to earn your trust and

faithfullness. We are constantly upgrading our training and equipmentto keep abreast of the latest technology. We couldn't do this without

our loyal and hardworking staff.

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Vickie Routte........... Service AdvisorMark Marmon.......... Parts ManagerCharlie Firstenberger TechnicianGary Green ............. TechnicianChuck Blair............. Paint & BodyBrad Mavis.............. TechnicianKristopher Campbell TechnicianSteve Cantrell .......... TechnicianJeff Votaw ............... Technician

223 Curtis St. • 740-362-0818"Large Enough to Serve You,

Small Enough to Care"

OWNERS - Amy & Dave Bauerle

BAUERLEAUTOMOTIVE

� BEST RIBSBANKS FARM MARKET

304 London Road740-368-9577

Henry Banks and Banks FarmMarket is an institution in DelawareCounty. Banks not only draws busi-ness from long-time customers whocome regularly but he also sees newcustomers from points both in andoutside the county. Banks notes hehas even drawn raves from visitorsfrom South Carolina and Georgia,areas well-known for barbecues.“They have nothing on you,” he has

been told.Selling his well-known barbecues

for 24 years now, Banks attributes hissuccess to consistency. He began oper-ating out of a small tent before heretired working for the county andPPG, progressed to a small shed, thencame inside once he began expandinghis menu.“My ribs are no different than

they’ve been when I started,” he said,

adding that he makes his own sauce.While Banks says he may not be

getting rich, he really enjoys the workand even has his grandchildren work-ing with him. He especially enjoysworking with both his kids andgrandkids.“I just believe in treating people

right,” Banks said. “You have a rela-tionship with your customers.”In addition to the ribs, Banks pulled

pork is another local favorite. The mar-ket also offers a variety of other meatsas well as produce, homemade piesand sides such as macaroni andcheese and cheesy potatoes. He alsoprepares food for events.Bank’s is located at 304 London

Road, Delaware. Hours are 10:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays throughSaturdays and noon to 3 p.m. onSundays.

RUNNERS UP � Final Score � Delaware Community MarketRUNNERS UP � Second Sole � Dick’s

HIBBETT

850 Sunbury Road740-363-0741hibbitt.com

� BEST ATHLETIC APPAREL

Delaware is home to one of themore than 750 Hibbett Sports storesnationwide. The store offers a wideselection of brand name men’s,women’s and children’s footwear,athletic apparel and sporting equip-ment.This year, readers voted the store as

offering the best athletic apparel in thearea. The manager of the Delawarelocation said the store’s customer serv-

ice sets it part from others.“It’s what we pride ourselves on in

the store. We try to get the best selec-tion as possible that’s also tailored tothe area,” she said.The store offers “a little of every-

thing,” from footwear to sports-specif-ic apparel, such as baseball, softball,soccer, football and lacrosse, as wellas large sports manufacturers likeNike, Reebok and Adidas.

� BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING� BEST LADIES WEAR/MEN’S WEAR

� BEST SHOES

KOHL’S

Various Locationskohls.com

Kohl’s, the department storeencouraging shoppers to “expectgreat things,” as its slogan states,opened at its Delaware location in theGlenwood Commons Center inOctober 2009.The store stocks a wide selection of

merchandise. Whether it’s clothes forthe kids, shoes for you or jewelery forthat special someone, Kohl’s has it.And that’s just the beginning. Frombedding to furniture, luggage to elec-tronic and games, the store sells it,and does so at competitive prices.

RUNNERS UP

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING � Goodwill � Wal-MartLADIESWEAR/MEN’SWEAR � Macy’s � Captain Betty’s

SHOES � Famous Footwear � Second Sole


Perhaps Delaware’s brightest gem, atrip to historic downtown Delaware isnot complete without a visit to the StrandTheatre. The Strand has it all — theambiance of a historical theatre, currentcinematic features and cheap eats. Thetheatre has seen upgrades this year withmore to come, including new modernscreens, a redesigned website and

improved amenities that are being called“game changers.”Whether it follows an afternoon of

browsing at the antique shops or precedesa dinner at one of the downtown eateries,a night on the town in Delaware is notcomplete without a trip to the Strand.

A GREAT BIGTHANK YOU

to all the people who have supported EZ FIT!

Thank YouSpecial$99.00 All Summer thru Aug. 2012

or$199.00 All Year thru Dec. 2012

Why just do aerobics?When there is so much more!• Zumba• Low Impact Fitness Walking• Pilates• Yoga• Weight Training

740-363-2666 • www.ezfit-delaware.com • 127 E William St.

~Childcare at Select Classes~2280507

� BEST BAR/TAVERN� BEST FISH/SEAFOOD

THE JUG

837 N.Houk Road740-369-3267

An extensive happy hour runningfrom 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily makes theJug Grill and Patio stand out from othersbars in the area, said owner Don Long.Regular drink prices are $2.25 or

$2.75 for well drinks. During happyhour, the drinks are half-price. Alsofrom 4 to 7 p.m., appetizers are half-price.In addition to the fish, the bar cooks

up tasty burgers, priced from $7.99 to

$8.95. The half-pound sirloin with avariety of toppings offered feature horserace-themed names, such as “BlueRibbon,” “Deadheat,” “Filly” and“Pacer.”Long said the “Post Time” is the most

popular burger, a plain patty with let-tuce, tomato and onion, followed by“Stacked Up,” a patty with cheddarcheese, onion rings, barbecue sauce,lettuce, tomato and onion.

RUNNERS UP � Hidden Valley � Mill Creek

THE STRAND THEATRE28 E.Winter St. • 740-363-4914

thestrandtheatre.net� BEST THEATRE

RUNNER UP � Rave

Gazette readers chose the rollinghills of Oakhaven Golf Club as the bestplace to swing your clubs.The 18-hole, par-72 championship

golf course is open year-round. Thecourse was purchased by new owners in1996, when it was a nine-hole course.The back nine was built shortly after.Oakhaven boasts one of the best

short-game and practice facilities in thearea. The club offers a 50-acre lighted

driving range with 33 heated coveredtees and 60 grass tees, two practicechipping greens with a sand bunker, a5,000-square-foot putting green and anindoor putting facility.In addition to golf, Oakhaven offers

a pro shop, banquet facility for up to200 guests, on- and off-site cateringand an on-site bar for kicking backafter playing the course.

RUNNERS UP

BAR/TAVERN � Roop’s � BackstretchFISH/SEAFOOD � Old Bag of Nails � Red Lobster


� BEST GOLF COURSEOAKHAVEN

2871 U.S. 23N • 888-504-6281 oakhaven.com

thank youDelaware County for voting

Grocery shop online at:

www.buehlers.com

supermarket

and

salad bar#1

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� BEST HAPPY HOUR

OLD BAG OF NAILS

66 N. Sandusky St.740-368-8083

oldbagofnails.com

Part of Delaware since 2005, OldBag of Nails customers voted the pub ashaving the best happy hour in town.The atmosphere and people make thecold beverages that much better, andthe ability to order great food with yourdrink is a nice bonus.“We are known for our fish and

chips, made from cod,” said DonGoodwin, Old Bag of Nails manager.

“We provide a higher quality fish anddeal directly with the suppliers toensure the quality of the product.”The restaurant also offers sandwich-

es, steaks, shrimp, scallops, potatocakes and beer-battered pickles.“I appreciate people’s business and

hopefully we’ll keep being able to pro-vide what’s making people happy,”Goodwin said.

THE DIVIDE

thedivideband.com � LOCAL MUSICIAN/BAND

RUNNERS UP � Backstretch � 1808 American Bistro

RUNNERS UP � Kola � Mungovan

RUNNERS UP � Vinntage � Next of Kin

Michael Wharton, drummer, waspleased by the news that his band wasselected as Delaware’s best. While theoriginal band began six years ago,today’s performers have been togethertwo years.Other band members include Chris

Steberl on guitar, Kyle Rayburn onvocals and Scott Wood on keyboardsand bass.“We play a little bit of everything —

rock, country, new stuff, old stuff,dance,” Wharton said.Locally, the band plays at The Final

Score, Roop Brothers and Amato’s, butalso will be at Red, White and Boomon July 4, where they have headlinedfor the past five years, Zoofari at theColumbus Zoo, and will play at Put-in-Bay on Memorial Day weekend, per-forming as far away as Indiana andWest Virginia. They will also be at theHyatt Regency in Columbus for NewYear’s Eve.

Wharton attributes the band’s suc-cess to its ability to relate to people.“We don’t think we’re better than

anyone else. We just try to have a goodtime,” he said.Wharton, 44, has been playing since

he was 7 and was in his first band inDelaware when he was 12.“We all have day jobs,” said

Wharton, the facilities manager at anarea medical company. Wood works forHonda, Steberl works for a lawyer andRayburn is a cook at The Jug.Three Olives Vodka is the group’s

national sponsor and allows them togive away items to those that come tosee them perform.“We look at it as something fun, not

a job,” Wharton said of playing with theband. “It’s nice to get paid at doingsomething you like to do.”For more information on the band,

visit thedivideband.com online or TheDiVide Boyz on Facebook.

LEAF CHIROPRACTIC1012 Ohio 521740-363-9705

leafchiropractic.com

� BEST CHIROPRACTOR


Leaf Chiropractic is not just aplace to get adjusted when your backhurts, but rather takes a holisticapproach to chiropractic medicine,said wellness coordinator RachelAndrews.“We try to let people know that

there’s an important component tomaking sure you have your regularcheckup,” she said.Leaf is not only a chiropractic cen-

ter, but also offers massage therapy,exercise rehabilitation, clinical nutri-

tion and lifestyle wellness and weightmanagement services.Leaf, owned by Dr. Brian Leaf, has

been in its current location since June2008. Prior to that, Dr. Leaf had adowntown location.Andrews said Leaf Chiropractic

appreciates the distinction of beingselected as the best by Gazette andSunbury News readers.“We’ve tried to make a difference

in the community, so hopefully that’swhat we’re doing,” Leaf said.

� BEST FITNESS CENTERDELAWARE YMCA

1121 S.Houk Road740-203-3051

The recently opened DelawareYMCA has been selected as theReaders’ Choice favorite fitness cen-ter. Tina Badurina, with the marketingand communications departmentwith the YMCA of central Ohio saidthat because the YMCA is new to thecommunity, we are thrilled at beingselected.

The center opened in December2011 with what Badurina said has beena “tremendous partnership” with theCity of Delaware.

“It’s really brought something sowonderful to the community,” she said.“We go into a project with a lot ofanticipation and excitement, then weopen the doors and see families comein. It creates a synergy that is wonder-ful.”

Badurina said other Y’s have beenchosen for similar awards in the past

and attributed that to the YMCA’s com-munity involvement.

“People see us as part of the commu-nity, not just a service to pay for,”Badurina said. She added that whetherpeople come for youth sports, parentand child programs or programs for sen-iors, they see the YMCA as more thanthe obvious gym.

The YMCA’s agreement to managethe city’s parks and recreation depart-ment is unique in the state, Badurinaadded.

“We thank the community for sup-porting us and hope to continue tomake folks happy,” Badurina said.

The Delaware YMCA is open from5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondaysthrough Fridays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.The center is also open on some holi-days.

RUNNERS UP � EZ-Fit � Metro

RUNNERS UP � Dr.Mark Hickman � Dr. Gary Meckler

DR.ANDREWMacDOWELL

801 Ohio Health Blvd. #260740-615-0500

� BEST FAMILY DOCTOR

Dr. Andrew MacDowell tries to fos-ter a team-based relationship with hispatients that is more like a partnershipthan the traditional doctor-patient rela-tionship.

“I will go into a room, introducemyself with my first name,” MacDowellsaid. “I tell them my job is to educatethem, and that I see my role as an edu-cator. And I give them pros and cons sothat they can make their decisions.”

Delaware’s favorite doctor said hethinks this approach, in the age ofWebMD.com and other Internetresources, appeals to his youngerpatients.

“They don’t just want to be told what

to do. They’re going to listen to what Ihave to say, go back home to use theInternet and decide what their bestoption is,” he said.

MacDowell, 39, has practiced inDelaware since he finished his pediatricresidency at Grady Memorial Hospitalin 2002. He stayed there to establish hispractice before relocating to his currentlocation at the new Delaware HealthCenter.

“With how healthcare costs are ris-ing … I see a physician’s job, and myjob now, as not only taking care of peo-ple’s health, but helping them creategood lifestyles and make positive healthchoices,” he said.


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Thank YouWe at Emergency Plumbing are grateful to ourvalued and loyal customers for supporting us

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Thank you for supporting us for the past96 years and selecting us #1 in the 2012Delaware Gazette Reader’s Choice forbest Theatre and Family Entertainment

in Delaware County!

STRANDTHEATRE

Showing Moviesin Downtown Delaware

for 96 Years!

28 E. Winter St.363-4914

2280

339

� BEST PEDIATRICIANDR. STEPHEN SCHULER

104 N.Union St.740-363-5437

� BEST NURSING HOMESARAH MOORE

26 N.Union St. • 740-362-9641saramoorehome.com

Dr. Stephen Schuler was surprised tolearn of his being selected as the bestpediatrician in Delaware.“I was aware of your contest but

didn’t know there was a category forpediatricians,” he told the Gazette.In practice since 1978, the office

includes care for newborns throughage 21.“I have a large number of parents

who were my patients as newborns,”he said.Schuler said he has been busy since

day one. “I was the first pediatrician inDelaware County. I didn’t needDelaware County growth to build mypractice, ” he said.Schuler attributes his success to his

wife Nancy, his loyal staff and a “won-derful group of patients.”

RUNNERS UP � Dr. Andy MacDowell � Dr.Mark Thoma

RUNNERS UP � Dr. Robert Green � Dr. Scott Cambell

RUNNERS UP � Wintersong � Willow Brook

DR.DAVID ZEHNDER1832 CastletonWay • 740-363-2015

myadvancedeyecare.com� BEST VISION CARE

DR. JOHN C. SEXTON

1816 U.S. 23740-363-2080

delawaredental.com

� BEST DENTIST

Providing high-quality dentistry inan honest environment is what makesDr. John Sexton’s practice stand outfrom the others, he said.Sexton has owned Delaware Dental

since 2007 and strives to provide agreat customer service experiencewhile taking care of his patients.“We’re a family practice, specializ-

ing in high-quality dental care,” Sextonsaid. “My staff and I are really dedicat-ed to giving a great experience to thepatient. We spend time talking to them,explaining their options and educatingthem, so they can make their own deci-sions for their healthcare.”Sexton earned his undergraduate

degree from Miami University inOxford and graduated from The OhioState University College of Dentistry.He did a general practice residency inhospital dentistry in Charlotte, N.C., fora year following graduation, thenmoved back to Ohio in 2002, he said.“It’s flattering that our patients see

the value and hard work in what we’redoing,” Sexton said. “The patients arewhat makes our practice great. Theytrust in us and voiced their vote for us.The staff and I are really excited.”Delaware Dental’s hours are 9 a.m.

to 6 p.m. Mondays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 7 a.m. tonoon Thursdays and closed Fridays.

Dr. David Zehnder, a warm and car-ing optometrist, is driven by the desireto correct vision problems and protectpatients’ eye health.Zehnder’s office is a leader in the

eye care profession with its technolo-gy services providing the latest equip-ment to detect ocular disease at itsearliest stages. His specialties includetreating glaucoma, diabetes andOrtho-K vision reshaping. His office isan external site for The Ohio StateUniversity to teach fourth-year optom-

etry students clinical skills and opto-metric business management prior tograduation.Zehnder earned his Doctor of

Optometry degree at The Ohio StateUniversity College of Optometry in1986.Advanced Eyecare Associates’ hours

are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays; 8:30a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays; closedWednesdays; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Thursdays and Fridays by appointmentSaturdays.

RUNNERS UP � Dr. David Niederkohr � Dr. Stephen Brezinski


Sarah Moore has a long communityhistory of taking care of the elderly.Administrator Ron White said thehome was founded in 1892 by civicleaders in the Delaware area. Thehome is named for a women who, witha group of other women, began thehome so elderly ladies could live outtheir lives.“It’s quite a history. Quite a tradi-

tion,” White said.“We’ve always been small, so we’re

more family-oriented. More hands-oncare. That’s the kind of people we hire.”In 1999, the nursing home com-

pleted a $3.5 million dollar additionto the health care center and remod-eled the assisted living area. At thattime, the by-laws were also changedso men could live there as well. Thenin May 2009, additional upgrades andadditions were completed including44 assisted living suites.The home isrun by a nonprofit, volunteer govern-ing board. There is also a 50-member service

board where ladies of the communityprovide special projects for the resi-dents. This is the same board that ranthe home until 1979.

To everyone who voted for me in the2012 Reader’s Choice Award for

#1 Attorney!

O. ROSS LONGAttorney at Law

125 N. Sandusky St. • Delaware, OH 43015740.363.1369 22

8100

3

T H A N K Y O U !

2281014

7 E Winter StDelaware OH 43015Bus (740) 369 4537Fax (740) 363 [email protected]

• Providing Insurance andFinancial Services• Save up to 40%

• Auto, Life, Home & Renters Insurance

Tito Paul, Agent

TThhaannkk yyoouu ffoorr vvoottiinngg ffoorr uuss iinn tthheeRReeaaddeerr''ss CChhooiiccee ssuurrvveeyy!!

� BEST PUBLIC SCHOOLDELAWARE CITY SCHOOLS

248 N.Washington St. • 740-833-1100dcs.k12.oh.us

� BEST LIBRARYORANGE BRANCH

7171 Gooding Blvd. • 740-549-2665delawarelibrary.org

Delaware City School officials say thedistrict’s history of forward progress hasincreased the community’s happinesswith the school district.The district has more than 5,200 stu-

dents among five elementary schools,an intermediate school, a middleschool and a high school. It wasawarded an “Excellent with Distinc-tion” status last year by the Ohio De-partment of Education, a continuationof a long and steady pattern of im-provement over the course of the lastdecade.Superintendent Paul Craft said the dis-

trict is honored to be selected as the

county’s best public school.“It’s gratifying to have members of the

public recognize the great and hardwork our staff is doing for students,”Craft said. “Delaware is an amazingcommunity, and it deserves a school dis-trict that matches that reality. I feel it’sgetting better everyday.”Delaware City Schools spokeswoman

Jen Ruhe said the various communitypartnerships contribute to the district’ssuccess.“Being a city district, there’s resources

right here we can tap into,” Ruhe said.“It gives us a leg up over county districtsthat are not as close to the resources.”

RUNNERS UP � Buckeye Valley � Olentangy

OHIOWESLEYAN61 S.Sandusky St. • 740-368-2000

owu.edu� BEST UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE

OhioWesleyan University has approx-imately 1,800 undergraduate students; itsclass of 2011 had 383 graduates. It alsohas a distinct international presence; 10percent of its students are from among 50countries worldwide. OWU prides itselfon the quality of education provided.

OWUwas recently named one of the topU.S. business accounting schools. It’sgraduates can expect an average net re-turn on their investment of $354,800, afterducting the cost of earning their diplomasand adjusting for graduation rates, ac-cording to a recent study.

RUNNERS UP � Ohio State University � Franklin University

RUNNERS UP � DCDL Main � DCDL Ostrander

As Delaware County has grown, theDelaware County District Library hasgrown along with it.Founded in 1899, the library expanded

this year thanks to a voter-approved bondissue passed in 2009. It opened its fourthbranch, located at 7171 Gooding Blvd. in

Orange Township. The new library is ap-proximately 33,000 square feet, boastsclose to 100 parking spaces, houses morethan 90,000 items, and 39 public com-puters. Special spaces include four studyrooms, a glass enclosed quiet study areaand a community meeting room.


For LifeOut There

2012 Readers ChoiceAward Winner for

"Best Farm Supply Store"

Thank you loyal customers!2621 US 23 N., DELAWARE • 740-369-3024

Store Hours:Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm • Sunday 9am-6pm

2280388

2280

479

Leroy's Service Center wishes to thank thereaders of The Delaware Gazette and

Sunbury News for voting us the 2012 #1 inauto customer service!

Loyal customers like YOU help make Leroy'sService Center a business that you can

depend on. Thanks to all of you!

Leroy's Service Center40 East Central Ave. • Delaware, OH

369-9168

Toll Free 800-222-9289740-369-9611CARTOWNE.COM

2280505

Thank you for voting forCarriage Town in the2012 Readers'Choice Awards!�

CA

RTO

WN

E.C

OM

Home to 382 students, St. MarySchool works with its families to pro-vide the best education to its students.The school, which is accredited by

the state through the Ohio CatholicSchool Accrediting Association, wasfounded in 1885 and occupied asmall house adjacent to the church.The present school was built in 1925and expanded in 1959 and 2005.St. Mary offers grades kindergarten

through eight and a preschool pro-gram of about 50 students.“I think the Readers’ Choice award

is a tribute to our parents, staff andparishioners for all of the support theygive the school,” school principalRyan Schwieterman said. “Whether itbe financially, volunteering within theschool or the extra effort to help stu-dents succeed, these groups deservethe credit.“Our school staff and parish priests

are one of the great strengths we haveat St. Mary. The staff has more than260 years of combined teaching andhas a good mix of newer and veteranstaff who build off each other for thebenefit of the students. Our parishpriests are also an integral part or ourmission in providing a Catholic edu-cation for our students. It is wonder-

ful, and we are lucky to have priestswho are so involved with our stu-dents’ education.”The average class size is about 25

students. The faculty has 15 classroomteachers, four full-time aides, a librar-ian, a computer teacher, a physicaleducation teacher, a reading teacher,an intervention specialist, a musicteacher and a band teacher. Theschool also has a part-time nurse,educational psychologist and aspeech therapist.St. Mary began offering a full-day,

five-day kindergarten program thisyear, which has been a success,Schwieterman said. The school alsostarted its school-aged child care(SACC) program in the 2009-10school year where children attendingthe school grades kindergartenthrough eight can participate in theafter-school care program.“While our students do not take the

Ohio Achievement Assessment testinglike public schools, I’m very confidentour school would be ‘excellent withdistinction.’ This award helps to reaf-firm this belief that St. Mary is a greatfaith and academic option for stu-dents in the Delaware area,”Schwieterman said.

LITTLE SHEEPS23 N.Union St. • 740-513-2699

littlesheeps.net� BEST PRESCHOOL/CHILDCARE

Little Sheep’s Childcare has beenaround for about two years, but openabout a year and a half, after a firegutted their first building at 92 N.Sandusky St. in downtownDelaware.White, who owns the business with

her husband Zyrone White, said takingcare of the community’s children everyday is the reward. Forty-four childrenare enrolled with an average atten-dance of about 35 children per day,White said.The center offers day care for chil-

dren ages 18 months to five and a halfyears, while also offering an education.The children participate in a formal capand gown graduation in August withnine graduating last year. Christian

learning is also incorporated into thecurriculum.Each child’s birthday is celebrated at

the center with a small party.The children get breakfast, lunch and

an evening snack, White said.Work continues on the old Delaware

County Juvenile Court building at 11 E.Central Ave. in downtown Delaware,which will become a second locationfor infant care, White said. The project-ed finish date is June 1.“That’s where we wanted to be,”

White said. “I love the business district.It’s a good area to be in, and we want tobring it back to life.” White is also con-sidering an after-school care program.Little Sheep’s hours are 6 a.m. to 6

p.m. Monday through Friday.

RUNNERS UP � Delaware Christian � Village Academy

RUNNERS UP � Delaware Christian � Village Academy

� BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL� BEST CHURCH

ST.MARY CATHOLIC66 E.William St. • 740-362-8961

stmarydelaware.org

� BEST TECH SCHOOL

DACCSouth: 4565 U.S. 23 • 740-548-0708North: 1610 Ohio 521 • 740-363-1993

delawareareacc.org

The Delaware Area Career Centeroffers a variety of programs for highschool students and adults alike at itstwo campuses.Superintendent Mary Beth Freeman

said DACC has a total of 870 students.Thirty different programs are availablefor high schoolers, and adults have “just

about limitless” options to choose fromin online programs.Since opening in 1974, DACC has

added another campus and several newprograms. The Powerline Program,which started last year with supportfrom local companies such as AEP, isone example.

RUNNERS UP

PRIVATE SCHOOL � Delaware Christian � Village AcademyCHURCH � Pleasant Hill Freewill Baptist � Delaware Grace Brethren


Shirley and the team at Robinson's Flower Shopwant to thank you, our loyal customers, for voting

us as "Best Florist in Delaware County"!

God Bless You

Robinson’s Flower Shop60 Lake St., Delaware • 740-363-4768

BESTFLORIST

IN DELAWARE COUNTY5 YEARS IN A ROW!

2280

506

� BEST AUTO CUSTOMER SERVICELEROY’S SERVICE CENTER

40 E. Central Ave. • 740-369-9168autorepairdelawareoh.com

A family-owned business, Leroy’sService Center has offered all automo-tive repair and mechanical services indowntown Delaware since 1976.

Owner Leroy Rease reflects a partic-ular passion for the automotive arts,coming from generations of auto work-ers. He has always lived in Delawareand started the company himself.

Rease said he tries to stay on the

cutting edge of technological devel-opments by updating his equipmentevery year. He is currently preparingto revamp his diagnostic technology,which reads the computers in thecars so as to best diagnose the prob-lem.

With a conveniently accessiblelocation, the shop gets 3,500 to 4,000visits a year, Reese said.

RUNNERS UP � Byers � Queen Automotive

RUNNERS UP � Queen Automotive � 3D Auto

RUNNERS UP� Tire Discounters

� Precision Alignment

RUNNERS UP � Auto Zone � NAPA

BAUERLE223 Curtis St.740-362-0818

� BEST AUTO REPAIR

ADVANCED AUTO489 S. Sandusky St.740-369-6111

advancedautoparts.com

� BEST AUTO SUPPLY

JUST ABOUTTIRES3354 U.S. 23N740-362-0161

� BEST TIRE STORE

� BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP� BEST USED CAR DEALERSHIP

BYERS1599 U.S. 23S • 740-368-7666

byerstoyota.com

Byers’ service to the transportationneeds of central Ohio predates eventhe invention of the automobile. Thecompany’s first involvement in trans-

portation was in selling horses andbuggies to the traveling public in thelate 1800s, according to the compa-ny’s website.

RUNNERS UP

NEW CAR DEALERSHIP � Carriage Towne � ChesrownUSED CAR DEALERSHIP � Freddy’s � Chesrown

After just 18 months inbusiness, great customerservice puts Just AboutTires ahead of the rest,store manager Ed

Scroggins said.Specializing in new

and used tires, the storealso offers full automotiverepair, including brakes,shocks, struts and tune-ups, and is workingtoward expanding itsofferings in the springwith alignments.

“We credit our successto caring about our cus-tomers,” Scroggins said.“We won’t sell you some-thing if you don’t need it.In these tough economictimes, it is even moreimportant to put the con-sumers’ needs ahead ofour own. We also prideourselves in taking time

with our customers onboth a professional andpersonal basis. We enjoygetting to know the peo-ple who come to us forservice. Just About Tires ismore than a tire shop.”

Scroggins, whosefather was in the tire busi-ness in the ’70s and ’80s,said that as manager, hewas pleased with thehonor of being chosen asbest tire store.

“We look forward tocontinued success inDelaware and the sur-rounding area,” Scrogginssaid. “A heartfelt ‘thankyou’ to the readers of TheDelaware Gazette.”

2280499

222 E.William St.,Delaware, OH 43015740-610-0091 • [email protected]

THANK YOUfor voting for your DelawareCommunity Market in the

2012 Readers'Choice!


Advance Auto Parts, a leader in theautomotive aftermarket, sells afford-able parts at four locations inDelaware County. The company hasmore than 3,300 stores nationwide.

Besides the Sandusky Street loca-tion, Advance Auto has shops at 525N. Houk Road (740-362-2369), 8531Owenfield Drive (740-549-4979) and400 W. Cherry St. (740-965-0835).

The locations may change for thosetaking their cars to Bauerle, but theservice and the name have remainedthe same for the past 26 years.

Larry Bauerle, now the owner of thebusiness, comes from a family of automechanics. He learned the trade at theage of eight by following his father,who worked for years at the MarshallPontiac dealership. In fact, Larrybelieves he and his father were thefirst two mechanics to become

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)certified in Delaware County.

“To begin with, I’m really honored— that’s a given,” he said of owningthis year’s best auto repair shop.

Bauerle fields a staff of nineemployees and says everyone works asa team.

“We’ve been at it for a long time”he said. “Everybody works welltogether, works hard and we try totake care of everybody.”

THANK YOUDelaware County for voting meone of the best realtors in the

2012 Readers’ Choice2281006

Beth Fisher says:

Thank you Delawareand Central Ohio

Gazette readers andauction attendees. Yoursupport, patronage and

trust are very muchappreciated.

WesWigton and Rex Strine auctioneers, our clerks, cashiers and all thebehind the scenes help also share in this recognition. Their dedication tohard work and preparation evolves into successful auctions.

Remember, from real estate to fine wine, all record prices have beenestablished at auction. Consider selling your property using the auctionmethod and perhaps you will set a record. Thank you again for allowingus to serve you.

Larry Wigton Auctioneer

WES & LARRY WIGTONAUCTIONEERS

740-362-0007 / 740-816-0049www.wigtonauctions.com

2280

995

� BEST LOCAL RADIO STATIONWNCI

614-486-6101wnci.com

Offering entertainment, sports andmore, WNCI is located on the dial at97.9 FM and is home of the popularMorning Zoo radio program. With a

top 40 format since the 1970s, the sta-tion is consistently listed as one of thetop-rated central Ohio stations byArbitron.

RUNNERS UP � WCOL � The River 104.9RUNNERS UP � David Miller/Fruth Co. � Wolf, Rogers & Dickey

RUNNERS UP � WCMH Channel 4 � Fox Channel 28 RUNNERS UP � Chip Carpenter � Garth’s Auction House

RUNNERS UP� Lynetter @ Mane Tamers � BobWatts @ Sandusky St. Barber

WBNS CHANNEL 10

770 Twin Rivers Drive614-460-395010tv.com

� BEST LOCAL TV NEWS STATION

WBNS has been on the air since1949, leading the ratings in centralOhio. The station is also among thefew that lead the industry in broad-casting in high-definition. The sta-tion offers 24-hour news, sports and

both syndicated and local program-ming. Leading the news team areanchors Andrea Cambern, JerryRevish, Chris Bradley and DomTiberi. The station has won thisaward for two consecutive years.

GEORGE KLEPEC416 Riverby Lane740-369-6138

� BEST ACCOUNTANT

JOANN@ JOANN’S10W.William St./740-369-3883 � BEST BARBER

When you trust someone else to helpyou with your taxes, it’s good to knowthey have your best interest in mind.That’s what you can expect fromGeorge Klepec.Klepec runs an accounting and tax

services business with his wife,Keisha. He has been in accountingsince 1996.

Klepec said he feels his dedication tohis clients and his attention to detailhave served him well in his career andcontributed to his selection for bestaccountant in Delaware. Klepec alsoattributes his success to the partnershiphe enjoys with his wife.“She’s the backbone to making this

all happen,” Klepec said.

� BEST AUCTIONEERLARRYWIGTON

20W.High St., Ashley./740-362-0007wigtonauctions.com

Larry Wigton has been running auc-tions for 30 years, and hasn’t sloweddown at all. He auctions off a wide vari-ety of items, ranging from real estate tomachinery.He is a member of the Ohio

Auctioneers Association and theNational Realtors Association and is agraduate of the Reppert School of

Auctioneering and The Ohio StateUniversity.Wigton said he thinks his fair and

honest dealings have helped him beselected Delaware’s best auctioneerfor another year running.“I just try to treat people the way I

like to be treated,” he said.

JoAnn has been cuttinghair for more than 35years and after expandingto three different shopsand working with 37 bar-bers over the years, she’snow settled at one shop at10 W. William St.“Delaware is a nice

town. We have a lot ofgood loyal customers, andI’ve been cutting their hairfor 35 years,” she said.

JoAnn’s customers areso loyal in fact, that shenot only sees them, butalso their kids and grand-kids now.“She’s the only place

in town for me,” saidHarvey, a loyal customer.“If I can’t get her andshe’s busy, my hair justgrows and grows. I’ll turninto a hippie if she everquits.”


MON-FRI 9AM-5PM • SAT 10AM-2PMOther Hours By Appointment

Price Realty68 N. Sandusky St. • Delaware, Ohio 43015Office: 740-363-9911 • Fax: 740-548-6616

www.pricerealty.com

Price Realty would like tothank all of our clients; past,

present and future for voting us2012 #1 Readers Choice for

Real Estate Company!

2281000

George and Keisha Klepec, the owners ofKlepec & Klepec Tax Preparation and Returns

would like to humbly thank the voters ofThe Delaware Gazette 2012 Reader’s Choice for

voting us #1 in accounting.This award is greatly appreciated and should alsobe shared with our wonderful friends, our clients

for making us who we are.

416 Riverby Lane - Delaware, OH 43015 - 740.369.6138KLEPEC & KLEPEC

Public AccountantTax Preparation & Returns

2280991

� BEST ATTORNEYO.ROSS LONG

125 N. Sandusky St. • 740-363-1369

O. Ross Long of Heald-Long LawOffices said his success has come fromhis 40 years of experience.

He said his hard work has evidentlypaid off, since he’s done little advertisingoutside the company’s website and hemeets clients primarily through word-of-mouth recommendations.

“Practicing law is not easy. That’s whythey call it a practice,” Long said.“You’re always working, always trying tostay up on things.”

Born in Delaware, Long has deeproots in the community. He grew upmostly in Worthington, but returned toDelaware to earn his Bachelor of Arts

degree at OhioWesleyan University. Hegraduated from the University ofCincinnati three years later with his JurisDoctor degree, then served as a JudgeAdvocate in the US Air Force for thenext five years. He has worked at hiscurrent law offices ever since.

Long said he covers a wide range ofcases, from civil litigation to probate,but tends to have an emphasis on crim-inal law.

He considers himself lucky to be ableto work in the Delaware justice system.

“Practicing law in Delaware Countyis one of the best places you can prac-tice,” Long said.

RUNNERS UP � Scott Wolf � DougWarnock

RUNNERS UP � Amy @ Delco � Jack @ Donato’s

RUNNERS UP � Kyle @ The Backstretch � Kim @ Final Score

TAMMY DAVIS @THE JUG837 N.Houk Road • 740-369-3267

� BEST BARTENDER

To serve the perfect drink, TammyDavis said one must blend bartendingskills with a bubbly personality.

Davis has been a bartender for 15years, citing her friendly, outgoing,talkative nature as the main reason forher longevity and success. When shebegan working at the Jug Grill & Patioabout six months ago, she said her reg-ulars remained more loyal to her thanto her former place of employment.

Her local residency may also play arole.

“I live right downtown, so I know

quite a few people in the Delawarearea,” Davis said.

This year’s favorite bartender canreturn the love with her signaturedrink, Tammy’s True Love Martini,which is a blend of Grey Goose vodka,Razzmatazz liqueur and a splash ofSprite.

Her personal favorite, however, isthe Juicy Fruit cocktail — a concoctionof bubblegum-flavored vodka, orangejuice and Red Bull energy drink.

Davis works Monday, and Thursdaythrough Sunday until about 7 p.m.

TIM @ PAYNE’S PIZZA400W. Central Ave.740-363-9040

� BEST DELIVERY PERSON

Tim Lilly began working at Payne’sPizza & More for the extra cash, thenfound the work too enjoyable to quit.

Lilly, who primarily works in theremodeling industry, applied forevening delivery shifts to save moneyfor a house. He said he earned themoney and bought the house within ayear, but found his delivery job moreexciting than reclining in his new liv-ing room.

Lilly is now approaching his six-yearanniversary at Payne’s, describing it as

his “fun job.”That positive attitude, as well as tak-

ing time to speak with the customers,is what Lilly suspects sets him apartfrom other delivery people in the area.

“A lot of our customers are repeatcustomers, so I know them,” he said.“A lot of times, you look at the names,not the address.”

Lilly works Mondays throughFridays, from about 5:30 to 10 p.m.

For more information about Payne’sPizza & More, visit paynespizza.net.

� BEST INSURANCE AGENT� BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

JESSICA FOREMANState Farm Insurance

555 Sunbury Road • 740-362-5500

The State Farm office at ForemanInsurance has been voted the best insur-ance agency in Delaware.

As a family-focused agency, ForemanInsurance provides auto, home, life andhealth coverage policies to the communi-

ty. Jessica Foreman, manager of ForemanInsurance, said she feels honored toreceive the award. Foreman said dedica-tion to the real State Farmmission of help-ing people “manage the risks of everydaylife” made the award possible.

DR.TOMGAREYOakside Animal Clinic

339 S. Sandusky St. • 740-362-8387� BEST VETERINARIAN

RUNNERS UP� CastletonWay

� Cheshire Crossing

Affordability and goodservice keeps clientscoming back to Dr. TomGarey of the OaksideAnimal Clinic.

Garey was selected forthe honor of best veteri-narian by readers in thecommunity.

“I’m just apprecia-tive,” Garey said. “It’s anhonor to be recognizedby clients throughout theDelaware area. Takingthe time to put the name

down is an honor. I thinkit represents the entirestaff as well.”

Garey was born andraised in Delaware andgraduated from HayesHigh School in 1988. Heobtained his doctorate ofveterinary medicinefrom the Ohio StateUniversity in 1996 andworked in the Clevelandarea for a few yearsbefore returning toDelaware.

RUNNERS UP

INSURANCE AGENT � Jim Roesch @ Creative Financial � Tito Paul @ State FarmINSURANCE AGENCY � Tito Paul � McMullen


www.amatoswoodfiredpizza.comwww.facebook.com/amatoswoodfiredpizza

Follow us on Twitter: @AmatosPizza

6 S. Sandusky St. Delaware, OH 43015(740) 369-8797

Thank You forvoting Amato'syour #1 Best

Pizza for 2012!

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� BEST PERSONAL TRAINERCHERYL FELTON

127 E.William St.740-363-2666

� BEST PHOTOGRAPHERCLINTMATLACK

740-936-PICS • matlackphoto.com

JOANN MEYERDempsey Middle School

� BEST TEACHER

Cheryl Felton’s creative, personaland patient approach to physical fit-ness has led to her loyal following atEZ-Fit.

Felton has been a personal trainer for22 years and the owner and sole trainerat EZ-Fit for the past three. Her decisionto open her own workout facility wasborn out of her desire to provide clientswith more than a cardio workout.

EZ-Fit offers weight training as wellas aerobic workouts, and Felton con-tinually adds more programs as theybecame popular. Piloxing, a crossbetween boxing and pilates, is one ofthe latest additions to the EZ-Fitschedule.

She also teaches Zumba Plus dancefitness classes and the popular multi-muscle walking course.

The best part about being a person-al trainer, Felton said, is watching

clients meet their goals. She remem-bered one woman who could barelydo a sit up when she enrolled inFelton’s classes, and now is “farbeyond that.”

“It’s very rewarding to see peoplewhose goals are met,” she said.

Felton also offers nutritional andhealthy lifestyle coaching. She plans tohire another certified trainer soon, too,so she can expand programing evenfurther.

Class start times run from 9:15 a.m.to 7 p.m. on Mondays andWednesdays, and 9:15 a.m and 6:45p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One9:15 a.m. class is offered Fridays andSundays, and the two Saturday classesbegin at 8:30 and 9:15 a.m.

For more information, visit EzFit-Delaware.com or email Felton at [email protected].

It wasn’t until her hus-band passed away thatJoann Meyer decidedthat life was too short tonot follow your dreams.

“I had always wantedto be a teacher andnever had the opportuni-ty to finish,” she said.

After her husband’sdeath, she found thetime, finished hercoursework andobtained a teaching cer-tificate. She traded hercareer as an insurancebroker for a careerteaching middle schoolstudents algebra andgeometry because of her

passion for helpingyoung people.

“The kids make every-day special,” she said. “Icare about the kids. Icare about them becom-ing great, responsiblefuture citizens.”

Meyer, who has beenat Dempsey MiddleSchool for eight years,said she was shocked tobe named the area’s topteacher. While she wassurprised to receive thehonor, she said that herpassion for her job iswhat pushes her to bethe best educator thatshe can possibly be.

“I love what I do,” shesaid. “I think if you lovewhat you do, it helpsmake you better at it.”

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RUNNERS UP � Nicole Lovette @ 360 Fitness � Physiotherapy

RUNNERS UP � Jamie @ Bun’s � Tammy Davis @ The Jug

RUNNERS UP � RexWelker � Theresa Kinney

RUNNERS UP � Beth Fisher � Martin Forman

RUNNERS UP � Mrs. Belville @ Carlisle

TRACY RIVERA @ BUN’S � BESTWAITER/WAITRESS

HEATHER KAMANN345W. Central Ave. • 740-363-7355

� BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Waiting on patrons at Bun’sRestaurant in between forensic psychol-ogy classes would be a task for most,but Tracy Rivera seems to have it figuredout.

The 22-year-old Columbus StateCommunity College student has beenworking at Bun’s for just 10 months, but

area residents may recognize her fromher time as a waitress at Buehler’s.

A Delaware County resident since2001, Rivera said that her favorite partof being a waitress is “the people.”

“I just make sure to take care of mytables and smile and make sure thatthey leave happy,” she said.

Eight years ago, Clint Matlack took ahobby and turned it into a part-timeprofession.

After years of taking amateur photo-graphs, he decided to begin taking pro-fessional photos. In recent years, he hasdone seniors pictures, weddings andsporting events.

“It’s something that I just have a loveto do,” he said. “It’s my release. It’s whatI love doing.”

But the lifelong Delaware Countyresident and employee at the countyengineer’s office sometimes finds it hardto feed his passion because of hisresponsibilities as a father. But when hedoes find time, he excels. Last year, hetook the top photography prize at theDelaware County Fair in the advancedclass.

“I just absolutely love capturing themoment,” he said.


With more than 10 years experi-ence selling in Delaware County andthe surrounding area, even in the cur-rent economic times, HeatherKamann is still busy. Another realestate agent in the office attributedKamann’s success to the fact that sell-ers know Kamann has a large client

base and know they can count on herto follow through. Kamann also givesgood listing prices; if a property is notlisted right, prospective buyers can belost. People trust Kamann and listen toher.

Kamann has owned her own HERsatellite office for the past five years.

� BEST BANK/CREDIT UNIONFIDELITY FEDERAL

60 N. Sandusky St./740-363-1284fidfedsl.com

Fidelity Federal Savings & LoanAssociation has earned the top billingas best bank in Delaware two yearsrunning.

“We’re really excited for the sec-ond year in a row to be nominated,”said Greg Roy, Fidelity Federal presi-dent.

Fidelity Federal specializes in mort-gage and home improvement loansand has been doing that since 1887,but also offers traditional bank servic-es, such as car loans and a FidelityFederal Visa card.

“We’re small enough to offer per-

sonal service. If you call in, we knowwho you are,” Roy said.

In the past year, Fidelity Federalstarted offering an online mortgageloan application so that busy cus-tomers don’t have to come into theoffice for the first step of the process.

Fidelity Federal has been on thesame block in downtown Delawarefor the past 125 years, starting in thesecond floor offices at 43 N. SanduskySt. The savings and loan moved acrossthe street to 46. N. Sandusky St.,before ending up at its current officeat 60 N. Sandusky St. in the 1970s.

RUNNERS UP � Chase � First Merit

LONG’S TOUCHLESS

182 S. Sandusky740-363-5572

� BEST CAR WASH

TRACTOR SUPPLY CO.2621 U.S. 23N/740-369-3024

tractorsupply.com

� BEST FARM IMPLEMENT DEALER� BEST FARM SUPPLY

Excellent customer service and greatequipment sets South Sandusky Street’sTouchless Express Car Wash apart fromother area car washes, said owner andpresident Brian Long.

“I think it’s a combination of goodequipment and good customer service,”Long said. “We are very hands-on. Ifpeople do have problems, we try tosend them a refund. We don’t put themoff. You’re not going to keep them as a

customer if you blow them off.”The car wash was opened in October

2003. Long also runs a carwash inMarion with two automatic bays, oneself-serve bay and a pet spaw, and a car-wash in Hilliard with two touchlessmachines and a soft touch machine.

Prices at the Delaware locationdepend on what type of carwash thecustomer wants with four wash selec-tions available ranging from $7 to $10.

RUNNERS UP � Delco � Ken’s

RUNNERS UP � ServPro � Signature

� BEST CARPET CLEANING

DRY STEP

2201 Dixon St.740-816-4222

drystepcarpetcare.com

The listed phone number for DryStep Carpet takes you to owner LaurieMooney’s cell phone. Dry Step is runout of Mooney’s west side Delawarehome. When you call to make a clean-ing appointment, Mooney herselfshows up.

“I think we really take the time to

make sure we always do our best,”Mooney said. “We always put forth a100 percent effort to make sure the jobis done right.”

Dry Step has been in business for 12years and has been operating inDelaware for six. Husband Jim is alsoheavily involved with the business.

The company offers a variety ofitems, including seeds for animals,mower parts, tractor parts, sprayers forfarm lands, solar lights, canopies andclothing. Essentially, everything excepttractors, according to the companywebsite.

Receiver Betty Emmons says that the

store has a broad customer base, fromfarmers to suburban homeowners. Thestore touts a “do- it-yourself” mentality,providing the supplies for proactivepeople.

The Delaware location also featurescatering services for farm, ranch, homeand auto.

RUNNERS UP � Champion Feed � Pet Smart

DELAWARE PET STUFF

81 N. Sandusky St.740-368-1999

� BEST PET SUPPLIES

The “stuff” at Delaware Pet Stuff isonly a small part of what Sherri Mitchelloffers her animal-loving customers.

In addition to the products for dogs,cats, small animals, reptiles, birds andfish, Delaware Pet Stuff also provides afull-service grooming salon, pet adop-tion opportunities, and most recently,pet boarding and daycare.

Mitchell said she aspires to providenot only a shop, but a communityservice. With a bachelor’s degree inanimal science and a master’s in busi-ness, she said she focuses on educat-ing pet owners.

“I help people so that they’re happywith their pets, and that the bond isintact so that their pets don’t end up ina shelter,” Mitchell said. “We’re not

about selling product, we’re aboutbuilding relationships.”

The business has grown in its nineyears in downtown Delaware. About ayear ago, the shop opened an adjunctbusiness, Pet Town, which Mitchellsaid has been very popular. The board-ing facility provides a place for dogs toplay with each other during the day,and sleep in their own unique doghouses at night.

Pet Town is located at 435 B&CDunlap St., Delaware, and can bereached at 740-417-4824.

Store and grooming hours are 9a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Fridayand from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, visitdelawarepetstuff.com.

RUNNERS UP

FARM IMPLEMENT � JD EquipmentFARM SUPPLY � Cashman’s � Champion


� BEST FUNERAL SERVICES

RODMAN-NEEPERFUNERAL HOME1510W.William St.740-362-1611

rodmanneeper.com

For more than 100 years RodmanNeeper Funeral Home has offered a fullarray of services to meet people’s end-of-life needs.Formerly Bennett Brown Funeral

Home, the owner recently announcedthe merger of Rodman Neeper withSnyder funeral homes, now named theSnyder-Rodman Funeral Center.Each of the funeral homes’ facilities

will continue to operate as normal,DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home

President Clay Snyder said.The funeral home offers the only on-

site crematory in Delaware, an on-sitefloral arranger. It also provides its serv-ices in a single-floor building with achapel that can seat up to 370 people.“I’m just humbled that we were

again voted best funeral home,” saidGeorge Rodman, funeral director andco-owner of Rodman Neeper, who hasbeen in the funeral business since1975.

RUNNERS UP � Robinson � DeVore-Snyder

RUNNERS UP � Frontier � Nexgen

RUNNERS UP � SherwinWilliams � ACE Hardware

TIMEWARNER CABLE800-934-4181

timewarnercable.com� BEST INTERNET PROVIDER

DELAWARE PAINT CO.

32 Spring St.740-368-9981

� BEST PAINT STORE

For nearly 20 years, Time Warnerhas offered cable TV service, high-speed Internet access and homephone services. A company well

known for innovative technologiesand flexible packages, Time Warnermaintains more than 14 million cus-tomers across 28 states.

The Delaware Paint Co. attributesits 11 years of success to its localcharm, customer service and afford-able prices.“The customers that come to us are

the ones avoiding the big boxes,” saidPhil Hopkins, who shares ownership ofthe shop with Pete Newton.Together, they have about 40 years

of paint experience, Hopkins said.That experience shows in terms of

the number of loyal customers and the

shop’s growth.Hopkins said business increases

about 10 to 20 percent every year, andthe services have expanded into pro-viding for more industrial paint andexpoxy flooring projects.Delaware Paint Co. also offers cus-

tom color matching, interior and exteri-or stains.The shop is open 7:30 a.m. to 6

p.m., Mondays through Fridays from 8a.m. to noon on Saturdays.


1139 Columbus Pike • DelawareDelaware Square Shopping PlazaRoute 23 North by Movie Theatre

Tel: 740-363-8899Fax: 740-363-880

850 Sunbury Rd. • DelawareIn New Kohl’s Plaza, GlenwoodShopping Center, Next to AAA

Tel: 740-363-3200Fax: 740-363-0220

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKSunday Thru Thursday 10:30am - 10:30pm • Friday & Saturday 10:30am - 11pm

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL.DINE IN ONLY $1 OFF FOR MOM’S ON MOTHER’S DAY!Not valid with any other order. One Coupon per person. Must present coupon. Please bring Driver’s License Valid at both En

Super Buffet and Tian Fu Buffet.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US YOUR2012 READERS' CHOICE

#1 BEST BUFFET!22

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COMMON GROUND

193 E. Central Ave.740-369-3733

commongroundfreestore.com

� BEST NON-PROFIT

Open for more than five years, theCommon Ground Free Store is a non-profit that helps people in need by sup-plying household goods, clothing andshoes.

“A free store is a store where every-thing is free,” said Lori Falk, CommonGround Free Store director.

First opened by former directorBonnie Ristau in September 2006,Ristau saw the work being done at freestores in Columbus and wanted to bringthe same to Delaware County.

The Common Ground Free Store inDelaware is open three times a week,and people can come in to shop for anyclothing or household supplies theyneed. A meal is also offered during theirshopping experience. Last year alone,4,000 families were served.

The Free Store does not have any“hoops to jump through,” Falk said. Thestore doesn’t ask for income require-ments or proof of residency. Delaware’sFree Store does service some homelessshoppers, she added.

“I am just wonderfully surprised andpleased,” Falk said of the award.

Falk attributes the success to its vol-unteers and shoppers.

“We are truly a volunteer-drivenorganization,” Falk said. “We have justwonderful volunteers committed to our

mission — ‘Welcoming the Communityto Share in God’s Love and Gifts.’ It’struly a place where people can cometogether and build relationships.”

The Free Store also hosts a monthlyBingo game where shoppers can winprizes, such as paper goods and deter-gents that couldn’t otherwise be pur-chased with food stamps. A monthlymessage, music and meal is also offeredwhere a lay person or preacher comesin to share a spiritual message. Themeal is catered by Ohio WesleyanUniversity, Falk said.

Other special events includeChristmas shopping at the Free Storeand the Christian Praise Jam concert puton every summer at Mingo Park. TheFree Store also puts on a vacation Bibleschool in partnership with the DelawareCity Vineyard Church. A “mommy andme” play class is also being hosted.

Community donations can bemade during the store’s regular hours.Financial donations can be mailed tothe store at 193 E. Central Ave.,Delaware 43015.

The Common Ground Free Store’shours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondaysand Saturdays; and 3 to 6 p.m.Thursdays. The store also has an activeFacebook page.

� BEST MOBILE HOME PARK

SHROYER2000 U.S. 23NBuilding #A740-369-5575

Administrator Kay Shroyer relatesthat Shroyer’s Manufactured HousingCommunity is a place to call home,offering a country setting not far fromthe city with schools, shopping, restau-rants, hospital and recreational facili-ties all within a 5-mile radius of thecommunity.

Shroyer believes that one’s lifeshould be lived in a fun, safe, conven-ient and healthy environment.Shroyer’s community possesses regula-tions designed to provide optimum

lifestyle enjoyment. The majority ofcommunity residents are seniors andsemi-retired, and they enjoy the peaceand quiet, along with fishing andnature, said Shroyer.

“They do have occasional friends,such as raccoons, rabbits and geeseinvading their flower beds, whichbecomes a challenge sometimes,”Shroyer said. “I’m very proud of thepride our residents take in their prop-erty and I’ve always said I have the bestresidents in Delaware County.”

RUNNERS UP � Worthington Arms � Crystal Lake

RUNNERS UP � People In Need � Humane Society


THANK YOU FOR VOTINGUS YOUR 2012 READER’SCHOICE #1 CARPET AND

FLOORING STORE!

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� BEST PET GROOMINGMUDDY PAWS

884 Stratford Road/740-368-8844

Owner Lynda Jackson said its hernoticeable passion for pets and person-al touch that sets Muddy Paws apartfrom other dog groomers.

Jackson and her groomer, Judy Hicks,have been in the business eight years.

“We wanted to do something that weknew would help the animals,” Jacksonsaid. “If you’re nice and you really careabout your people and your dogs, Ithink that really pays off.”

For example, she said she plans to

offer free dog grooming for owners fac-ing financial troubles. As Jackson said,“it’s not the dog’s fault.”

The business has expanded in thelast few years, moving from HorseshoeRoad to its current, larger location onStratford Road. The shop, which spe-cializes primarily in dogs, grooms about40 pets a week, Jackson said.

Appointments are required for allservices except for nail care, and can bescheduled Monday through Saturday.

RUNNERS UP � Delaware Pet Groomers � Delaware Pet Stuff

RUNNERS UP � Walgreen’s � Ritzman RUNNERS UP � Heather Kamann � Forman Realty

CVS PHARMACYVarious Locations/cvs.com

� BEST PHARMACY

CVS has a comprehensive pharmacy,offering prescriptions in addition toitems covering the drug store gamut.

Delaware Store Manager Jeff Haugbelieves the best thing about being in asmaller community such as Delaware is

the fact that many of his clients arerepeat customers who have patronizedhis store since it opened.

“We're a hometown store,” Haugsaid. “We provide good service thatkeeps our customers coming back.”

PRICE REALTY

68 N. Sandusky St.740-363-9911

� BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

After 20 years of service, PriceReality is one of the few local, inde-pendent real estate companies still inDelaware, agent Doug Price said.

The industry has changed a lot inthe past two decades, particularlywith the integration of technology,and Price Realty has kept pace.

“We’ve kept up with the technolo-gy and offer all the same services asthe big companies offer,” Price said.

For example, its interactive web-site includes a mortgage calculator, amap of Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD) listings, andlinks for areas of interest in DelawareCounty, among other features.

In the past year, the companybegan implementing QuickResponse codes, a type of matrix barcode, on its yard signs, Price said.Using this matrix bar code, prospec-tive buyers can call up the listing ofthat house on their smart phones.

The technological evolution hasnot altered the core business model,which is customer service, Pricesaid.

Price Realty is open from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday andfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. SaturdayAppointments at other times can alsobe arranged.


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SUPER WASH &TAN740-362-8268

� BEST TANNING SALON

The Super Wash and Tan has theschedule and the specials that appeal toDelaware County residents, said VickieClosson, director of operations.

The tanning salon is open seven daysa week, 363 days a year, from 7 a.m. to11 p.m. It offers club memberships,which grant a month of unlimited tan-ning at a reduced rate and product dis-counts; features Monday specials forthe sunless, spray tan booth; andrecently began promoting various dailyin-store specials. The salon also hasBody by Vi nutritional supplement.

Closson said the friendly employees

have played a major role in the salon’ssuccess, which led it to open a secondvenue in 2009 at Glenwood Commons.The staff is well-trained in skin care andthe tanning process to better assist thecustomers, she said.

Located in the back of the SuperWash laundry, this salon allows multi-tasking tanners to darken their skinwhile waiting for their clothes to dry.Closson said the Delaware community“continues to open their arms” to thesalon, which strives to “give back to thecustomers in the community as much aswe can.”

RUNNERS UP � L.A.Tan

RUNNERS UP � Amanda Plumbing � Wells

RUNNERS UP � Sarah Moore � Delaware Court Health Care

� BEST PLUMBING

EMERGENCY PLUMBING

55 N. Sandusky St.740-548-5453

delawareohioplumbing.com

Emergency Plumbing, a family-owned and locally-operated business at55 N. Sandusky St. Delaware, has beenserving the area for more than 30 yearswith family members Nick, Jen, Dougand Pete Rose.

The business offers 24-hour serviceand does underground water, sewer

and gas lines and video camera inspec-tion. Jen Rose said she believes theyreceived the honor of best plumberbecause of the services they offer andthe fact that they are family owned andoperated. She also believes the longevi-ty of the business helps with customersatisfaction.

Offering a variety of housing options,including assisted living, skilled nursingand rehabilitation, independent homesand apartments, Alzheimer's care andadult day care, Willow Brook is a not-for-profit, church-related organizationthat offers not only housing but alsolifestyle options for a wide range ofbackgrounds, interests and needs.

One reader said of Willow Brook, "Ihave friends there and they are tremen-dous. If I were tied up for long and hadto spend time resting up, that would bewhere I'd like to spend my time. It'sclean, their staff is great and you won'tfind better facilities. They have numer-ous programs for those living there andthe food is terrific."

WILLOW BROOK100Willow BrookWay South100 Delaware CrossingWest

willow-brook.org

� BEST RETIRED/CARE FACILITY


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� BEST FLORISTROBINSON’S

60 Lake St./740-363-4768robinsonsflowershop.net

RUNNERS UP � Delaware Flooring � Rite Rug

RUNNERS UP � Gibson’s � County Blessings

KELLY’S CARPET2079 London Road/740-417-4218

kellyswholesalecarpet.com� BEST CARPET/FLOORING

Coming to Delaware by way ofDalton, Ga., the “Carpet Capital of theWorld,” Kelly Belcher knows a thing ortwo about quality flooring.

That could explain why, just fiveyears after opening, his store is thriv-ing. But he attributes the success to thehands-on approach he takes as anowner, his great staff and his loyal areacustomers.

“I’ve got the same guys that have

been working for me since I opened,”he said. “There’s just a lot of consisten-cy there.”

Those “guys” know how to do thejob and what is expected of them bythe boss, allowing the installationprocess to run smoothly.

“In almost five years of business I’venever had to go back and re-stretch thecarpet,” he said. “If you do it right thefirst time, you don’t have to.”

Robinson’s Flower Shop was start-ed as a family business and that tra-dition carries on. Don and ShirleyRobinson started the business inDelaware 30 years ago and itremains in the same location today.In running the business, they arejoined by their daughter, Dodie, and,

from time to time, their grandchil-dren.

The full-service shop offers anarray of colorful flowers, delivery andguaranteed customer satisfaction.

“We’re proud of our work and thepeople who do it,” said co-ownerShirley Robinson.


� BEST GARDEN CENTER� BEST GIFT SHOP

OAKLAND NURSERY

25 Kilbourne Road740-369-5454

oaklandnursery.com

Oakland Nursery at 25 KilbourneRoad offers everything gardening forDelawareans from shrubs, trees andperennials to annuals and groundcover. The nursery also offers designand planting services.

Paul and John Reiner have ownedand operate the nursery along with gen-eral manager John Ewing since theyopened in 1990.

“When we first moved in, it was pret-

ty rural,” Ewing said, adding that nowwith the development of the mall andthe housing, urbanization has changedthe look of the area.

“People of Delaware County and thecity have really supported us, alongwith the surrounding areas,” he said.

Ewing said he was surprised andpleased“ to be chosen as best garden andgift shop. It means a lot to us,” he said.

RUNNE R S UP

GARDEN CENTER � Miller’s Country Garden � FortmeyerGIFT SHOP � Hallmark � Beehive

16 NORTH SANDUSKY STREET, DELAWAREPH: 740-369-3850 FX: 740-417-4245

2280826

Juicy Hamburgers

Fresh Cut Fries • Shakes

Thank you for voting us yourReaders' Choice for Best Hamburger,

French Fries, & Breakfast.

New Summermenu and lots ofnew appetizers.Join us onour patio

Thank You Delawarefor Voting Us The BestCarpet Care Service...

4 YearsIn A Row!

CARPET CAREWe Don’t

$oak Our Clients!

Laurie &Jim Mooney

Locally/FamilyOwned and Operated

740-816-4222

www.drystepcarpetcare.comWe’re Not The Biggest, Just The Best!

Laurie &Jim Mooney

Locally/FamilyOwned and Operated

740-816-4222

Carpet, Rugs,Tile andUpholstery Care for 12 Years!

Mention this ad and receive a

10% discounton your next service$75 minimum applies.

Expires 12/31/12.Offer not valid with other discounts.

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HARDWARE EXCHANGE141 S. Sandusky St.

740-363-1301

� BEST HARDWARE &HOME IMPROVEMENT

The secret to Hardware Exchange’ssuccess is collaborating with, notworking against, the competition,according to co-owner AndyAnderson.

“If you work well with competitors,they’ll work well with you,” he said.

The shop has been a family-ownedbusiness since 1985, when it was pur-chased from Farmers’ Exchange.

RUNNERS UP � ACE Hardware � Home Depot

RUNNERS UP � Staples � Office City

� BEST OFFICE SUPPLYOFFICE MAXVarious Locationsofficemax.com

The OfficeMax corporationdescribes itself as a leader in both busi-ness-to-business office products solu-tions and retail office products.

The company sells paper, in-storeprint and document services, technolo-

gy products and furniture to consumersand businesses.

The company has more than 900stores nationwide — two of which arein Delaware County.


� BEST ART & CRAFT SUPPLIESJOANN’S

1265 Polaris Pkwy./614-840-9277

It is a one-stop shop for all your craftneeds, and that’s what sets it apart fromthe rest, according to store leaderMichelle Cook.

“We’re not only a craft store, we’re afabric store,” she said. “We have bothall in one stop.”

But Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store ismore than just what the name entails.It is also a place to learn.

The store, which opened in 1999,also hosts about 100 classes each quar-ter. People of all ages can learn how to

knit, how to decorate cakes or how tosew. Up to 250 people take part in theclasses each quarter, according toCook. Registration for classes can bedone in store, online or over thephone.

Cook said that earning the recogni-tion of the community is a proudmoment for the staff of nearly 65 at thestore.

“Our staff will feel real good aboutthis because everybody takes pride inthe store,” Cook said.

RUNNERS UP � Michael’s � Fundamentals

RUNNERS UP � Beer Kooler � Wendy’s

DEL-COVARIOUS LOCATIONS

� BEST DRIVE THRU

A mainstay of the Delaware commu-nity for more than 20 years, Del-Co is aname that is familiar with more thanone generation of Delawareans.Offering both pizza, a drive thru and acar wash, the two locations are easilyaccessible on both the north and east

sides of the city.Manager Troy Needels was surprised

and pleased at the Readers’ Choicerecognition.

Needels said he thinks the honor wasreceived because of the “quality, time andpride we put into what we do.”

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2280316

OPEN YEAR ROUND!Hours Mon.-Sat. 8am-9pm, Sun. 9-6

Delivery service available

• Largest selection of roses in the midwest – scores of varieties!

• Annuals & perennials

• Complete gardening lines

• Vegetables & culinary herbs

• Exotic plants - indoor & outdoor varieties

• Fruit trees

• Shade & ornamental trees

• Flowering shrubs

• Evergreens

• Fertilizer, mulch, & seed

• Unique garden art

• Home decor, Gifts & More

If you haven’t been to Oakland Nurseries,you simply haven’t been to a nursery!

Visit our website at: www.oaklandnursery.comfor online garden tips, the purchase of Oakland Gift Cards & more seasonal specials!

Quality, Selection & ServiceLet our horticulturally-trained staff assist

you with all your garden needs

Thank You to theDelaware Gazette readers forvoting us “Best Garden Center

& Best Gift Shop!”

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2280

332

740-369-5454DELAWARE – 25 Kilbourne Rd. (NW corner Rt. 36/37 & Kilbourne)

Readers Choice 2012

Documents

Transcript of Readers Choice 2012