Area’s best businesses come together
They ranged from Best Arcade to Best Veterinarian, but they all had something in common: It was customers and clients who voted them as the best in North Fort Myers.
Dozens of the community’s favorite businesses gathered at Bianca’s Restaurant on Tuesday to be recognized by the North Fort Myers Neighbor.
The Best of North Fort Myers luncheon, sponsored by The Breeze Newspapers, has become one of the most anticipated business events, celebrating those companies that go the extra mile to provide great customer service and keep patrons coming through the door.
The winners are selected via ballot printed in The Neighbor and returned by readers.
“It’s quite an honor. It points to what a great job they do for the community and the residents take heart in voting for them. It recognizes the hard work they do servicing the customers and being there for them,” said Scott Blonde, publisher. “They represent a broad base of the economy and those who have done the best job.”
There were a few repeat winners, including Best Optometrist Dr. Terry Tucker, who won for the 14th time. Englund’s Deli won for the seventh straight year, while the Carpet Barn won for the sixth time and Twistee Treat, the iconic ice-cream cone shaped building on Pine Island Road, took home its fifth “Best of” in a row.
There were also several first-time winners, such as Al Giacalone, whose RockStar Realty was named best Real Estate Agency while he was named Best Realtor, making him a double winner.
“I’m ecstatic. It’s the first time I’ve won after 10 years, so I’ve finally done it. I appreciate the support and the votes I got,” Giacalone said. “I voted for us every year, but finally enough in the community voted for us.”
Bayshore Truck & Auto, Bella Mia Restaurant, and Bayshore Guns & Gold were also among the first-time winners.
In addition to owners, many came with employees and others serving on their behalf.
One, Brian Holman, of Discount Pets & Supplies, was especially proud, since his company won both Best of both North Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
“It’s about paying attention to detail, it’s what your customer wants and needs and do your best to fulfill their needs,” Holman said. “It’s about customer service.”
Giacalone, who was also North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce president, said awards like these are great for the community.
“It says a lot. I go out and look for different services. Customer service has gone by the wayside, so I have to think they’re here because they provide excellent customer service,” Giacalone said. “Congratulations to the winners and I hope for a repeat.”
Photos from the North Fort Myers “Best of” luncheon will be posted to The Neighbor’s Facebook page as well as online at northfortmyersneighbor.com We invite the winners and readers to “tag” and “share.”
Winners:
Best Arcade: Vegas Queens Arcade
Best Bar-B-Q: Smoke’n Pit Bar-B-Q
Best Breakfast: The Go Go Diner
Best Chinese Restaurant: China King Buffet
Best Deli, Sandwich & Submarine: Englund’s Deli & Sub Shop
Best Ice Cream: Twistee Treat
Best Italian & Pizza Restaurant: Bella Mia Pizza & Restaurant
Best Restaurant & Bar; Best Steak & Hamburger: Cactus Jack Southwest Bar & Grill
Best Seafood & Waterfront Restaurant: 3 Fishermen Seafood Restaurant
Best Sports Bar: Jersey’s Sports Cafe
Best Wings: Hogbody’s Bar & Grill
Best Boat Dealer & Service: San Carlos Marine
Best Computer Store: Millennium Computers
Best Consignment Store: LuLu’s Solitary Consignment
Best Florist: Stephanie’s Floral Designs
Best Furniture Store: Badcock Home Furniture & More
Best Gift Shop & Shell Store: The Shell Factory & Nature Park
Best Golf Cart Store: Affordable Carts, LLC
Best Grocery Store, Bakery & Seafood: Publix
Best Gun Dealer: Bayshore Guns & Gold, Inc.
Best Handbags & Accessories: Holly’s House
Best Health Food Store: Mother Earth Natural Foods
Best Liquor Store: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Best Pawn Shop: Larry’s Pawn Shop
Best Tire Dealer: Micky Franklins Wholesale Tire
Best Used Car Dealer: Honest Ziggy’s Car Deals
Best Women’s Clothing Store: Bealls
Best Auto Body Shop: All-Pro Automotive
Best Auto Insurance Agency: Direct Auto Insurance
Best Auto Repair: Seeley’s Auto Repair
Best Bank: Wells Fargo Bank
Best Barber: Tracy’s Hair Design
Best Boat Builder: Nor-Tech High Performance Boats
Best Car Wash: Grease Monkey
Best Chiropractor: Means Family Chiropractic Clinic
Best Daycare/Preschool: Faith Academy Preschool
Best Dentisttie: Dr. Richard A. Chumbler, DMD
Best Dentisttie: Dr. Sidney Christie, DMD
Best Dry Cleaner & Laundromat: Bright N Clean Coin Laundry
Best Electrician: Florida Sky Electric
Best Exterminator/Pest Control: Truly Nolan
Best Family Practitioner: Dr. Joseph Aloise, DO
Best Flooring (carpet & tile)tie: Carousel Carpets
Best Flooring (carpet & tile)tie: The Carpet Barn, Inc.
Best Funeral/Cremation Service: Affordable Cremations, A Dignified Alternative
Best Golf Course: El Rio Golf Club
Best Hair Salon: Hair Connection
Best Hearing Center: Hoglund Family Hearing and Audiology Center
Best Heating & Air Conditioning Company: Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling
Best Home Owners Insurance Agency: Lee County Insurance Agency
Best Hotel/Motel: Best Western
Best Lawn Service Companytie: Brent’s Lawn & Tree Service
Best Lawn Service Companytie: Chris Leverrett Lawn Service
Best Manufactured Home Park: Buccaneer Estates
Best Marina: Marinatown Yacht Harbor
Best Massage Therapist: David Spina at Darlene’s Hair Hut
Best Mobile Home Park: Forest Park Mobile Home Park
Best Nail Salon: Nail Art II
Best Nursery & Landscaping Company: Bayshore Garden Center
Best Optometrist: Dr. Terry L. Tucker, OD
Best Painting Contractors: A Shade Above Painting, Inc.
Best Pet Grooming: Brower Kennel & Grooming
Best Pet Shop: Discount Pets & Supplies
Best Pharmacy: Publix
Best Plumbing Company: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Best Podiatrist: Dr. Joseph Campbell, DPM
Best Pool Service: Pool Doctor Service & Supplies, Inc.
Best Printer & Sign Company: All American Printing
Best Real Estate Agency: Rock Star Realty
Best Realtor/Broker: Al Giacalone
Best Roofing Company: Nastar Roofing, Inc.
Best RV Park: Pioneer Village RV Resort
Best Self Storage Facility: Uncle Bob’s Self Storage
Best Senior Care: No Place Like Home Senior Care
Best Tax Service: Liberty Tax Service
Best Thrift Store: Goodwill Retail & Donation Center
Best Transmission Service: Bayshore Truck & Auto Repair
Best Veterinarian: Bayshore Animal Hospital