Best of Cape Coral; Businesses feted at luncheon
Businesses by the score gathered at Overtime Pizza Wednesday for the annual Best of Cape Coral awards luncheon, presented by the Cape Coral Breeze.
The best of the best businesses, owners and staff celebrated being voted No. 1 by readers, enjoying a delicious spread by the hosting restaurant, along with sumptuous cupcakes by Lady Cakes, and several prize packages that were raffled off, all donated by local companies.
Dr. Mel Youngs, D.C, P.A., is a frequent winner of the reader’s-choice awards, along with her very successful Chiropractic Physicians and Wellness Spa practice, awarded three plaques this year for Best Chiropractor, Best Massage Therapy and Best Spa.
“It’s so exciting and so cool – I love my job and all of my patients,” Youngs said. “I’m so proud to be a part of this community. I grew up here; my dad’s business, Yum’s Ice Cream, was originally in the building my practice is in now, with him regularly winning Best Of awards, as well. I have a wonderful team of 33 people who all love what they do, and we’re just so happy that we can help make the city of Cape Coral the best. Thanks so much for these awards – it’s truly an honor.”
Another regular Best Of award recipient, the staff of Merrick Seafood and Fish Tale Grill, were in attendance, this year receiving plaques for Best Oysters, Best Seafood Market, Best Catering and Best Seafood Restaurant.
As consultant and previous owner of the seafood market Joan Santorico said, “We’ve been awarded Best Of plaques since The Breeze first started these ceremonies, and so thankful for the community for always voting us the best.”
“I’ve worked with the Merrick Seafood family for years now, and I love every minute of it,” said Merrick employee Coral Pratillo.
The folks of Slate’s were awarded the most plaques for a single business this year, with seven in tow: Best Casual Fine Dining, Best Jazz Club, Best Restaurant, Best Sunday Brunch, Best Appetizers, Best Dessert, and Best Steak.
A man of few words, it appeared Slate’s owner and head chef Allan Cotter held back some tears of joy while stating, “We’ve been hard working at it hard working.”
Judy Johnson, director of Cape Coral Technical College, was sure to attend the awards ceremony Wednesday, accepting the plaque for Best Vocational School.
“I’m so thrilled and excited,” she said. “Anytime we can speak on the wonders of our school and be acknowledged for all it provides, we love it.”
Breeze General Manager and Advertising Director Jim Konig offered congratulations to all of the 2017 Best of Cape Coral award recipients, and a thank you to the events hosts at Overtime Pizza.
For a full list of the winners, see the Best of Cape Coral 2017 book inside today’s Breeze.
Visit the Cape Coral Breeze Facebook page for photos of all the winners in attendance, and feel free to share and tag.