Welcome to the 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards: The Best of the Town & Country Leader. The businesses awarded here were named the best in our four-county readership area, spanning Clay, Ray, Clinton and Caldwell counties.
Voting took place in November and December 2017. During that time, readers were encouraged to enter the names of their favorite businesses and service providers, ranging from large businesses, like area grocery stores or car dealerships, to their favorite bartender or hair salon. Every category of business was considered that serves our four-county area. Voters’ answers were fill-in-the-blank — not multiple choice — so these winners are truly the “Readers’ Choice.”
We were very encouraged by our readers’ participation in the voting process as the voter count almost doubled this year. Hundreds of votes were tallied to produce the list of winners you now hold in your hands.
The entrepreneurs listed here should be commended for their outstanding accomplishments over the past year. These men and women provide the best customer service and loyalty to our communities. They don’t just simply make a living, they make our communities comfortable and hospitable places to live.
Our patronage and support of these local businesses will help ensure a healthy, prosperous future for us all. Please help congratulate these Readers’ Choice winners with your continued business. We’re sure there are a few businesses listed here you have never visited. Perhaps now is the time to try something new, something that is obviously a “Readers’ Choice” among your peers.
Reader’s Choice: The Best of the Town & Country Leader is an annual event, so be ready to cast your vote again next November. Keep your favorite businesses in mind when we ask again for your choice in the Town & Country Leader’s best businesses!
Thank you to our readers for participating and congratulations once again to our winners.
— Brian Rice, Publisher
Excelsior Springs Standard,
Town & Country Leader
In the best restaurants category, residents voted for the following businesses: Best Pizza went to Casey’s General Store; Best Barbecue went to Wabash BBQ; Best Fast Food went to Sonic; Best Steak Dinner went to Ventana Gourmet Grill; Best Tenderloin went to Wabash BBQ; Best Chinese/Asian went to Golden Leaf Chinese Restaurant; Best Mexican went to El Maguey Mexican Restaurant; Best Breakfast went to Mill Inn Restaurant; Best Lunch went to Willow Spring Mercantile; Best ice cream/dessert went to Dari-B; Best Family Restaurant went to Ventana Gourmet Grill, and Best Overall Restaurant also went to Ventana Gourmet Grill.
The following agricultural businesses were also recognized by locals for excellence: Best Implement Dealer went to Ag Power John Deere; Best Farm / Feed Supply Store went to Orscheln Farm & Home; Best Farmers Market went to Downtown Excelsior.
In the automotive categories, the following businesses were recognized: Best Auto/Truck Dealership went to Chuck Anderson Ford; Best Auto Repair went to Rite-Way Auto; Best Auto Body Shop went to Bob’s Collision; Best Tire Store went to Rite-Way Auto; Best Wrecker/Tow Service went to Rite-Way Auto; and Best Mechanic went to Chris Nance of Nance’s Auto.
In the best people categories, voters recognized the following professionals: Best Accountant/Tax Service went to Evan Tripp, CPA; Best Financial Advisor went to Brian Yarbrough, Edward Jones Investments; Best Attorney went to Tim Tipton, Tipton Law Office; Best Physician was awarded to Dr. Erin Schreier, Schreier Family Medicine; Best Veterinarian was awarded to Dr. Pete Rucker, Excelsior Springs Animal Clinic; Best Chiropractor went to Dr. Devin Bowman, Bowman Chiropractic; Best Dentist went to Dr. Scott Craven, Family Dentistry; Best Eye Doctor went to Dr. Scott Foster, Family Vision Center; Best Real Estate Agent went to the Bill Hightower Team; Best Insurance Agent went to Billy Hale, Shelter Insurance; Best Bartender was awarded to Kelsey Carpenter, Atlas Saloon; Best Auctioneer went to Jim McCullough at ConAg Auction; Best Dog Groomer went to K9 Clips; Best Handyman went to Rodney Holt; Best Photographer/Artist went to Kevin Morgan, Kevin Morgan Photography; Best Teacher was awarded to Seth Morton; and Best Coach went to Mario DeLeon.
In the best services category, the following were recognized: Best Hospital went to Excelsior Springs Hospital; Best Fitness Facility went to Excelsior Springs Community Center; Best Heating & Cooling went to Colvin’s Heating and Cooling; Best Lawn Service went to Cutting Edge; Best Daycare was awarded to Talented Tots; Best Nursing Home/Rehab went to Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center; Best Senior Housing went to Excelsior Springs Hospital Independent Living Center; Best Plumber went to Chick Malone and M&M Plumbing; and Best Electrician was awarded to Gary Sanson.
Voters also recognized the following in the Business category: Best Hardware Store went to Westlake Hardware; Best Lumber Company went to Owen Lumber; and Best Flooring Store went to Shelton’s Floor.
Thanks to all of our readers for voting in the 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards, and congratulations to all the people, organizations and businesses recognized by our community.