While pundits ponder the intricacies of polling data in the U.S. presidential election, we asked our readers to complete ballots of a different kind, measuring the best of the best in Arkansas, from dance clubs to dry cleaners to dermatologists. You chimed in with gusto on your favorite milkshakes and massage therapists, cemented Sen. Tom Cotton’s status as a perennial contender in our “Worst Arkansan” category and name-dropped your most trusted health care providers in the Little Rock area.
To dig deeper into the zeitgeist that produced this year’s poll results, Arkansas Times food editor Rhett Brinkley traced the trajectory of botox’s popularity in the state from ill-advised party trick to widely adopted self-care protocol in a clinical setting, erasing the ravages of time and sun exposure — including those pesky frown lines between your eyebrows. Then, Brinkley crossed time zones to interview Landis Wayne Shook, a Natural State native who took up residency in Taiwan and decided to open an Arkansas-inspired diner in Kaohsiung City, where you’ll find Southern-style biscuits and gravy that one diner deemed “too filling.” Times contributor Tara Escolin sat down with Zina Al-Shukri, a Little Rock-based, Baghdad-born portrait artist whose work as an art therapist reaches inmates incarcerated at the Pulaski County Jail. Editorial director Stephanie Smittle sang the praises of TikTok star Craig “Big Chef” Taylor’s oxtail special at It’s Time to Eat, a soul food restaurant that adjoins the nondenominational church Taylor pastors in North Little Rock. Our culture editor, Daniel Grear, peeked into the crawlspaces of Central Arkansas with McCrory native Eric Young of Blackbird Home Inspections — a business that our readers have named a trustworthy favorite year after year. Arkansas Times summer intern Milo Strain peeled back the innards of custom guitars with boutique luthier Dave Fry of Fry Guitars, who’s been making dreamy custom axes for Central Arkansas’s pickers since 2010, while staff photographer Brian Chilson captured the ink at longtime reader favorite 7th Street Tattoo.
Read those stories at the links above, and read on for a full list of the winners and finalists in our annual readers poll.
Recreation
Bike trail
Winner: Arkansas River Trail
Finalists: Pinnacle Mountain State Park Monument Trails (Roland), Razorback Greenway (Northwest Arkansas), Northwoods Trail (Hot Springs), Coler Mountain Bike Preserve (Bentonville)
Cheap date
Winner: Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Finalists: The Old Mill (North Little Rock), Big Dam Bridge, Riverfront Park, Rock Town River Outfitters
Family attraction
Winner: Little Rock Zoo
Finalists: Museum of Discovery, Magic Springs Theme and Water Park (Hot Springs), Topgolf, Main Event Little Rock
Golf course
Winner: Burns Park Golf Course (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Rebsamen Golf Course, Chenal Country Club, Pleasant Valley Country Club, Red Apple Inn & Country Club (Heber Springs)
Gym/place to work out
Winner: Little Rock Athletic Club
Finalists: Blue Yoga Nyla, Jolly Bodies, Omnis CrossFit, Rock City Complete Fitness
Hiking trail
Winner: Pinnacle Mountain State Park (Roland)
Finalists: Emerald Park (North Little Rock), Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area (Roland), Ozark Highlands Trail, Lake Atalanta (Rogers)
Marina
Winner: Mountain Harbor Marina on Lake Ouachita (Mount Ida)
Finalists: Eden Isle Marina on Greers Ferry Lake (Heber Springs), Brady Mountain Resort & Marina on Lake Ouachita (Royal), Fairfield Bay Marina (Shirley), Rock City Yacht Club
Outdoor attraction
Winner: Buffalo National River
Finalists: Garvan Woodland Gardens (Hot Springs), Petit Jean State Park (Morrilton), Pinnacle Mountain State Park (Roland), Big Dam Bridge
Park
Winner: Petit Jean State Park (Morrilton)
Finalists: Two Rivers Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park (Roland), Murray Park, Wilson Park (Fayetteville)
Place to canoe/kayak/tube
Winner: Buffalo National River
Finalists: Ouachita River, Caddo River, Mulberry River, Saline River
Place to mountain bike
Winner: Pinnacle Mountain State Park Monument Trails
Finalists: Mt. Nebo State Park Monument Trails, OZ Trails (Northwest Arkansas), River Mountain Trails, Northwoods Trails (Hot Springs)
Place to swim
Winner: Greers Ferry Lake
Finalists: Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton, Charlton Recreation Area, Remmel Dam
Resort
Winner: Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (Mount Ida)
Finalists: Oaklawn Racing Casino
Resort (Hot Springs), Gaston’s White River Resort (Lakeview), Shangri-La Resort (Mount Ida), The Cabins at Lobo Landing (Heber Springs)
Weekend getaway
Winner: Eureka Springs
Finalists: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs), Red Apple Inn & Country Club (Heber Springs), Gaston’s White River Resort (Lakeview), Cherokee Casino & Hotel (Roland, Oklahoma)
Education
Best Pre-K or Preschool
Winner: Little Rock School District
Finalists: Little Rock Christian Academy, Child Development Center, Langston Aerospace and Environmental Magnet School, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Early Learning Center
Community college
Winner: UA Pulaski Tech (North Little Rock)
Finalists: National Park College (Hot Springs), Northwest Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, Southeast Arkansas College/SEARK (Pine Bluff)
Four-year college or university
Winner: University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
Finalists: Hendrix College, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Central Arkansas (Conway), Arkansas State University (Jonesboro)
Private school
Winner: The Anthony School
Finalists: Episcopal Collegiate School, Little Rock Christian Academy, Pulaski Academy, Catholic High School for Boys
Public school
Winner: Little Rock Central High School
Finalists: North Little Rock High School, Conway High School, Parkview High School, Pulaski Heights Middle School
Local Entertainment
Artist
Winner: Ashlee Nobel
Finalists: Judd Mann, Guy Bell, Zina Al-Shukri, Jeff Horton
Author
Winner: Kat Robinson
Finalists: Ayana Gray, Kevin Brockmeier, Trenton Lee Stewart, David Hill
Comedian
Winner: Gene Berry
Finalists: Brett Ihler, Nick Moore, May Gayden, David Bair
Country band/artist
Winner: Ashley McBryde
Finalists: Bonnie Montgomery, Cliff & Susan (Susan Erwin and Cliff Prowse), Tyler Kinch, Willi Carlisle
Dance club
Winner: Discovery
Finalists: Club Sway, Brewski’s Pub & Grub, Electric Cowboy, Club 27
DJ
Winner: Mike Poe
Finalists: g-force, JJ Wilson, Ryan Mullins, DJ Drewster
Family Attraction
Winner: Little Rock Zoo
Finalists: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park (Hot Springs), Main Event, Museum of Discovery, Top Golf
Filmmaker
Winner: Corbin Pitts
Finalists: Graham Gordy, Cassie Keet, Amman Abbasi, Jack Lofton
Gay bar
Winner: Discovery
Finalists: Sway, 610 Center, Triniti Nightclub, Chaps
Hip-hop artist
Winner: Big Piph
Finalists: Stoney Jackson, 607, chordandjocks, MvK Lxui$
Jazz band/group
Winner: Big Dam Horns
Finalists: The Rodney Block Collective, Funkanites, Ted Ludwig Trio, Clyde Pound Trio
Late night spot
Winner: White Water Tavern
Finalists: Four Quarter Bar (North Little Rock), Brewski’s Pub & Grub, Midtown Billiards, Pizza D’Action
Live music festival
Winner: King Biscuit Blues Festival (Helena-West Helena)
Finalists: Bangin’ In The Rock, Hillberry Music Festival (Eureka Springs), Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival (Hot Springs), FreshGrass (Bentonville)
Live music venue
Winner: The Hall
Finalists: White Water Tavern, Simmons Bank Arena, Rev Room, Four Quarter Bar (North Little Rock)
Local actor/actress
Winner: Ashlie Atkinson
Finalists: Anthony James Gerard, Judy Trice, Sascha Bass, Dariane LyJoi Mull
Local theater
Winner: Arkansas Repertory Theatre
Finalists: Argenta Contemporary Theatre (North Little Rock), The Joint Comedy Theater (North Little Rock), The Studio Theater, Actors Theatre of Little Rock
Local tourist attraction
Winner: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
Finalists: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Bathhouse Row (Hot Springs), Clinton Presidential Center, Argenta Contemporary Theatre
Movie theater
Winner: Riverdale 10 VIP Cinema
Finalists: Cinemark Colonel Glenn and XD, CALS Ron Robinson Theater, Movie Tavern, AMC Chenal 9
Museum
Winner: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Finalists: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville), Museum of Discovery, Mid-America Science Museum (Hot Springs), Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
Neighborhood festival
Winner: Hillcrest Harvestfest
Finalists: Dogtown Throwdown (North Little Rock), Toad Suck Daze (Conway), SoMardi Gras, Arkansas Cornbread Festival
Performing arts group
Winner: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Finalists: Ballet Arkansas, O’Donovan School of Irish Dance, Little Rock Winds, Voices Ensemble-University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Photographer
Winner: Katie Childs, Matthew Sewell (tie)
Finalists: Christopher Nolan Photography, Kelley Cooper, The Creative Hub
Place for karaoke
Winner: White Water Tavern
Finalists: Town Pump, Brewski’s Pub & Grub, Willy D’s, Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge
Place for trivia
Winner: Flyway Brewing
Finalists: Fassler Hall, Brewski’s Pub & Grub, Midtown Billiards, Puritan Coffee & Beer (Fayetteville)
Place to gamble
Winner: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff), Cherokee Casino and Hotel (Roland, Oklahoma), Southland Casino Hotel (West Memphis), Choctaw Casino (Pocola, Oklahoma)
Poet
Winner: Leron McAdoo
Finalists: Carter Kirby, Kai Coggin, R.J. Looney, Ed Madden
Rock band
Winner: Mayday by Midnight
Finalists: Bad Habit, Pallbearer, Colour Design, PETT
Sports betting app
Winner: Oaklawn Sports
Finalists: Bet Saracen, Betly Sportsbook
Sports bar
Winner: Brewski’s Pub & Grub
Finalists: The Hillcrest Fountain, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Prospect Sports Bar, Legends Sports Bar at Saracen Casino (Pine Bluff)
Local Media
Blog
Winner: The Mighty Rib
Finalists: Blue Hog Report, Arkansas Blog, Tie Dye Travels, Best of Arkansas Sports
Columnist/reporter
Winner: Dwain Hebda (Ya!Mule Wordsmiths)
Finalists: Austin Gelder, Kat Robinson, Stephanie Smittle, John Allen French
Marketing firm
Winner: CJRW
Finalists: Cranford Co., Eric Rob & Isaac, Taneja Marketing Group, Thoma Thoma
Newspaper writer
Winner: Dwain Hebda (Ya!Mule Wordsmiths)
Finalists: Rex Nelson, John Brummett, Helaine Williams, Austin Gelder
Podcast
Winner: Arkansas Times-Week in Review
Finalists: United States of Murder, Put Your Books Down, Bear Grease, Blackbelt Voices
Radio personality
Winner: Heather Brown (Alice 107.7)
Finalists: Roger Scott (103.7 The Buzz), Tom Wood (Arkansas Rocks), Shayne Gray (KABF 88.3), David Bazzell (103.7 The Buzz)
Radio station
Winner: Alice 107.7
Social media presence
Winner: The Mighty Rib
Finalists: Arkansas Times, Blue Hog Report, Ryan Taneja, Dads After Dark Radio
TV meteorologist
Winner: Todd Yakoubian (formerly of KATV, now of KARK)
Finalists: Tom Brannon (THV11), Melinda Mayo (KATV), Barry Brandt (KATV), Skot Covert (THV11)
Finalists: KABZ 103.7 The Buzz, KUAR-FM 89.1, KLRE-FM 90.5, KABF-FM 88.3
TV personality
Winner: Craig O’Neill (THV11)
Finalists: DJ Williams (KARK), Donna Terrell (FOX16), Laura Monteverdi (KARK), Elicia Dover (KATV)
TV sportscaster
Winner: Steve Sullivan (KATV)
Finalists: DJ Williams (KARK), Hayden Balgavy (THV11), Wess Moore (FOX16), Tyler Cass (THV11)
TV station
Winner: KTHV (THV11)
Finalists: KARK (Channel 4), KATV (Channel 7), Arkansas PBS, KLRT (FOX16)
Website
Winner: arktimes.com
Finalists: arkansasonline.com, encyclopediaofarkansas.net, bluehogreport.com, hawgbeat.com
People and Politics
Arkansan
Winner: Chris Jones
Finalists: Joyce Elliott, Aaron Reddin, Tippi McCullough, Ryan Taneja
Athlete
Winner: Darren McFadden
Finalists: Bobby Portis, John Daly, Cam Little, Taliyah Brooks
Celebrity
Winner: Mary Steenburgen
Finalists: Craig O’Neill, Wes Bentley, Ashlie Atkinson, Ryan Taneja
CEO
Winner: Marcy Doderer (Arkansas Children’s Hospital)
Finalists: Ryan Taneja (Taneja Marketing Group), Barbara Sugg (Southwest Power Pool), Bret Carrol (Conway Corp), John Selig (AFMC)
Charity event
Winner: Soup Sunday (Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families)
Finalists: Paws on the Runway (CARE for Animals), Chocolate Fantasy Ball (Ronald McDonald House Charities), Taste of Little Rock (UA Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund), Monster Bash (Home for Healing)
Conservative
Winner: Asa Hutchinson
Finalists: Rex Nelson, Nate Bell, Jim Wooten, Jimmy Gazaway
Liberal
Winner: Chris Jones
Finalists: Joyce Elliott, Clarke Tucker, Max Brantley, Tippi McCullough
Little Rock City Director
Winner: Capi Peck
Finalists: Kathy Webb, Virgil Miller, Antwan Phillips, Andrea Lewis
Little Rocker
Winner: Kathy Webb
Finalists: Matt Campbell, “Broadway” Joe Booker, Mini Taneja, Kaitlyn Edwards
Misuse of taxpayer fund/proposals
Winner: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Finalists: Arkansas LEARNS, Lecterngate, Medicaid Purge, Park Hill Jump Start
Nonprofit
Winner: The Van (The One, Inc.)
Finalists: Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Heifer International, Actors Theatre of Little Rock, Arkansas CAPES
Philanthropist
Winner: Natalie and Win Rockefeller
Finalists: Aaron Reddin, Mini Taneja, Derek Lewis, Karla and Will Feland
Politician
Winner: Chris Jones
Finalists: Clarke Tucker, Terry Hartwick, Greg Leding, Nicole Clowney
Worst Arkansan
Winner: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Finalists: Sen. Tom Cotton, Josh Duggar, Sen. Jason Rapert, Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge
Food and Drink
Arkansas-brewed beer
Winner: Lost Forty Brewing
Finalists: Flyway Brewing (North Little Rock), Moody Brews, Superior Bathhouse Brewery (Hot Springs), New Province Brewing (Rogers)
Baked goods
Winner: Community Bakery
Finalists: Boulevard Bread Company, The Bagel Shop, Blackberry Market Argenta (North Little Rock), Wild Sweet Williams (Searcy)
Birthday or special occasion cake
Winner: Community Bakery
Finalists: Blue Cake Co., Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets, The Humble Crumb (Sherwood), Cheesecake on Point
Bread
Winner: Boulevard Bread Company
Finalists: Community Bakery, Old Mill Bread, Dempsey Bakery, BMB Creations Bakery (Conway)
Cocktail
Winner: Brood & Barley
Finalists: Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom, Petit & Keet, BCW (Bread Cheese Wine), Sauced Bar & Oven
Comfort food
Winner: K. Hall & Sons Produce
Finalists: Rosie’s Pot & Kettle, Four Quarter Bar (North Little Rock), Homer’s Kitchen & Table, Bobby’s Cafe (North Little Rock)
Outdoor dining
Winner: Hill Station
Finalists: Cypress Social (North Little Rock), Brave New Restaurant, Sterling Market, Brood & Barley
Food festival
Winner: Main Street Food Truck Festival
Finalists: International Greek Food Festival, Arkansas Cornbread Festival, UA Little Rock’s Taste of Little Rock, CareLink’s Cupcakes for Goodness Sake
Hangover food
Winner: Big Bad Breakfast
Finalists: Four Quarter Bar (North Little Rock), Leo’s Greek Castle, Smashed N’ Stacked, Hillcrest Little Bakery
Liquor store
Winner: Colonial Wines & Spirits
Finalists: Legacy Wine and Spirits, 107 Liquor (Sherwood), Firewater Discount Liquor (North Little Rock), JFK Liquor (Sherwood)
Milkshake
Winner: Purple Cow
Finalists: Loblolly Creamery, Big Orange, The Original ScoopDog (North Little Rock), The Bulldog Restaurant (Bald Knob)
Most creative menu
Winner: Brood & Barley (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Brave New Restaurant, Ciao Baci, Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff), DONS Southern Social (Hot Springs)
Munchies food
Winner: Four Quarter Bar (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Brood & Barley (North Little Rock), Taqueria El Palenque, Cheba Hut, Capo’s Tacos (Hot Springs)
Onion rings
Winner: Buffalo Grill
Finalists: The Oyster Bar, The Purple Cow, Copper Mule Table & Tap, Bennett’s Casual Dining (Sherwood)
Place for a guy’s night out
Winner: Fassler Hall
Finalists: Dickey-Stephens Park, Brewski’s Pub & Grub, Midtown Billiards, Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)
Place for a girl’s night out
Winner: BCW (Bread Cheese Wine)
Finalists: Cypress Social (North Little Rock), Ciao Baci, Petit & Keet, Murry’s Dinner Playhouse
Place to eat on a Sunday
Winner: The Faded Rose
Finalist: Delicious Temptations, Star of India, The Bagel Shop, Four Quarter Bar (North Little Rock)
Restaurant for a first date
Winner: Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom
Finalists: Petit & Keet, Brave New Restaurant, Brood & Barley (North Little Rock), Table 28
Ribs
Winner: Wright’s Barbecue
Finalists: Whole Hog Cafe (North Little Rock), Sims Bar-B-Que, Count Porkula, Knightfire BBQ (Searcy)
Shopping
Antiques
Winner: Midtown Vintage Market
Finalists: South Main Creative, The Punch Bowl, Flip Flop Flea Market (Bryant), Sweet Home-Clement
Art gallery
Winner: M2 Gallery
Finalists: Gallery 26, Cantrell Art Gallery, Boswell Mourot Fine Art, Local Color Studio Gallery
Bicycle shop
Winner: Angry Dave’s Bicycles (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Spokes Little Rock, Trek Bicycle Little Rock, Shift Modern Cyclery, The Woodsman Company (Rogers)
Bookstore
Winner: Paper Hearts Bookstore
Finalists: WordsWorth Books, Dickson Street Bookshop (Fayetteville), Pyramid Art Books & Custom Framing, Bookish (Fort Smith)
Bridal store
Winner: Low’s Bridal (Brinkley)
Finalists: The Bridal Cottage (North Little Rock), David’s Bridal, Unveiled Bridal Collection, Danielle’s Bridal & Special Occasions (Clarksville)
Children’s clothing
Winner: The Toggery
Finalists: Turquoise Turtle Boutique (Perryville), Clara Jane & Jax (Batesville), Serendipity Kids Boutique (Van Buren), Basic Blake Boutique (Springdale)
Fabrics and drapery
Winner: Cynthia East Fabrics
Finalists: JOANN Fabrics, Stitchin’ Post, Marshall Dry Goods Company (Batesville), The Quilt House (Clarksville)
Farmers market
Winner: Me and McGee Market (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Bernice Garden Farmers Market, Hillcrest Farmers Market, St. Joseph Farm Stand (North Little Rock), The Bramble Market
Flooring store
Winner: Akels Carpet One Floor & Home
Finalists: Cantrell Furniture Design Center, C&F Flooring, LL Flooring, McElroy Tops & Floors (Benton)
Florist
Winner: Frances Flower Shop
Finalists: Cabbage Rose Florist, The Empty Vase, Curly Willow Designs (Cabot), Tanarah Luxe Floral
Furniture
Winner: Midtown Vintage Market
Finalists: HOWSE, Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Arkansas Furniture (Hot Springs), Lux Haus (Fort Smith)
Garden store
Winner: The Good Earth Garden Center
Finalists: Plantopia, Cantrell Gardens Nursery, Hocott’s Garden Center, Botanica Gardens
Gift shop
Winner: Bang-Up Betty (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Box Turtle, Moxy Modern Mercantile, Domestic Domestic, Bella Vita Jewelry
Grocery store
Winner: Trader Joe’s
Finalists: Edward’s Food Giant, Whole Foods Market, The Fresh Market, Natural Grocers
Hardware/home improvement
Winner: Fuller & Son Hardware
Finalists: Ace Hardware, Kraftco Hardware, McCoy’s Lumber & Hardware (Searcy), Walrod’s Hardware (Fort Smith)
Hip clothing
Winner: Crying Weasel Vintage
Finalists: Box Turtle, AR-T’s, E. Leigh’s Contemporary Boutique, Fringe Clothing
Hobby shop
Winner: Argenta Bead Company
Finalists: ART Outfitters, HobbyTown (North Little Rock), The Geeky Oasis (Sherwood), The Coin & Stamp Shop
Jeweler
Winner: Bang-Up Betty
Finalists: Sissy’s Log Cabin, Bella Vita Jewelry & Gifts, Cecil’s Jewelry, Roberson’s Jewelry
Lingerie store
Winner: Cupid’s
Finalists: Angie Davis (Conway), Seductions, Aphrodite’s Love Boutique (Rogers)
Men’s clothing
Winner: Baumans Fine Men’s Clothing
Finalists: Father & Sons Clothier (Pine Bluff), J Duke and Co., Mr. Wicks, The Woodsman Company
Mobile phone provider
Winner: AT&T
Finalists: Straight Talk Wireless, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless
Motorcycle dealer
Winner: Rock City Harley-Davidson
Finalists: Richards Honda-Yamaha, Sunrise Yamaha Motorsports (Searcy), Rodney’s Cycle Shop, Mike Johnson’s Powersports (Russellville)
Outdoor store
Winner: Ozark Outdoor Supply
Finalists: Bass Pro Shop, Domestic Domestic, Fort Thompson, The Woodsman Company (Fort Smith)
Pawn shop
Winner: Braswell & Son Pawn Brokers
Finalists: Big Daddy’s Pawn Shop, National Pawn Shop, Pawnderosa Pawn, Randy’s Pawn Shop Inc.
RV/camper dealer
Winner: Moix RV Supercenter (Conway)
Finalists: Crain RV (Benton), Gander RV & Outdoors (North Little Rock), Goss Camper Sales, Kiko’s Kountry RV (North Little Rock)
Shoes
Local Winner: Rock City Kicks
Winner: Dillard’s
Finalists: Domestic Domestic, Fleet Feet, Warren’s Shoes
Sporting goods
Local Winner: Gene Lockwood’s
Winner: Academy Sports + Outdoor
Finalists: Dick’s Sporting Goods (North Little Rock), Ozark Outdoor Supply, Rock City Running
Toy store
Winner: The Toggery
Finalists: Domestic Domestic, Box Turtle, Knowledge Tree, The Geeky Oasis (Sherwood)
Vintage clothing
Winner: Crying Weasel Vintage
Finalists: Oak Forest Vintage, The Retro Fit (Hot Springs), Thriftpologie, Vintage Socialite
Women’s clothing
Winner: Anthropologie
Finalists: Crying Weasel Vintage, BEIGE, J. McLaughlin, Thriftpologie
Vape shop
Winner: Toddy Tobacco & Vape Shop
Finalists: Rogue Vapers, Abby Road, Emerald’s Triangle (Jonesboro
Goods and Services
Accounting firm
Winner: Frost PLLC
Finalists: BKD Wealth Advisors LLC, Ferguson Cobb (FCA), J.R. Barney Accounting PLLC, Landmark
Apartment complex
Winner: The Pointe Brodie Creek
Finalists: Argenta Flats Apartments (North Little Rock), Bowman Pointe, Fitzroy Chenal, Fountaine Bleau (Conway)
Architect
Winner: Cromwell Architects Engineers
Finalists: Benchmark Group, Herron Horton Architects, Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects, Taggart Architects
Arkansas-based company
Winner: Tacos 4 Life
Finalists: Gearhead Outfitters, Leashes and Lashes, Rock Solid Shredding, Taneja Marketing Group
Artisan
Winner: Bang-Up Betty (Stacey Bowers)
Finalists: Bella Vita Jewelry (Brandy McNair), Crystal C. Mercer, Broken Vessels Pottery Studio (Gina Rose Gallina)
Auto dealership
Winner: Steve Landers Auto Group
Finalists: Everett Buick GMC, McLarty Toyota, Russell Chevrolet, Russell Honda
Auto service
Winner: Discount Tire & Brake
Finalists: Jett’s Gas & Service, Austin Brothers Tire Service, Kittle’s Garage, Cantrell Service Center
Autoglass repair
Winner: Safelite
Finalists: Capitol Glass, Arkansas Chip Repair & Mobile Glass, Mobile Glass Pros, Smart Bubble Auto Repair Shop
Bank
Winner: Arvest
Finalists: Simmons Bank, Bank of Little Rock, Centennial Bank, Encore Bank
Commercial insurance agency
Winner: State Farm
Finalists: USAA, Shelter Insurance, Hines, NRG
Commercial real estate agency
Winner: KW Commercial
Finalists: Moses Tucker, Crye Leike Brock Real Estate, Kelley Commercial Partners, The Janet Jones Company
Company to work for
Winner: UAMS
Finalists: Leashes & Lashes, CJRW, Centennial Bank, Cherokee Casino & Hotel (Roland, Oklahoma), Superior Senior Care
Contractor
Winner: Hines Homes
Finalists: Justin Elbert CJE Construction, Noah Treat Construction, Rush & Co. Inc., Millco Enterprises
Dry cleaners
Winner: Oak Forest Cleaners & Laundry
Finalists: Schickel’s Cleaners, Tide Cleaners, SoMa Cleaners, Shinn Cleaners
Event venue
Winner: The Hall
Finalists: Wildwood Park for the Arts, The Baker House, Cherokee Hotel & Casino, Grandview Acres & Lodge and Bunkhouse
Funeral home
Winner: Smith Family Funeral Homes
Finalists: Roller Funeral Home, Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, North Little Rock Funeral Home, Ruebel Funeral Home
Handyman
Winner: House Doctors
Finalists: Luck Be A Lady Rentals and Repair, Bennett’s Handyman Services, Redditt’s Remodeling, James Home Maintenance
Home builder
Winner: Hines Homes
Finalists: Noah Treat Construction, Mike Orndorff Construction, Graham Smith Construction, Menco Construction (Sherwood)
Home inspection
Winner: Blackbird Inspections (Eric Young)
Finalists: Pillar to Post Home Inspectors (The Paulson Team), GQ Inspection Services (Dennis Evans), Joe Cummins, Reliable Choice Home Inspections
Home, life, car insurance
Winner: State Farm
Finalists: USAA, Arkansas Farm Bureau, The Jenkins Agency, Citizens Fidelity Insurance Company
Hotel
Winner: Capital Hotel
Finalists: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs), AC Hotel by Marriott Little Rock, Hotel Hot Springs, Cherokee Hotel & Casino (Roland, Oklahoma)
HVAC repair
Winner: Bob & Ed’s Heating & Air Conditioning
Finalists: Kirby’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Ski Brothers Heat & Air, Yates Maintenance Heating & Air, Dewees HVAC
Interior designer/decorator
Winner: Kelley Kolettis Designs
Finalists: Kendall Jones Design, Johnna Novak (Novak Design), Brittany Nixon Creative, Debi Davis Interior Design
Internet service provider
Winner: AT&T U-verse
Finalists: Xfinity, Hyperleap, Comcast, Cox
Landscaper/landscape design
Winner: The Good Earth Garden Center
Finalists: Plantopia (North Little Rock), Botanica Gardens, Elliott Lawn & Landscaping, Moon Custom Landscapes
Law firm
Winner: Lion Legal
Finalists: Rainwater Holt & Sexton; Taylor King Law; Wright Lindsey Jennings; Lassiter & Cassinelli
Lawyer
Winner: Victoria Leigh (Lion Legal)
Finalists: Rebecca Ferguson (Lion Legal), Taylor King (Taylor King Law), Tara Pool (Lion Legal), Austin King (Taylor King Law)
Mover
Winner: Two Men and a Truck (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Elite Movers, Brandon Moving & Storage (North Little Rock), Errand Runners of Arkansas, Mustard Seed Moving of Arkansas
Music equipment
Winner: Guitar Center (Little Rock)
Finalists: Renown Music (North Little Rock), Palmer Music Company (Conway), Shuffield Music Company (Arkadelphia), Fry Guitars
Pest control and termite service
Winner: Adams Pest Control
Finalists: Legacy Termite and Pest Control, Curry’s Termite & Pest Control, Arkansas Pest Control (North Little Rock), Clark Exterminating
Pet groomers
Winner: Hounds Lounge Pet Resort and Spa
Finalists: Leashes and Lashes, Amber’s Goochie Poochie, Wags and Whiskers, Dog Tired Inn (Sherwood)
Plumber
Winner: Ray Lusk Plumbing
Finalists: Razorback Plumbing Co., Aaron Houff, Matlock Rooter Services, Platinum Plumbing
Realtor
Winner: Karena Malott (Keller Williams Realty)
Finalists: Donna Dailey (The Janet Jones Company), Corina Jordan (Keller Williams Realty), Allison Pickell (Coldwell Banker RPM Group), Larissa Binns (Coldwell Banker)
Residential real estate agency
Winner: Keller Williams Realty
Finalists: The Janet Jones Company, The Charlotte John Company, The Property Group, PorchLight Realty
Siding, windows and roofing
Winner: Pella Windows & Doors
Finalists: Garcia & Sons Roofing, Riley Hayes, Rock Solid Roofing, Accountable Roofing
Solar company
Winner: Seal Solar (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Delta Solar, Peak Power Solar, Enlighten Solar, Chreyton Electric
Tattoos
Winner: 7th Street Tattoos
Finalists: Lucky Bella Tattoos (North Little Rock), Black Cobra Tattoos (Sherwood), Love Spell Tattoo, Nancy Miller Tattoo
Travel agency
Winner: Poe Travel
Finalists: Sue Smith Vacations (North Little Rock), Small World Big Fun, West Rock Travel, Friends Tours & Travel
Wealth management
Winner: Edward Jones (Ben Moore)
Finalists: Merrill Lynch, Hatcher Capital Investments, Harkins Rafferty Wealth Management, Conger Wealth Management
Web design
Winner: Rock City Digital
Finalists: Taneja Marketing Group, Rock Two Associates, Winning Local (Conway), Webmonster (Hot Springs)
Window tinting
Winner: D&D Sun Control, Inc. (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Arkansas RockStar Window Tinting, Jay’s Window Tinting (Sherwood), SunStop Window Tinting (North Little Rock), 007 Window Tinting (Benton)
Medical and Personal Care
Assisted living facility
Winner: Fox Ridge Luxury Senior Living
Finalists: Woodland Heights, Chenal Pines Retirement Resort, The Blake at Chenal Valley, The Manor Senior Living Community
Audiology
Winner: UAMS Audiology Clinic
Finalists: Pinnacle Hearing, Chenal Hearing, Medical Hearing Associates of Arkansas, Hearing Center of Little Rock
Barbershop
Winner: Dogtown Barber Lounge (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Jerry’s Barbershop, Park Hill Barbershop (North Little Rock), Handle Barbershop, Blade and Barrel (Jacksonville)
Cardiology clinic
Winner: Arkansas Heart Hospital
Finalists: Arkansas Cardiology (Baptist Health), CHI St. Vincent Heart Care, UAMS, ACH Cardiology Clinic (Arkansas Children’s Hospital)
Chiropractor
Winner: Beverly Foster (Chiropractic Health & Rehabilitation)
Finalists: Brady DeClerk (Omnis Rehab-Joint and Performance Center), Brad Chambers (Chenal Urgent Chiropractic), Dylan Machycek (Elite Spine & Joint), Lee Hodge (Abundant Health Chiropractic and Therapeutic Massage)
Cosmetic dentist
Winner: Dr. DJ Dailey (Smile Dailey General and Cosmetic Dentistry)
Finalists: Dr. Stephen Deal (Deal Family Dentistry, Greenbrier), Dr. Montgomery Heathman (Heathman Family and Cosmetic Dentistry), Dr. Ethan Erwin (Smile-Hot Springs), Dr. Sam Strong (Dentalways)
Cosmetic surgeon
Winner: Dr. Suzanne Yee (Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center)
Finalists: Dr. Rhys Branman (Cosmetic Surgery Center), Dr. Eric Wright (Wright Plastic Surgery), Dr. Gene Sloan (Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), Dr. Kris Shewmake (Shewmake Plastic Surgery)
Counseling services
Winner: Argenta Counseling
Finalists: Stacy Kinzler Therapy, Little Rock Counseling and Wellness, Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic, The Centers
Dermatologist
Winner: Arkansas Dermatology
Finalists: Pinnacle Dermatology, Franks Dermatology, Dr. Ray Parker (Dermatology Group of Arkansas), Dr. Andrea Mabry
Diet/weight loss center
Winner: Baptist Health Weight & Nutrition Center
Finalists: Arkansas Heart BMI Institute, Natural State Health Center, Encore Medical Center, Arkansas Health & Nutrition
Esthetician
Winner: Sweet Aesthetics
Finalists: Megan Whitehead, Yousra Moussa Esthetics, Esthetic Excellence Academy, FaceLine Esthetics
Eyewear
Winner: UAMS Health Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute Optical Shop
Finalists: Kavanaugh Eye Care, Burrow’s and Mr. Frank’s Optical, James Eyecare & Optics Gallery, Gulley Vision Clinic
Family dentist
Winner: Jolly Family Dental
Finalists: Skinner Family Dental (Sherwood), Dean Dental Solutions (North Little Rock), Harris, Reynolds & Cason Family Dental, Ake Family Dentistry
Family physician
Winner: Dr. Alison Richardson (Arkansas Family Medicine)
Finalists: Dr. Jeff Mayfield (Baptist Health), Dr. Kevin Heigel (Little Rock Family Practice), Dr. Kent Covert (Little Rock Family Practice), Dr. Kevin Roberts (Little Rock Family Practice)
Foot & ankle surgeon
Winners: Chelsea Matthews, Troy Ardoin (tie)
Finalists: Jesse Burks, Robert Martin, Lauren Price
Gastroenterologist
Winner: Dr. Dean Kumpuris
Finalists: Dr. Dhaval Patel, Dr. Angelo Coppola, Dr. Whitfield Knapple, Dr. Scott Wofford
Group fitness instructor
Winner: Eddie Dunn (Esporta Fitness)
Finalists: Rachel Bryant Hunt (Embody Wellness), Kelley Sluder (Omnis Crossfit), Peter Vahjen (CliqueCycle), Stervin Smith (All Phases Core Fitness)
Hair salon
Winner: Bloom Salon
Finalists: La Belle Vie Boutique Salon, Carter | Miller Hillcrest, Salon Underground, JL Organics Beauty & Lash Studio (Conway)
Health coach
Winner: Rachel Bryant Hunt
Finalists: Rock City Complete Fitness, Kelley Sluder, Elizabeth Finch Wellness, Stephanie Newcomb (Unleashed Health & Fitness)
Hospice care
Winner: Arkansas Hospice
Finalists: UAMS Palliative Care Clinic, Baptist Health Hospice, Hospice Home Care, Circle of Life Hospice
Hospital
Winner: Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Finalists: UAMS, Baptist Health, Arkansas Heart Hospital, CHI St. Vincent
In-home care
Winner: CareLink (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Home Instead, Right at Home, Conway Regional Home Care Services, Superior Senior Care (Conway)
Massage therapist
Winner: Ava Bella Day Spa
Finalists: Arkansas Healing Arts Massage & Wellness, Zach Turner Wellness (North Little Rock), Massage Arkansas, Robert Dykes (Performance LMT)
Med spa
Winner: Rejuvenation Clinic and Day Spa
Finalists: Ava Bella Day Spa, Radiant Wellness by S&S, Skin Fix Med Spa, Doctors MedSpa
Memory care facility
Winner: Memory Care of Little Rock (Good Shepherd Community)
Finalists: Parkway Village, Superior Senior Care, Brookdale Chenal Heights, Avenir Memory Care
Mental health facility
Winner: UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute
Finalists: The BridgeWay (North Little Rock), Methodist Family Health, Rivendell Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas, Catalyst Counseling (Conway)
Nail salon
Winner: Ethereal Nail Spa
Finalists: Best Nails, City Nails (North Little Rock), Fashion Nails, Cherish Nails & Spa
Neurologist
Winner: Dr. Ali Krisht (CHI St. Vincent)
Finalists: Dr. Lee Archer (UAMS), Dr. Anthony Davis (Davis Neurology), Dr. Rohit Dhall (UAMS), Dr. Sukanthi Kovvuru (UAMS)
Neurosurgeon
Winner: Dr. Ali Krisht (CHI St. Vincent)
Finalists: Dr. Brad Thomas (Arkansas Surgical Hospital), Dr. Erica Petersen (UAMS), Dr. Gautam Kanu Gandhi (Baptist Health), Dr. Robert Ingraham (Arkansas Surgical Hospital)
Nurse injector
Winner: Amber Moody
Finalists: Lindsey Gillum, Paige Kelly, Joy Minton, Brande Daniels
Nursing home
Winner: Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Finalists: Chenal Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Good Shepherd, Andover Place, Encore West Little Rock
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Winner: The Woman’s Clinic
Finalists: Cornerstone Clinic for Women, UAMS Health Women’s Center, North Little Rock Women’s Clinic, Conway Women’s Health Center
Oncologist
Winner: Dr. Diane Wilder (CARTI Cancer Center)
Finalists: Dr. Lawrence Mendelsohn (Central Arkansas Radiation), Dr. Omar Atiq (UAMS), Dr. Thomas Sneed (CARTI Cancer Center), Dr. Balagopalan Nair (Baptist Health)
Ophthalmologist
Winner: Dr. Tracy Baltz (Little Rock Eye Clinic)
Finalists: Dr. Edward Penick (Central Arkansas Ophthalmology), Dr. Paul Phillips (UAMS Health), Dr. Brittany Boyette (Sherwood), Dr. Joseph Chacko (UAMS)
Optometrist
Winner: Dr. Kathryn Brown (UAMS)
Finalists: Dr. Sophear Seng, Dr. Julie Dolven (James Eye Care), Dr. Brian Guice (Kavanaugh Eye Care), Dr. Derek Scott Long (Maumelle), Megan Shirey (UAMS)
Orthodontist
Winners: Phelan Orthodontics, Wardlaw Orthodontics (tied)
Finalists: Daniel Orthodontics, Hodge Orthodontics, Vondran Orthodontics
Orthopedic surgeon
Winner: Dr. William Hefley Jr. (Bowen Hefley Orthopedics, Arkansas Surgical Hospital)
Finalists: Dr. C. Lowry Barnes (UAMS), Dr. Gordon Newbern (Baptist Health), Dr. P. Allan Smith (OrthoArkansas), Dr. Jonathan D. Wyatt (OrthoArkansas), Dr. Jordan Walters (UAMS)
Pain specialist
Winner: UAMS Division of Interventional Pain Medicine
Finalists: Arkansas Pain Management, Dr. Ahmed Ghaleb (Baptist Health), Little Rock Pain Management, Natural State Pain & Wellness
Pediatrician
Winner: Dr. Dawn Martin (All for Kids Pediatric Clinic)
Finalists: Dr. Leah Youngblood (Little Rock Children’s Clinic), Dr. Aaron Strong (Little Rock Pediatric Clinic), Dr. Josh O’Neill (Little Rock Pediatric Clinic), Dr. Liza Murray (UAMS)
Permanent Cosmetics
Winner: Chenal Skin Care Center
Finalists: Cara Colclasure, Nirvana Med Spa, EK Professionals Permanent Cosmetics & Tattoo Institute, Kristi’s Artistry of Semi-Permanent Cosmetics
Personal trainer
Winner: Lee Ann Jolly (Jolly Bodies)
Finalists: Anna Bolte (Bolte Fitness), Brooke Walker (365 Fitness), Tina Glass (Results Studio LR), TJ Brown (Westside MMA)
Pharmacy
Winner: Cornerstone Pharmacy
Finalists: Park West Pharmacy, Kavanaugh Pharmacy, The Pharmacy at Wellington, Rhea Drug Store
Physical therapist
Winner: OrthoArkansas
Finalists: Advanced Physical Therapy, Harris & Renshaw Physical Therapy (Sherwood), Peak Physical Therapy (Chris Robinson), Omnis Rehab: Joint and Performance Center
Prosthetics
Winner: Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics
Finalists: UAMS, Horton’s Orthotics & Prosthetics, New Hope Prosthetics & Orthotics (North Little Rock), Arkansas Prosthetics and Pedorthics (Benton)
Rehabilitation hospital
Winner: Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute
Finalists: CHI St. Vincent Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, Woodland Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital
Retirement community
Winner: Fox Ridge Luxury Senior Living
Finalists: Good Shepherd Community, Chenal Pines Retirement Resort, Holiday Andover Place, Superior Senior Care
Spa
Winner: Ava Bella Day Spa
Finalists: Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa (Hot Springs), Quapaw Baths and Spa, Rejuvenation Clinic & Day Spa, Doctors Med Spa
Sports medicine clinic
Winner: OrthoArkansas
Finalists: UAMS Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Bowen Hefley Orthopedics, Arkansas Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Clinic, Ozark Orthopaedics
Therapist
Winner: Maureen Skinner
Finalists: Liz Buchman, Glenn McCracken, Gipsye Robinson, Ralph Hyman
Veterinarian
Winner: Hillcrest Animal Hospital
Finalists: Allpets Animal Hospital, Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic, Bowman Road Animal Clinic, Pinnacle Valley Animal Hospital
Yoga studio
Winner: Blue Yoga Nyla (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Barefoot Studio, Arkansas Yoga Collective, Eden Salt Studio, Big Rock Yoga