Best of Flag 2021 by Arizona Daily Sun

WINNERS EDITION

U RO

winter19 namlm.com

Thank you!

Here at Capstone Homes we feel fortunate every day to be building quality houses for the families in our amazing community to call HOME! Thank you for voting us one of the Best of Flagstaff 2021!

Flagstaff Flagstaff Meadows - Orion at Timber Sky Woody Mountain Estates - On Your Lot

Prescott Valley Jasper CapstoneHomesAZ.com

Best of Flag | 2021

855-928-1100

Capstone Homes

est. 2003

e “as Uniqu ” ff as Flagsta majestic markaetplace® fine spirits, crAft Beer & Wine

thank you flagstaff for your continued support of Majestic Marketplace by selecting us the Best of fLAGstAff in the following categories: ies:

Wine & Beer BAr 41 crAft Beers & 4 Wines on tAp

tHAnK YoU

fLAGstAff!

Happy Hour retail Beer selection tion retail LiqUor selection tion retail Wine selection tion Bourbon, scotch & irish Whiskeey Massive tequila selection premium cigars and tobacco Kegs, Kegs and More Kegs Huge selection of craft Beers (available as singles) Delivery is Available

(928) 773-0313 aspen place at the sawmill 601 e. piccadilly drive #95

majesticmarketplaceaz.com Best of Flag | 2021

CONTENTS Publisher/ Advertising Director Colleen Brady Colleen.Brady@lee.net

Editor Bree Burkitt BBurkitt@azdailysun.com Sales Manager Zachary Meier ZMeier@azdailysun.com Sales Contributors Lydia Smith LSmith@azdailysun.com Heather Weisberger HWeisberger@azdailysun.com

Contributors MacKenzie Chase Svea Conrad Gail G. Collins Christine Maxa Sabrina Proffitt

Best of Flag | 2021

10 Overall Restaurant: 1899 Bar & Grill 12 New Restaurant: Tiki Grill 14 Tacos: Tacos Los Altos 16 Bar Food: Lumberyard Brewing Company 18 Bar Staff: Dark Sky Brewing Company 22 Chinese Food: Golden Dragon 24 Food & Drink winners list

26 SERVICES

Graphic Artist Keith Hickey Photos Jack Bacon MacKenzie Chase Gail G. Collins Rachel Gibbons Svea Conrad

8 FOOD & DRINK

27 Home Cleaning Services: Diamond Cleaning Services 28 Hotel: Little America Hotel 30 Martial Arts: Sacred Mountain Fighting and Healing Arts 32 Yoga Studio: The Foundry Flagstaff 36 Hair Salon: Wildflower Salon 41 Services winners list

44 SHOPPING

46 Art Gallery: Art Loft Collective 48 Plant Nursery: Plantae 51 Convenience Store: Butler Mobil 56 Antiques: Fourth Street Vintage 58 Gift Shop: Olive The Best Oils and Vinegars 61 Shopping winners list

63 YOUR FAVORITES 64 Northern Arizona Attraction: The Arboretum at Flagstaff 68 Non-Profit: High Country Humane 70 Your Favorites winners list

Voted Flagstaff’s ’’ss Best Credit Union.

Flagstaff, thank you for selecting OneAZ as Best Credit Union 4 years in a row! Why OneAZ? We’ve been helping Arizonans like you reach their financial goals since 1951. We offer personalized service, competitive rates and a commitment to improving the communities we serve. Stop by one of our Flagtstaff branches to experience the OneAZ difference today.

Flagstaff – US Highway 89 5200 N. US Highway 89, 86004

Flagstaff – Beaver Street (Moving January 2022) 321 S. Beaver Street, 86001

Flagstaff – Sawmill (Coming January 2022) 829 E. Butler Ave., 86001

OneAZcu.com/Flagstaff Insured by NCUA Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 607456. Best of Flag | 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE

TO BEST OF FLAG 2021

s another year comes to a close, we’re thrilled to bring you another year of the Best of Flag. Congratulations to all the winners! You were picked by the people of Flagstaff as their favorites. A big thank you also goes to Flagstaff residents for casting their votes. This year’s Best of Flag was different than years past. We condensed and changed categories to reflect Flagstaff’s changing business landscape in a post-pandemic world. We also focused on local businesses and implemented additional voting methods. Thousands of people voted for their favorite businesses, restaurants, services, technicians and so much more over the course of the contest. Best of Flag has always been a place for the community to show their support for all the hard work local businesses do throughout the year. More than 1,600 different businesses were nominated and 325 won. Several longtime favorites took top spots again, but this year also featured the most first-time winners in the history of the contest. Let the results from the 2021 Best of Flag guide you to a new local business or restaurant. You can feel confident in these results as they were all picked by you. Shop local this holiday season and keep your money in the community, instead of contributing to Jeff Bezo’s next space venture. We love all these places and people highlighted in Best of Flag, so do your part and support them with your holiday shopping and throughout the entire year. We have so much more in-store for Flagstaff in the coming months and next year. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram, @bestofflag. Tell us what you want to see next from Best of Flag by sending us a DM or emailing editor Bree Burkitt at bburkitt@azdailysun. com. As always, thank you for reading and thank you for another great year of Best of Flag.

Bree Burkitt bburkitt@azdailysun.com 6

Best of Flag | 2021

The 2021 Best of Flag was the most successful yet with streamlined categories, the option to vote by text message and more votes than ever before.

HERE’S THIS YEAR’S CONTEST BY THE NUMBERS: Number of unique voters:

12,156

Total votes:

VOTE

142,633

Total text votes:

Total web votes:

Number of categories:

Total businesses nominated:

14,167

128,466

138

1,617

Total winners:

325

(Including first, second and third)

UTE

N O B L E H E R B A Z . C O M

Best of Flag | 2021

FOOD & DRINKS 8

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

BEST SUSHI 1st Place 12

YEARS!

BEST JAPANESE 1st Place 10

YEARS!

Best of Flag | 2021

1899

brings approachable fine dining

1899 Bar & Grill | 307 W Dupont Ave.

GAIL G. COLLINS

ollowing through on the motto, “high altitude, no attitude,” with proper execution, 1899 Bar and Grill won top spots as Best Overall Restaurant, Wait Staff, Wine List and Fine Dining. Those are high marks, worthy of the care, consideration and oversight that translate into delicious dining. But 1899 is more than a lovely venue with global cuisine; it is an integrated product of Northern Arizona University’s Hotel and Restaurant Management Program. While the staff is not comprised exclusively of program students, the liv-

10 Best of Flag | 2021

ing-learning lab offers business career experience with some yummy benefits, like a meal provided daily to each employee, regardless of how many days they work in a week. That hits the spot. Moreover, a position at the front or back of the house instills accountability, responsibility and hard work as the best training for life in general. Overall, 1899 provides, “a window into campus life,” according to Casey Fisher, director of planning and marketing campus dining. Situated at downtown’s boundary, 1899 is in, “a permeable position between the community and campus.” It also compliments the High County Con-

ference Center and Drury Inn as far as services. Despite winning the fine dining category, 1899’s team pushes back. “We’re fighting the fine-dining aspect in favor of being approachable, palatable and value-priced,” Fisher explained. The ambiance at 1899 is stylish brick with wood accents and mid-century clean lines, notable in the various-sized drum shades. Enormous, metallic-hued banquettes proportionally anchor the high-rise space, and a wall of glass invites seasonal views and copious natural light. The showpiece twostory copper fireplace is original to

The Best: Overall Restaurant

The Best: Waitstaff

1. 1899 Bar and Grill

2. Dark Sky Brewing Co.

2. Josephine’s Modern American Bistro

3. Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery

1. 1899 Bar and Grill

3. Shift Kitchen & Bar the historic campus North Union dining hall, while since 2011, it has operated as an elegant, independent, retail restaurant. The logo wine casks, stamped with 1899, remind guests of their expansive wine list, buttressed by local taps and craft cocktails. Try the Bee’s Knees as a winter warmer. The prohibition-era cocktail takes a whisky turn with herbal notes, lemon, honey and ginger back. Or grab a brewski and a bowl of cheese curds — a Wisconsin phenom of fried, gooey, cheese tots tossed on a sea of smoked Pomodoro sauce — as this classic duo gets a classy spin. Utilizing international flair, the culinary crew at 1899 developed a menu promoting bold flavors in handcrafted dishes. The top sirloin is tender amid a slick of spunky steak sauce and topped with a tangle of fried, matchstick carrots.

Asparagus and a rough smash of potatoes with pesto accompany the sophisticated standard. The salmon salad presents as quite continental on a square of slate. Plenty of protein in the smoked fish and

hard-boiled egg with scattered capers is piled on mixed greens with roasted red pepper and shaved onion, dressed in mustard vinaigrette and served with charred bread triangles. Ted pepper Gouda soup hits all the marks for dietary needs with flavor to spare. The puree of roasted peppers, sweet cheese and cream lend pert piquancy on a side. The kitchen at 1899 is scratch from the aioli to the ice cream to the sausage and artistically plated. The staff holds themselves to a high culinary standard, not because they are in training for one of the most demanding careers in hospitality, but simply to delight Flagstaff locals and tourists alike. 1899 Bar and Grill won Best Overall Restaurant and Best Wait Staff in addition to second place for Best Wine List and third place for Best Fine Dining.

Best of Flag | 2021

Island vibes at new

Tiki Grill Tiki Grill | 1509 S Milton Rd.

GAIL G. COLLINS

Everyone appreciates a special meal — tables laid with white cloths, china and fussy food once in a while. But where we hang out with friends in flip flops to shoot the breeze, tip one back and eat what makes us grin is what makes it all worthwhile. Perhaps that propelled Scott McClelland to turn from the chic settings that upheld his culinary experience to open Tiki Grill and offer guests a place on the sand where he had found happiness. “The aim is attentive, caring service, good tunes and cocktails,” McClelland said. Sounds like a winner – Best

New Restaurant, to be exact. He added, “It’s a chill vibe in a cool setting with the same high caliber of food, served in paper boats with flip flops and board shorts.” Routinely, McClelland had sought out the beach bar and grill atmosphere on the North Carolina coast. Its laid-back ambiance, good company and good tunes appealed to him. Along the way, he owned a fine dining establishment for five years and then landed in San Diego. After a stint as executive chef on a yacht, he was killing time in Arizona with friends and fell into running off-road tours

Come dine with us, we’re family owned & operated serving scratch made food with flavor influences from just about everywhere! Fresh chuck burgers, wings, vegetarian, GF & a little lean toward some killer seafood! Comfort food meets soul food meets healthy too a true mesh with a beach Tiki ambiance!!

Thank You

Flagstaff for voting us Best New Restaurant!

BoFWin

Now Serving Cocktails, Beer & Wine! 12 Best of Flag | 2021

01/31/22

RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

Seth Valentine, Scot McClelland and Darrin Born show off their new restaurant, Tiki Grill, off Milton Road. at the Grand Canyon. McClelland had arrived at a crossroads — he couldn’t get Northern Arizona out of his blood nor the desire for a tropical retreat. He floated the notion of a seafood and sandals spot in Flagstaff and was encouraged to go forward with his plans. The tiki hut in the high country opened its doors in June serving comfort food and cocktails. “The menu is beach food meets soul food meets health food and great flavors with a heavy lean to seafood,” he said. The burgers, of course, are hugely popular. The Pittsburger pays homage to the town where McClelland gained his culinary training, as well a well-known diner there, which piles an Angus patty with fries, coleslaw, cheese and tomato. Sandwiches, like the lump crab cake and pork belly cheese melt, catfish, sea scallops or veggie black bean and quinoa, are signature sellers for the scratch kitchen. Tacos are another perfect handhold and filled with fish or shrimp — grilled, blackened or fried — or as an ahi poke hoice with soy, citrus, sesame and ginger-dressed cuts of yellow-fin tuna. It’s the latest fave at Tiki Grill. Just need a nosh with that beer? Try the dry-rubbed wings or the high country poutine. Wisconsin cheese curds go one

The Best: New Restaurant 1. Tiki Grill 2. Forêt FLG 3. Civano Coffee House & Nightclub Flagstaff better with pork belly gravy over fries. Or make a meal of it with the whole fish. Two pounds of snapper are dredged in flour and buttermilk and served with two sides. The menu is simple, indulgent and seafood forward with a large array of sides. These range from typical fries and onion rings to sweet potato biscuits, ratatouille, slaw and salads. Dessert is a child’s delight of yellow cake with a butter crust and cream cheese sugar topping. Try the ooey, gooey butter bar with ice cream, caramel drizzle and cherries for the full dream or build your own float. This neighborhood spot has gathered a nice base of folks, according to McClelland. Daily media posts and word of mouth has given Tiki Grill the biggest boost forward, and he is grateful. “We count on everyone, who comes through the door,” he said. “When you surround yourself with good people, you have joy from the company you keep from staff to customers.”

Best of Flag | 2021

CLASSICS WITH

SOME SPICE Tacos Los Altos | 2500 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., #1 and 3650 E. Rte. 66

GAIL G. COLLINS

When a business treats its customer as king, the effects are positive. That claim propelled Tacos Los Altos de Jalisco to uphold its status as Best Tacos in Flagstaff for the second year running. “We appreciate our loyal customers,” said José Flores. “A couple of them stop by daily, and by the time they park and come in, their order is ready.” Flores is the son of one partner with the same name, who is better known as Chepe. Alongside partners José Rodriquez, or Pepe, and Saul Rodriquez, they work together in the family-owned shop serving traditional recipes adapted from their hometown in Villahildago,

thank you

The Best: Tacos 1. Tacos Los Altos 2. Los Altenos 3. Salsa Brava Mexico. In fact, no less than 15 family members support the thriving enterprise. The family hails from Jalisco, where they owned a restaurant, forming their foundation in the food industry. In the 90s, they moved to the U.S. and further honed their culinary skills. The big opportunity came in 2006, when the partners took over the former Tacos los Altos on Route 66. “We have worked hard to maintain the previous business’ customer

FlagstaFF

for selecting us BEST TACO in the Best of Flagstaff 2021! Your support is truly valued and appreciated

FREE Chips & Salsa Expiration 1/31/21

2500 S Woodlands Village Blvd #1 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 tacoslosaltoswestside@gmail.com (928) 255-0369 14 Best of Flag | 2021

RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

José Flores, José Rodriguez and Saul Rodriguez pose with their Best of Flag award-winning tacos at the Tacos Los Altos on Route 66. base,” Flores said, “but we moved around about 65% of the menu.” Recipes are original family standards, and the dishes are homemade from the popular chimichangas to the killer carne asada fries. The latter is ‘nacho’ usual starter with seasoned, chopped steak plus cheese sauce and typical toppings slathered over fries. Cool off with freshly made aguas frescas. The burritos are enormous and full of quality ingredients, such as adobada or fish or machaca, green chile or … well, you get the idea. Morning meals come in tortilla handholds of ham and potatoes and more, huevos rancheros or a plate of eggs with chorizo, rice and beans. Menudo features on weekends. “People come for Sunday breakfast after church for the authentic Mexican taste,” Flores said. “We stay popular because we stay consistent with the food — it remains the same, tasty.” But the praise is all about the tacos in this case. The three top sellers are the carne asada, adobada with marinated, roasted pork and tripa. Despite its routine place on Mexican tables, tripa is considered exotic north of the border and desirable for the same reason. A corn tortilla is stuffed with fried tripe — let them know how crispy you like it — and topped with chopped onion and cilantro. A salsa bar offers a range of spicy heat from mild tomatillo and pico de gallo to la fea, ugly sauce, perhaps named for its potent possibilities. “Our business is successful be-

cause of loyal, local people and regular visitors, who tell us it feels like being home in Mexico — the most authentic food in Arizona,” reported Flores. Chepe advises us to stay tuned for new recipes soon. This same kind of family-owned, customer appreciation, traditional fare and hard work also has kept Tacos Los Altos Westside in the top seat for Best Tacos. “We want our customers to gather, and with every bite, feel as if they are eating at their abuelita’s house,” they declaref. The shop is colorful, with walls in scarlet, gold and sapphire. Handpainted wooden chairs and tables blaze with Mexican motifs while murals, serapes and chilies stage the scene. It’s a wonderfully over the top welcome! The menu favorites include a mouthwatering Sonoran hotdog topped with bacon, jalapeños, mayo, cheese and lettuce; a ceviche-style shrimp cocktail served with cucumber, tomato, onion, cilantro, a splash of lime and dash of Tajin; and a breakfast burrito with eggs, potatoes and cheese. The popular pick tacos stack up as barbacoa, shredded red-chili marinated beef; carne asada; chicken or fish, served with cabbage, pico de gallo, cheese and tartar sauce. When faced with a Taco Tuesday, your choice is easy, no matter which side of town you are on. There is a Tacos Los Altos for that. Same names, different families, both serve Flagstaff’s best tacos.

Flagstaff’s Premiere Dining Experience

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

THANK YOU FLAGSTAFF for voting us the BEST SPORTS BAR 11 Years in a row!

300

1/4 pOuNd

POLISH, ALL BEEF AND HOT LINKS ALL DAY WEDNESDAY

1/2 OFF

ALL WINGS

400 Pints

CRAFT BEER SPECIALS

600

Jumbo Mugs CRAFT BEER SPECIALS

MONDAY

TUESDAY

300

TACOS THURSDAY Y

300

On your way to the Grand Canyon and Arizona Snowbowl... Award-winning cuisine at affordable pricing Wine Spectator Award of Excellence Cozy fire-lit lounge and expanded patio seating with fire-pit Casual, elegant atmosphere with onsite parking

SLIDERS

Every NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, MLS Game Available! 1000 North Humphreys Street, Flagstaff • (928) 774-4022 We are COVID Compliant

For reservations, call

(928) 779-3400

www.josephinesrestaurant.com

Serving lunch & dinner 503 N. Humphreys, Flagstaff

Best of Flag | 2021

T GAIL G. COLLINS

Great food,

hey say luck resides at the intersection between hard work and opportunity. That sums up the success of Lumberyard Brewing Company, which attracted voters with their benchmark bar food and veteran brewing skills. Three decades ago, if you had asked founding owners Winnie and Even Hanseth if they would be brewing beer, they might have seen themselves seated at the table instead of waiting on it. The same goes for head brewer Gary Blazevich with an environmental sciences degree, who enjoyed tipping them back in Issaquah, Washington. Director of brewing operations Gene Almquist fell headlong for brewing after his first effort. At Lumberyard, great ideas and talent triumphed. Lumberyard has garnered a consistent list of awards over the years at acclaimed national beer competitions, such as the Great American Beer Festival, where Pumpkin Porter won hearts. In fact, the combined slate of ribbons for Beaver Street and Lumberyard breweries totaled 13. Trends also encourage variety, like New England-styled Hazy Angel, a light lager and promising hit. “It’s an easy-going

great beer Lumberyard Brewing Co. 5 S. San Francisco St.

Please see BEER, Page 20

The Pumphouse Porter from Lumberyard Brewing Co. COURTESY OF LUMBERYARD BREWING CO.

16 Best of Flag | 2021

Voted Best of Flagstaff 20 YEARS IN A ROW! Give the Gift of Fratelli Pizza. Purchase a Gift Card Today!

THANK YOU FLAGSTAFF for voting 3’s in the Trees best Food Truck in 2021!

Thanks FLAGSTAFF

PIZZA | LOCAL BEER | CALZONES SALADS | WINGS https://www.facebook.com/3sinthetrees/

THANK YOU FLAGSTAFF FOR VOTING FOR US!

1ST PLACE:

BEST BAR FOOD 3RD PLACE: BEST BREWERY

Order online www.fratellipizza.net FORT VALLEY ROAD 1850 N. Fort Valley Rd. 928-714-9700 ext. 3

SOUTH of the TRACKS 119 W. Phoenix Ave 928-714-9700 ext. 2

EASTSIDE

2120 N. Fourth Street 928-714-9700 ext. 1

Best of Flag | 2021

RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

DARK SKY BREWERY Expanding, reevaluating and supporting the community Dark Sky Brewing Co. | 117 N Beaver St. SABRINA PROFFITT

Instead of simply surviving during the pandemic, Dark Sky Brewery (DSB) has an entirely different story. When the pandemic began, DSB had the opportunity to change its business model from a bar and lounge experience into a sitdown and tabled atmosphere. While this change had always been on the minds of co-owners Ryan and Larami Sandlin, the pandemic provided the perfect time to make the switch. According to Larami Sandlin, it provided a chance to step back and create a more efficient business plan – one that focused on 18 Best of Flag | 2021

The Best: Bar Staff 1. Dark Sky Brewing Co. 2. Mother Road Brewing Company 3. The Annex Cocktail Lounge what truly mattered to them. “Ryan and I always wanted to transition the bar service to be more of a sit-down table-touching experience for our patrons, and this also gives our team a better chance to chat with our patrons about the brews in more detail,” Larami said. “This transition also required us to have double the team,

but it’s really a much better experience for our team and patrons.” The closures that accompanied the start of the pandemic provided just enough time for them to adjust their business plan and implement a more structured system, utilizing QR codes and light-up buttons. “It really forced us to get more efficient and to really hone in on what our core values are,” Larami said. “Which are our quality products, our people, our staff and our patrons. We changed into a more seated table service bar and restaurant and Please see BREWERY, Page 20

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED DSB BEST OF FLAG 2021!

TAFF S G A L F WTHHANA U K YO ppor t u s d e u n ? onti X O for you c R ! B 1 2 YOU in 20

BEER L CRAFT A C O L HE SLICE * T Y B A Z PIZ

THANK YOU FLAGSTAFF!

Your continued support over the last year has been AMAZING, we truly appreciate all our customers!

Brewin y k S

g Co.

Dark

Lunch Specials M-F 11am-2pm • Happy Hour M-F 2pm-5pm Dine-In or Call for Delivery and See for Yourself why we have been a LOCAL TRUSTED FAVORITE for Over 40 years!!

We deliver all day, every day! OPEN 11AM-CLOSE • 7 DAYS A WEEK

www.nimarcospizza.com

DOWNTOWN WESTSIDE EaSTSIDE (928) 779-2691 (928) 779-0024 (928) 779-2691 101 South Beaver St. 1800 S. Milton Ste. 500 3715 E Kasper Ave.

Best of Flag | 2021

Beer From Page 16

IPA that’s hop forward,” according to owner Kelly Hanseth, next generation in the family business. The aim is, “brewing true-to-style,” and she added, “The Flagstaff IPA is the most popular canned beer — the number one distributed seller.” The other standard that beer drinkers order is Railhead Red, an amber and my favorite. The brewing began in 1994 as a small production facility within Beaver Street Brewery, but the popularity of its craft beer pushed expansion of capacity. When a city proposal for the historic Southside Halstead Lumberyard Building created an opportunity and the Hanseths worked to make Lumberyard Brewery Company a reality. Of course, an accompanying menu was a must, and the kitchen deBar Food livers in elevated snacks, 1. Lumberyard such as wings with sigBrewing Company nature sauces ranging 2. The Annex Cocktail from mild, like chipotle Lounge ranch to sawblade BBQ to dead heat. Or dig into 3. Cornish Pasty Co. a bowl of yard chili, dip pretzels in beer cheese sauce or try the deep-fried mac ‘n cheese balls accompanied by ranch and Thai angel sauces. A cultural collision formed the Irish egg rolls with corned beef, sauerkraut, carrots, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and mustard sauce. A pub crowd demands a proper burger, and Lumberyard’s brewhouse fills the bill. Diners also branch out for niche offerings in the Vietnamese burger with char sui pork, pepper jack, pickled daikon, fresh jalapenos, cucumber, cilantro and sriracha aioli on a bolillo roll. The Utah burger stacks pastrami with fry sauce, cheddar and Swiss cheeses, plus the usual salad toppers on a brioche bun. All are solid sellers. Sourcing is as sustainable as possible, but Hanseth stresses keeping the price point down. The annual Okto”Beer”Fest, supporting various animal charities, took a hiatus during the pandemic but likely will resume next year. The capacity in the restaurant is near 100% again, and the “interesting year,” as Hanseth put it, is in the rearview mirror. The local base is steady at Lumberyard Brewing Company, while the distribution of the product brings a brisk tourists trade searching out their usual brand. “People know the beers, and love being near the tracks,” Hanseth shared. “We focus on great food and great beer and create a great space to enjoy it.”

The Best: Bar Food

Lumberyard Brewing Company won Best Bar Food and third place for Best Brewery. 20 Best of Flag | 2021

Brewery From Page 18

that was forced by COVID but that turned out to be a really great thing for us. It forced us to get more efficient with our menu, our website and our ordering system. Luckily people loved beer during the pandemic.” And even more change is on the horizon for DSB. The brewery announced their intent to expand into the neighboring building on Birch Avenue once occupied by India Palace earlier this year. “This year has been really big for us,” Larami said, “We’re taking over the India Palace building … and that’s going to be more of a taproom atmosphere, another bar, more seating and space for special events. So, wedding receptions, corporate events, meeting spaces – that sort of thing.” Last year, Dark Sky won third place for Bar Staff, and this year they’ve jumped into the number one slot. Ryan said this support from Flagstaff is probably because their customers now get to have more face-to-face interactions with the staff. “It was shocking to hear that we won for it, but then it wasn’t at the same time,” Ryan said. “I think we’ve been doing a really great job and these guys are killing it back here.” Larami said the Dark Sky team is made of many different Flagstaff community members, and they

have a great team dynamic. “They are all really good friends now,” Larami said. “They also come from completely different backgrounds, too. Grad students, undergraduate students, or from other places in the industry. We have such an incredible staff.” Dark Sky will also be expanding its production facility soon, which Ryan said will allow them to interact with the community even more. He hopes this will be an opportunity to get their beer out to more events and more fundraisers in addition to providing other community engagement opportunities. Each month, Dark Sky selects a nonprofit and pairs it with a related brew on the menu. The proceeds from the drink go to the selected nonprofit. “We’re all about the community and our staff,” Larami said. “That’s really key for Dark Sky.” Dark Sky Brewing Co. won Best Bar Staff in addition to second place for Best Brewery, Overall Bar and Wait Staff.

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021!

Best of Flag | 2021

GOLDEN DRAGON

delivers Best Chinese year after year

Golden Dragon won the Best of Flag catergory for Best Chinese Food. RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Flagstaff, Thank you for this year’s wins!

• Best Brunch • Best Lunch Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery 1500 E. Cedar Ave. 7am - 3pm brandysrestaurant.com

Brandy’s Cafe 18 S. Beaver St. 7am - 2pm brandyscafe.com

Breakfast served all day! 22 Best of Flag | 2021

Voted Best Coffee House since 2009 Thank you Arizona Daily Sun Readers for voting us Best Coffee House AGAIN! This Coffee House is truly blessed and we will always welcome all that walk through our doors in the spirit of unity, our Flagstaff family! OPEN 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. DAILY | 14 S Beaver Street 928-774-2243 | www.macyscoffee.net

Golden Dragon | 2730 E Lakin Dr. GAIL G. COLLINS

Diners voted Golden Dragon as the Best Chinese Restaurant, so you can trust the reviews: “This is what Chinese food is supposed to taste like;” “pure taste, comfortable environment;” and the capper, “generous as well as delicious,” from a mother with seven boys who dined there and will be back. The raves are constant for the hot and sour and egg drop soups, so you know where to begin when ordering. But other bestselling appetizers include the crab puffs, which according to general manager Kinson Li are, “crisp, full of goodies and cream cheese,” in a mouth-popping size. Three partners share in the ownership of Golden Dragon: Jimmy Liang, Randy Lee and Winnie Cheng. Liang is from Toisan in the Guangdong region, while chef Sun Chung is Cantonese with an extensive cooking

The Best: Chinese Food 1. Golden Dragon 2. SoSoba 3. Asia Station background. As Li puts it regarding the recipes, “They each have their own ways and focus on fresh food made with quality ingredients to stay on point. The heart of it is in return customers, so we work for that ‘wow factor.’” The aim at Golden Dragon is a modern interpretation of classic dishes. Some popular examples include the General Tso chicken, honey walnut shrimp with large prawns or Li’s personal favorite, the tilapia fish fillet in hot chili oil. For a bright, colorful dish overflowing with fresh vegetables, order the happy family, which is

also protein-packed with shrimp, shredded beef and chicken. The kitchen is open plan with a long, marble bar from which to catch a quick meal or to watch the chefs in action. The setting of wood and warm, golden hues features cheerful statues of Buddha. The smiling good luck images with bountiful bellies are scattered with coins which regularly are contributed to children’s education. After 10 years, the local customer base is strong, but also includes the high turnover business of hotel guests looking for reliable quality and delivery. Golden Dragon has snagged this award several times over the years and continues to seek ways of improving the eatery. In response to the happy news, Li said, “We extend a big thank you to our customers, who visited us and voted us Best of Flagstaff.”

Golden

Dragon

Thank You for voting us Best of Flag for 2021! Mention this ad for 10% off anytiMe We Deliver

Tel: 928-527-0111 928-527-0222 2730 E. Lakin Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Best of Flag | 2021

FOOD & DRINK WINNERS BAKERY 1. Mozelle’s Downtown Bakery 2. Tourist Home All Day Cafe 3. Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery BAR FOOD 1. Lumberyard Brewing Company 2. The Annex Cocktail Lounge 3. Cornish Pasty Co. BAR STAFF 1. Dark Sky Brewing Co. 2. Mother Road Brewing Company 3. The Annex Cocktail Lounge BARBECUE 1. Satchmo’s 2. Bigfoot BBQ 3. Bandoleros 66 TEX-MEX-CUE BREAKFAST 1. MartAnne’s Burrito Palace 2. Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery 3. The Toasted Owl Café BREWERY 1. Mother Road Brewing Company 2. Dark Sky Brewing Co. 3. Lumberyard Brewing Company BRUNCH 1. Brandy’s Restaurant & Cafe 2. The Toasted Owl Cafe 3. Tourist Home All Day Café BURGER 1. Mama Burger 2. Diablo Burger 3. The Annex Cocktail Lounge CANDY/CHOCOLATE STORE 1. Sweet Shoppe Candy Store 2. Flagstaff Chocolate Company 3. Dulcería y Raspados El Miguelito

COCKTAILS 1. The Annex Cocktail Lounge 2. Rendezvous at Hotel Monte Vista 3. Zane Grey Ballroom at The Weatherford COFFEE HOUSE 1. Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery 2. Late for the Train 3. Wicked AZ Coffee COFFEE ROASTER 1. Late for the Train 2. Firecreek Coffee Company 3. Matador’s DELI SANDWICH 1. Proper Meats + Provisions 2. Crystal Creek Sandwich Co 3. Aspen Deli DESSERT 1. Mozelle’s Downtown Bakery 2. Tourist Home All Day Cafe 3. Shift Kitchen & Bar FAMILY DINING 1. Himalayan Grill 2. La Fonda Mexican Restaurant 3. NiMarco’s Pizza FINE DINING 1. Josephine’s Modern American Bistro 2. Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar 3. 1899 Bar and Grill FOOD TRUCK 1. 3’s in the Trees 2. Sugar Skull Rolling Cafe Food Truck 3. Tres Amigos Mexican HAPPY HOUR 1. Majestic Marketplace 2. The Annex Cocktail Lounge 3. Karma Sushi Bar & Grill

JAPANESE FOOD 1. Karma Sushi Bar & Grill 2. Hiro’s Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant 3. Teppan Fuji JUICE BAR/SMOOTHIE 1. Local Juicery 2. Juice Pub & Eatery 3. Java Juice LATE NIGHT 1. Cornish Pasty Co. 2. Aloha Hawaiian BBQ Restaurant 3. SoSoBa tied with The Annex Cocktail Lounge LUNCH FOOD 1. Brandy’s Restaurant & Cafe 2. Proper Meats + Provisions 3. Jitters Lunch Box MEXICAN FOOD 1. La Fonda Mexican Restaurant 2. Salsa Brava 3. El Tapatio NEW RESTAURANT 1. Tiki Grill 2. Forêt FLG 3. Civano Coffee House & Nightclub Flagstaff OUTDOOR DINING 1. The Oakmont 2. Josephine’s Modern American Bistro 3. The Annex Cocktail Lounge OVERALL BAR 1. The Annex Cocktail Lounge 2. Dark Sky Brewing Co. 3. Mother Road Brewing Company

CHICKEN WINGS 1. NiMarco’s Pizza 2. ATL Wings Flagstaff 3. Fratelli Pizza

INDIAN FOOD 1. Delhi Palace 2. Himalayan Grill

OVERALL RESTAURANT 1. 1899 Bar and Grill 2. Josephine’s Modern American Bistro 3. Shift Kitchen & Bar

CHINESE FOOD 1. Golden Dragon 2. SoSoba 3. Asia Station

ITALIAN FOOD 1. Fat Olives 2. Oregano’s 3. Pizzicletta

PIZZA 1. Fratelli Pizza 2. Nimarco’s Pizza 3. Pizzicletta

24 Best of Flag | 2021

SALAD 1. Oregano’s Pizza Bistro 2. Wildflower Bread Company 3. Fratelli Pizza SALSA 1. Salsa Brava 2. MartAnnes’s Burrito Palace 3. La Fonda Mexican Restaurant SPORTS BAR 1. Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 2. Dirty Birdie’s 3. Majerle’s Sports Grill STEAKHOUSE 1. Texas Roadhouse 2. Tinderbox Kitchen 3. Black Barts Steakhouse SUSHI 1. Karma Sushi Bar & Grill 2. Hiro’s Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant 3. Teppan Fuji TACOS 1. Tacos Los Altos 2. Los Altenos 3. Salsa Brava TEA SHOP 1. Steep Leaf Lounge 2. Old Barrel Tea Company Flagstaff 3. Potion Tea & Bakery THAI 1. Pato Thai Cuisine 2. Dara Thai 3. Swaddee Authentic Thai Cuisine VEGETARIAN/VEGAN 1. Red Curry Vegan Kitchen 2. Himalayan Grill 3. Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery WAITSTAFF 1. 1899 Bar and Grill 2. Dark Sky Brewing Co. 3. Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery WINE LIST 1. FLG Terroir Wine Bar & Bistro 2. 1899 Bar and Grill 3. Vino Loco Wine & Bottle Shop

Thank you FlagsTaFF! Thank You FlagsTaFF

For voting us best Family Dining! - Be sure and bring the whole family by for lunch or dinner

Voted The Best Thai Food for 12 Years!!

801 S. Milton Rd. Unit A, Flagstaff 928-213-5444 •www.himalayangrill.com

Thank you for voting us

Flag’s Best brewery

20 E. Route 66

DOWNTOWN TAP ROOM 7 SOUTH MIKES PIKE MOTHERROADBEER.COM @MOTHERROADBEER

928-213-1825 www.patothai.com

Best of Flag | 2021

SERVICES New Roots Fitness Co. 26 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Clean matters

BREE BURKITT

licia Gonzalez first started her cleaning business more than a decade ago with one house. It was just her back then and she no clue what she was doing – only a passion to organize and clean that kept her going. “To know you’re making a home for someone that they can come home and enjoy because of what I did,” Gonzalez said. “I knew I helped someone on a stressful day and it was really nice.” Gonzalez started Diamond Shine Cleaning with the goal of growing her number of houses from one to three. She was a sin-

Alicia Urbina Gonzalez of Diamond Shine Cleaning stands outside of one of her regular client’s houses. Diamond Cleaning won Best of Flag’s Best Cleaning Service title this year. RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Diamond Shine Cleaning | 928-606-8616 gle mother raising three young kids living in a trailer back then and setting these goals – no matter how big or small they might seem – kept her going. A new goal replaced the old with each achieved as she built her busi-

Thank you FlagsTaFF For voTing Dr. kym BEsT ChiroPraCTor!

(928) 853-8059 www.artflagstaff.com

ness, grew her client list and expanded her team. Soon, there was one goal – to win Best of Flag. And, just like all the other goals before, she did it. Gonzalez and Diamond Shine Cleaning won Best Home Cleaning Services for the first time this year. To say she was thrilled and shocked to find out she finally secured that title would be an understatement. She realized the magnitude of her accomplishment as she celebrated the win with her partner and children. “It shows that I did something,” Gonzalez said. “It shows that even if you’re a single parent or have a family you can do it. This is something I never thought I would do and I did it.” Just look at the work of Diamond Shine Cleaning to see why voters picked the first-tome nominee. Gonzalez’s team consistently focuses on quality over quantity and their meticulousness speaks for itself. The team of six does everything from traditional residential cleanings to vacation rentals, deep cleans ahead of a move-out, construction sites and more. They focus on personally getting to know each of their customers on a personal level to better understand what they need and to ensure it’s done

The Best: Home Cleaning Services 1. Diamond Shine Cleaning 2. A Cleaner You 3. Joni Cakes Cleaning exactly the way the client wants. “I want it to be done to the point where they (the clients) know everything was done right and they don’t have to worry,” Gonzalez said. “That is the most important. I love all my clients and I couldn’t be doing what I do if it wasn’t for them and my crew.” Gonzalez says she is already looking toward her next goal even as she crosses this one off. She doesn’t want this to be a onetime fluke but instead is aiming to keep being the Best of Flagstaff year after year. “I want it to keep going and I also want this company to grow,” she said. “I want to touch more homes and help more people. I want to be one of the biggest companies in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas. I want to be the biggest company in Flagstaff, but also have the right crew to do that and the right clients.” Best of Flag | 2021

Textures, forms and colors of the west fill the guest reception area at Little America Hotel. PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE AMERICA HOTEL‌

928-779-5066 FlagstaffStorage.com

THANK YOU FLAGSTAFF

for Selecting us BEST SELF STORAGE FACILITY again in 2021! F

28 Best of Flag | 2021

50 years of Flagstaff community at

LITTLE AMERICA Little America Hotel | 2515 E. Butler Ave.

SABRINA PROFFITT

Planning an event during a pandemic is not ideal or easy by any means. Amber Mansfield, Marketing Coordinator of Little America Flagstaff, knew this to be true, but somehow she and her team still managed to pull it off. The challenges arose one after the other – from short-staffed teams and rapidly-evolving CDC guidelines to turning indoor events into outdoor affairs and so much more. Despite all this, Little America still won Best Hotel and Best Evening Planning in the

The Best: Event Planning

The Best: Hotel

1. Little America Hotel

2. Weatherford Hotel

2. Peak Events

3. Drury Inn and Suites

3. Kim Duncan Design 2021 Best of Flag – with a little struggle, teamwork and putting their head together to find creative solutions, of course. Mansfield attributes this to the training the Little America team went through where many learned to take on roles that weren’t even their own. “2021 has been one of the

1. Little America Hotel

most interesting and challenging years we have experienced in almost 50 years of business,” Mansfield said. “Amid the COVID pandemic, many of our departments were shortstaffed. Our employees jumped head-first into other departments and roles to help keep our business going and guests happy. Everyone on the prop-

erty has been cross-trained in different departments, and we all have learned to wear many hats. Little America has always strived to put guests first, and 2021 was no exception to that creed.” COVID-19 brought along CDC guidelines that changed the way all businesses functioned. Safety was at the forefront of Little America’s actions, Mansfield said. “We made a lot of changes very quickly to follow CDC guidelines,” Mansfield said. “Our employees needed all Please see HOTEL, Page 41

T H A N K Y O U F L A G S TA F F

VOTED BEST HOTEL SERVICES & EVENT PLANNING 9 2 8 . 7 7 9 . 7 9 0 0 | 2 5 1 5 E A S T B U T L E R AV E

F L A G S T A F F. L I T T L E A M E R I C A . C O M

Best of Flag | 2021

STRENGTH AND EMPOWERMENT Sacred Mountain Fighting and Healing Arts | 202 S San Francisco St.

MACKENZIE CHASEE

For Sacred Mountain Fighting and Healing Arts owner and head instructor Matthew Banks, the martial arts was a gateway to finding himself. He realized the importance of self-defense following an incident his freshman year at Northern Arizona University. “I went to the gym for a while and got kind of bulked up then realized I still didn’t have the confidence – the self-awareness that I was looking for,” he said. One day, on the way to his regular workout at the campus gym, he passed a group of people in the basketball court practicing karate forms – different stances, footwork, striking techniques, and blocking and avoiding movements. “I stuck my head in and they said, ‘Come on inside,’ and I never looked back,” Banks said. “That was 2000.” Fourteen years later, he opened Sacred Mountain in Flagstaff’s Southside neighborhood to provide a resource for others in the community looking for empowerment and strength. Students ranging from as young as 4 to upwards of 70 currently attend classes held by instructors with mixed martial arts training and a passion for helping others. Shaolin kung fu, Tai Chi Chuan, practical self-defense and traditional Chinese lion dance are among the disciplines taught at the center, with many students embarking on a lifelong journey to explore different aspects of the art. “It’s something that’s accessible for everybody,” Banks said. “I really do find that those students who stick with it for more than six months tend to stick with it for more than six years. “If I have students that have achieved their black belt, we don’t just continue in the exact same thing; we actually start teaching them an entirely different kind of system and modality of martial arts, and that really helps keep our students engaged and having a lot of fun,” he continued. “And then once they do that for a while and they learn, learn, learn 30 Best of Flag | 2021

NEMEC PHOTOGRAPHY‌

The Best: Martial Arts Training 1. Sacred Mountain Fighting and Healing Arts 2. Maximum Martial Arts 3. Southside Athletics/Flagstaff Krav Maga

all this new stuff, they realize that, ‘Hey, that old stuff we were doing, we just scratched the surface.’ The Chinese martial arts world and that sphere is just so rich, there’s so much you can absorb in there.” Sacred Mountain has made many adjustments to keep everyone safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to share the joy of martial arts. Instructors created videos to send to students before Zoom became the go-to platform for live, virtual events, and later welcomed students back onto the mat with masking and social distancing in place as vaccines became widely available. At the end of the day, tuition-paying students needed to receive the same careful guidance and training they had come to expect, whether in-person or through the screen. As a staple in the Southside neighborhood for almost a decade, Sacred Mountain

is proud to be part of the community and regularly gives back in many ways. Women’s self-defense classes, regular fundraisers and more serve to strengthen Flagstaff. A recent event, 40 for 40, asked people to make a donation for each of the 40 forms Banks demonstrated with students for his 40th birthday at a local park, which raised $5,800 for Flagstaff Shelter Services. “We really like to reach out and do things that are going to impact the community directly,” Banks said. And Sacred Mountain’s impact has been felt and acknowledged since the beginning. “We opened in 2014, May 5 was our first day of classes, and we took second at Best of Flag that year and every year since,” Banks said with a laugh. “This has just been such a long time coming. It’s a really neat honor to be here and we’re just going to continue serving our community and being part of Flagstaff for many, many years to come.”

hand airbrushing • California sunless spray Tan sTand up bed • lay down beds wide seleCTion of loTions • bouTique iTems

THANK YOU FLAGSTAFF! FOR TRUSTING US TO HELP YOU GET STRONGER FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS.

NEVER TRIED A CLASS? COME SEE WHAT WE'RE ABOUT. FIRST ONE IS ON US.

Thank You Flagstaff for Your Continued Support and for Selecting Us

besT Tanning salon! Voted BEST 2006-2021!

1800 S. Milton Rd, Suite 17 • tanningtimeboutique.com

(928) 774-0772

Mon – Thurs 10am - 7pm, Friday 10am - 6pm, Sat and Sun 10am - 3pm

DIG. REPAIR. GROW. REPEAT.

Thank you Flagstaff for Voting us Best Electrician 5 Years in a Row!

Best of Flag | 2021

The Foundry Flagstaff was vosted Best Yoga Studio in the 2021 Best of Flag. JAKE BACON, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

Finding balance at

The Foundry Flagstaff The Foundry Flagstaff | 119 W. Phoenix Ave. #3 CHRISTINE MAXA

The Foundry Flagstaff is not just a place to do yoga, but a space to practice it – and it’s become Flagstaff’s favorite space for yoga. The Foundry first opened its doors on June 5, 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Owners Nicole Deacon and Andrew Miller signed the lease in March right before the pandemic lockdown happened. Nevertheless, the owners continued with their plans and The Foundry opened with a mask mandate and social distancing, which whittled down the class sizes to a third of the capacity of 36 people. Class size has since increased to 24. 32 Best of Flag | 2021

The Best: Yoga Studio Yoga Studio 1. The Foundry Flagstaff 2. The Yoga Experience 3. Northern Arizona Yoga Center “People really like the sense of community that’s here,” The Foundry’s studio manager, Carly Long, described what makes the yoga studio so special. “They say they love the way it feels, it’s such good vibes. It’s the people that come into our space that make up our community. It’s really the people of Flagstaff that make

it so special.” They come, too, because they get a lot for their money. The Foundry offers non-member Coconino County residents two weeks of all the classes they want to experience for $20. That $20 is then deducted from the price if they decide to buy a membership. “At open house events brand-new students can do four weeks for $40,” Long said. “So we double that.” The Foundry’s intro special is not only based on quantity. One thing clients can count on is a good workout. “They always get a hard class,” Long laughed when she described the classes.

“People love that it’s hot, it’s sweaty and it’s hard. We like to say it’s simple but not easy. We have really good instructors that give solid cues in intuitive sequences designed by the instructors that fit with the body. We tell people how to move in safe ways, and we give modifications and corrections to help everyone where they’re at.” And don’t forget the good vibes. Long said The Foundry creates a welcoming environment for everybody, no matter a person’s culture, creed, gender, body or mobility. One client aptly observed that The Foundry “doesn’t feel like a meat market.”

“We’re for everybody,” Long said. “I think that helps us stand out because we really make that a priority. Everybody can heal themselves doing our yoga and taking fitness classes. It’s really about doing that inner work. So we say, a lot, that we work from the inside out.” Long meant the healing part literally. She recalled how another student told her that the practice helped him learn how

to love again. “Most of all it helped him learn how to love himself,” Long said getting a bit choked up while sharing his breakthrough. “That’s the most important thing – that we learn to love ourselves because we are the most important people in our lives. In the end that’s all we have, only us. And only we can make ourselves feel happy. That comes from the inside.”

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR VOTE Flagstaff

BEST SIGN & PRINT SHOP Best of Flag | 2021

Thank you for all your support! All inclusive extravagance at its finest. Kingsmark Kennels is Northern Arizona’s premier Pet Resort, offering luxurious accommodations with outstanding care! Country Chic Executive

Suites with flat screen TV’S and Personal Court Yards

Clean, Comfortable, Climate Controlled & Air Ventilated 35 Play Yards on Five Heavily Treed Acres

Spacious Indoor / Outdoor & Indoor Suites Pet Shuttle Service

Cat House with Luxury Kitty Condos Romp N’ Play Doggy Day Camp

A Highly Trained and Certified Staff, including Pet CPR & First Aid

Tours Available Daily

Open All Holidays

cility is a f r u o h ar Our 24 ys A Ye a D 5 6 open 3 cierge hours n with co m to 6pm. from 6a

7155 E. Kavanagh Way, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 928.526.2222 fax: 866.519.7133 www.KingsmarkKennels.com 34 Best of Flag | 2021

Wildflower Salon Eco-friendly hair on the Square Wildflower Salon | 107 N. San Francisco St., #3

MACKENZIE CHASE

ince opening Wildflower Salon in the historic Babbitt Brothers Building on Heritage Square two and a half years ago, owners Kaylie and Lauren Ryan are proud of what they’ve built. Inside the ivy-covered Moenkopi Sandstone storefront, clients see their hair and mood transformed thanks to skilled stylists, and they have expressed their gratitude by securing Wildflower the title of Best Salon for the first time this year. “Kaylie and I were raised to work for everything we have and to do it at a high standard, so it feels great,” Lauren said of the recognition. “And just having our community support us feels awesome, too.” The siblings and business partners have been honing their craft for the past eight years and decided to launch Wildflower when their last salon closed, bringing their coworkers along with them. “The most important thing for us was creating a very positive environment here where people can just come and do their craft and be happy,” Kaylie said. “We’ve Please see SALON, Page 41

The Best: Hair Salon 1. Wildflower Salon 2. Salon Chateau 3. Salon Thairapy Best of Flag | 2021

For the 2nd year, Thank You for voting us Best of Flag Plumbing. We appreciate it! Locally owned and operated by the Wilson family, we are a full service company providing 24/7 emergency service, remodel and new construction plumbing. Call us at 928-779-1589 for your next plumbing service.

Good Works Services LLC 36 Best of Flag | 2021

ROC # 328367

We would like to thank our members and the Flagstaff community for supporting FAC for the past 43 years!

Your membership includes: • 2 Clubs, 3 pools (including a salt pool, a lap pool and an outdoor pool) • 4 Steamrooms, 6 Hot Tubs • 2 Kids Clubs • 9 Courts • State of the Art Strength and Cardio Equipment • Indoor Track, Gymnasium • Racquetball, Handball & Squash • Personal Training • Small Group Training • Physical Therapy • Swim Lessons • Tanning on site plus much more! over 120 Classes a week including • Beginner Classes • Yoga • Cycling • Zumba • Step • Pilates • Les Mills® • Aqua for Arthritis • Barre Fusion 45 • Barre Above • RPM • Body Pump • BodyCombat • Sprint • Body Jam and more.

FAC west 1200 W Route. 66 • 928.779.4593 FAC eAst/sportstop 1500 N Country Club Rd. • 928.526.8652

University AUto repAir

Thank you FlagsTaFF For voTing us BesT oF FlagsTaFF in 2021 For oil Change and Brake serviCe!

928-779-3144 1864 s Woodlands village Blvd. Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 pM www.universityautoflagstaff.com Best of Flag | 2021

T hank You

FlagstaFF!!! For VoTing us The BesT Jewelry sTore

azdailysun.com

For 2021

T hank you for voting Flagsaff Nails Salon the Best of Flag 2021!

Locally Owned Since 1980 4650 N US Highway 89 Ste G8, Flagstaff, AZ 928-526-6516 Be sure to visit our website at www.flagstaffjeweler.com

38 Best of Flag | 2021

We appreciate you!

Serving the Flagstaff Community for Over 12 Years

Thank you Flagstaff for choosing us as the Best Mortgage Company since 2015!

928.779.9500

www.PrimeLendingFlagstaff.com

Home Loans Made Simple 1600 W. University Ave. - Suite 112 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Branch NMLS# 156052

Thank you Flagstaff Arizona Daily Sun readers for voting Wells Fargo Best Bank* This distinction inspires us to work even harder for you and for the good of the community. We strive to do our best today, in the future, and every day in-between. We’re proud to be a part of the community.

Best of Flag | 2021

Happy Holidays

During this holiday season, we wish you all the best. Sedric cade 524 N. Humphreys

Mark Frank 1016 W. University Ave.

JaYne POWeLL 9 N. Elden

Ben BreWSTer 319 S. Regent St.

rOSS nichOLLS 1403 S. Plaza

eric FernandeZ 2405 N Rose St,

928-774-3090 800-441-4651

Suite 213 928-526-0064

Suite 106 928-774-4766 866-998-4766

928-226-1012 877-928-1012

SABRINA CARLSON 9 N. Elden Suite 103 928-556-8655 800-556-9450

Suite 103 928-556-8655 800-556-9450

928-522-6166

SAMUEL PROCTOR 1016 W. University Ave. Suite 106 928-774-4766 866-998-4766

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

928-526-9333

because color is personal Transforming Your surroundings

Thanks Thank you Flagstaff for voting us Best Painting.

We are very excited to have won 2 years in a row! Call us for a free estimate.

928-600-5944 | heberpropainting@gmail.com | heberpropainting.com

40 Best of Flag | 2021

Flagstaff for voting Behmer Roofing the BEsT Roofing Company for the 3rd year in a row!! We really appreciate it.

ROC #200895

Salon From Page 35

spent a lot of time and intention cultivating the positivity in our space for not only our stylists, but our clients as well.” And that dedication extended through the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring when the salon shut its doors for almost two months. Unable to continue their regular hands-on work, the Ryans turned to creating at-home hair color kits to keep the lights on and pay rent. “Kaylie and I made how-to videos on how to color your own roots,” Lauren said with a laugh. “Every person who bought those kits, we would send them the video so at least that got them through [an awkward growth period].” Once businesses received the go-ahead to reopen, Wildflower welcomed its clients back, but it wasn’t without some trepidation as stylists navigated the uncertainty of working in such close quarters with the public.

“We didn’t know what was going to happen but we knew we had to work, so we were very strict about our COVID policies the entire time, and still are,” Kaylie said. “It was very stressful, but in the end, our hair services were to the standard that they’ve always been and that’s what’s most important.” Wildflower’s stylists choose their own hours, services and pricing, and are encouraged to continue their education whenever possible. While further education is not required of licensed stylists, Wildflower supports its employees following their interests by attending workshops on new techniques or upcoming trends, allowing them to remain up-to-date and competitive in the ever-evolving customer service industry. Plus, in a field that is inherently wasteful – the beauty industry contributes almost 900 pounds of waste to landfills every minute – Wildflower aims to reduce its footprint as a Certified Sustainable Salon through

Green Circle Salons, the world’s first company focusing on the sustainability of salons. Items like dye tubes, foils, hair clippings, aerosol cans and more are collected, sorted and shipped back to Green Circle to be reused and recycled. “One of our friends was doing it in her salon and we just researched it more and immediately saw that that was the way to go,” Kaylie said. “It reduces all our waste by 90%, so that is a ton of things that would end up in a landfill otherwise.” And so with sustainability along with their stylists’ and clients’ happiness at the forefront of the business, Wildflower stands out as the place many choose to support when in need of professional hair color, haircuts and facial waxing. “Working in Flagstaff is the best,” Lauren said. “People are so grateful and kind and respectful; it makes our job even easier because it can be rough in this industry, the way you’re

Hotel From Page 29

hands on deck because we started to see a quick jump in travel heading to the Grand Canyon and travelers wanting to get out of their house to experience our hiking trails and get some fresh air. We all worked together to ensure that the whole property – from the Travel Center to Silver Pine Restaurant – was running smoothly. That meant no task was outside someone’s job description. If it needed to be done, we found a way.” When it comes to the connection with Flagstaff, Mansfield said she has witnessed the strong relationship her hotel staff has with the community. Each year, Little America often hosts events for the same companies or fami-

PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE AMERICA HOTEL‌

The king bedroom in the Presidential Suite features a marble fireplace, a raw-edge big-leaf maple headboard and a sitting area. lies. This might include a yearly Christmas banquet for an office, a family’s annual Mother’s Day brunch or planning weddings for several couples within the same family. Mansfield said having tenured employees who have been there for decades also helps keep the relationship between the cus-

tomer and the hotel strong. “We are honored to have many tenured employees that have been with us for years or, in some cases, careers that have lasted decades,” Mansfield said. “That special relationship enables us to cater to them in a meaningful way. We are thrilled that the Flagstaff community would rec-

treated sometimes. I feel like all of our clients are our family as well, they love us and we love them. And just being a business owner has come with its struggles and challenges, but I would not want it any other way. We were definitely meant to be entrepreneurs.” “Yeah, I would also say my favorite thing about this industry really is the human connection aspect,” Kaylie said. “Being able to give people something that makes them just feel good about themselves is really rewarding.” “Sometimes getting your hair done is the best part of someone’s day or week or even year, and to be able to give that to someone is super heartwarming,” Lauren added. “We hope to be here for a long time and continue doing what we do.” Wildflower Salon is open seven days a week, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., at 107 N. San Francisco St., Suite 3. Learn more at www.salonwildflower. com or on Instagram, @_wildflower_salon.

ognize our staff’s efforts to take great care of everyone who walks through our door.” After a year of unexpected changes, Mansfield said she and the staff are thankful that the Flagstaff community has continued to welcome them for decades. “We have enjoyed being a part of this fantastic community for almost 50 years, and we hope to continue for the next 50,” Mansfield said. “It is an honor to serve the Flagstaff community, and we are grateful that our efforts to provide extraordinary service to our guests haven’t gone unnoticed. Thank you, Flagstaff.” Head over to flagstaff.littleamerica.com to learn more about Little America Flagstaff, book a hotel stay, check out the Silver Pine Restaurant’s menu, or host an event. Best of Flag | 2021

THANK YOU FLAGSTAFF!

928 -707-0315

kitchentuneup.com Refacing • New Cabinets Cabinet Painting

@midtownvet928 42 Best of Flag | 2021

For voting us Best Home, Kitchen & Bath Remodeler

5 Years in a Row! Locally owned by Andy & Laura Leigh Mathis. ROC # 303301

928-310-8555

bathtune-up.com Showers • Full Remodels Conversions • Bathtubs

@midtown.vet

E R ’ E W

BACK

Thank you Flagstaff for voting us best Auto Repair - Collision for 2021! We look forward to serving all of your car needs.

THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH!!

“BEST DECISION AFTER A COLLISION,” CALL US TODAY: (928) 543-9300 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021

THANK YOU TO THE NEW YEAR FOR VOTING US BEST TATTOO PARLOR 5 YEARS IN A ROW!

2500 S. WOODLANDS VILLAGE SUITE 27 928.380.0693

WWW.AVAILTATTOOSTUDIO.COM

Best of Flag | 2021

SERVICES WINNERS ADVERTISING AGENCY/ MARKETING COMPANY 1. 92.9 KAFF Country 2. Arizona Daily Sun 3. Overdrive Media & Printing Services APARTMENT COMMUNITY 1. University Square 2. Woodlands Village 3. Highland Village AUTO—BRAKE SERVICE 1. University Auto Repair 2. Findlay Honda 3. Flagstaff Nissan Subaru AUTO—CAR WASH 1. Clean Freak 2. Speedi Car Wash 3. Woodland’s Wash & Lube AUTO—COLLISION REPAIR 1. Flagstaff Collision Center 2. Route 66 Auto Body Inc 3. Max’s Body Shop & Collision Center AUTO—MECHANICAL REPAIR 1. Heath’s Auto Service 2. Findlay Honda 3. Flagstaff Nissan Subaru AUTO—OIL CHANGE 1. University Auto Repair 2. Flagstaff Nissan Subaru 3. Planet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT of Flagstaff BANK 1. Wells Fargo 2. Chase Bank 3. National Bank of Arizona CARPET CLEANER 1. Spots Carpet Care 2. Bare Carpet Care 3. Carpet Magic CATERING 1. Simply Delicious (Café Daily Fare) 2. Bigfoot BBQ 3. Fat Olives CHIROPRACTOR 1. Wilken’s Sport Chiropractic 2. Munderloh Chiropractic 3. R. M. Dahl Chiropractic COMPUTER REPAIRS AND SERVICES 1. Flagstaff IT 2. Flagstaff Computer Guys 3. FixIt Mobile CREDIT UNION 1. One AZ Credit Union 2. Arizona Central Credit Union 3. Coconino Federal Credit Union DAY CARE 1. Abundant Life Preschool 2. Haven Montessori 3. Foresight Learning Center 44 Best of Flag | 2021

ELECTRICIAN 1. Darren Lance Electric 2. Goodman Electric 3. Colter Electric

HOTEL 1. Little America Hotel 2. Weatherford Hotel 3. Drury Inn and Suites

PET—BOARDING 1. Kingsmark Kennels 2. Cinder Hills Kennels 3. Wags & Whiskers Pet Resort

EVENT PLANNING 1. Little America Hotel 2. Peak Events 3. Kim Duncan Design

INSURANCE COMPANY 1. State Farm 2. Allstate 3. Farmers Insurance

PET—GROOMING 1. The Dog Wash 2. Dorothy’s K9 Grooming 3. Kingsmark Kennels

FINANCIAL SERVICES 1. Edward Jones 2. One AZ Credit Union 3. Benefit & Financial Strategies

INTERIOR DESIGN 1. Herron Interior Design 2. SweigART Designs 3. Kim Duncan Design

PHOTOGRAPHER 1. Jake Bacon 2. Randi Pond Photography 3. Grace Marie Studios

FITNESS—FITNESS CENTER/ GYM 1. Flagstaff Athletic Club 2. Summit Fitness 3. Planet Fitness

LANDSCAPING COMPANY 1. Morning Dew Landscaping Inc 2. Agassiz Landscape Group 3. Warner’s Nursery and Landscaping

PLUMBING 1. Assurance Plumbing and Heating 2. TCR Rooter & Plumbing 3. Intermountain Plumbing & Mechanical

FITNESS—MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING 1. Sacred Mountain Fighting and Healing Arts 2. Maximum Martial Arts 3. Southside Athletics/Flagstaff Krav Maga FITNESS—PERSONAL TRAINING 1. New Roots Personal Training 2. High Altitude Personal Training 3. Momentum Aerial FITNESS—YOGA STUDIO 1. The Foundry Flagstaff 2. The Yoga Experience 3. Northern Arizona Yoga Center FLOORING 1. Double J’s Installations 2. Cunningham Flooring Direct 3. Highlands Floor Coverings HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 1. Boyer Heating and Cooling 2. Intermountain Plumbing & Mechanical 3. Q Tech Heating & Cooling HOME BUILDERS/GENERAL CONTRACTORS 1. Capstone Homes 2. JKC Inc. General Contractor 3. Loven Contracting HOME CLEANING SERVICES 1. Diamond Shine Cleaning 2. A Cleaner You 3. Joni Cakes Cleaning HOME PAINTING 1. Heber Pro Painting LLC 2. Major League Painting 3. Brothers of the Brush HOME, KITCHEN, BATH REMODELERS 1. Kitchen Tune-Up/Bath Tune-Up 2. JKC Inc. General Contractor 3. SweigART Designs

MASSAGE THERAPY 1. Massage Envy Spa 2. Bod-E-Healer Massage Therapy 3. Bodies in Balance Massage Therapy MORTGAGE COMPANY 1. PrimeLending 2. Academy Mortgage 3. Wallick & Volk Mortgage PERSONAL CARE— BARBERSHOP 1. Val’s Workshop 2. Kuttz Barbershop 3. Head First Hair Designs PERSONAL CARE—DAY SPA 1. Allure Aesthetics 2. Flagstaff Skincare 3. Flagstaff Face & Body PERSONAL CARE—HAIR SALON 1. Wildflower Salon 2. Salon Chateau 3. Salon Thairapy PERSONAL CARE—MANI/ PEDI 1. Flagstaff Nails Salon 2. All at Becky’s Nails 3. Spatique Day Spa

PRINT SHOP 1. Signarama 2. AEC Reprographics and Printing 3. Five Star Printing PROPANE 1. Superior Propane 2. John Graves Propane 3. Orion Energy PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 1. 928Rentals.com 2. Bella Investment Group 3. Coldwell Banker Northland PROPERTY RESTORATION 1. Mammoth Restoration 2. Bio-One 3. Mission Restoration REAL ESTATE AGENCY/ COMPANY 1. Realty Executives of Flagstaff 2. RE/MAX Fine Properties 3. Coldwell Banker Northland ROOFING 1. BEHMER Roofing Co. 2. Noah’s Ark Roofing 3. High Elevation Roofing SIGN COMPANY 1. Signarama 2. Northern Arizona Signs 3. Express Yourself Signs

PERSONAL CARE—SKIN CARE 1. Allure Aesthetics 2. Flagstaff Skincare 3. Flagstaff Face & Body

STORAGE FACILITIES

PERSONAL CARE—TANNING SALON 1. Tanning Time Salon & Boutique 2. Kissa Sun Lux Spray Tanning 3. Northern Arizona Glam Squad

TATTOO PARLOR 1. Avail Tattoo Studio ㅤ 2. Flagstaff Tattoo Company 3. The Wilbury Tattoo

PET—ADOPTION 1. High Country Humane 2. Coconino Humane Association 3. Ark Cat Sanctuary

1. Woodlands Village Self Storage/ Flagstaff Ranch Self Storage 2. Armour Self Storage 3. Aspen Mini Storage

VETERINARIAN 1. Midtown Animal Clinic 2. Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of Northern Arizona 3. Westside Veterinary Clinic

Thank You Flagstaff for your continued support and for selecting us Best Massage for 2021! FLAGSTAFF 1235 South Plaza Way Off Milton next to Ross and Safeway (928) 526-3689 M-S 8a-10p | Su 9a-9p

Thank you Flagstaff for your continued support!!!

Best of Flag | 2021

SHOPPING Wee Scotty Sewing & Craft Boutique

46 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Thank you FlagsTaFF For your conTinued supporT again in 2021! Voted Best Auto RepAiR-MechAnicAl! Thank You To our wonderful cusTomers for Your supporT ThroughouT The coVId-19 pandemIc and for Your conTInued paTronage oVer The Years!

1840 W KAIBAB LANE #200 928.214.8150 HEATHSAUTO.COM

winter19 namlm.com

A plant pandemic

PASTIME,

reimagined into a career RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Chelsea Thomas stands inside of her store Plantae in downtown Flagstaff. The store specializes in house plants and won Best of Flag’s category Best Plant Nursery.

SABRINA PROFFITT

helsea Thomas was on a mission to find a new career path that she was passionate about after finding herself unemployed due to the pandemic. With a love of keeping house plants, Thomas turned her hobby into a vision. She started Plantae as a pop-up shop outside of Rainbow’s End in downtown Flagstaff and opened her own brick-andmortar shop soon after. She opened the physical Plantae shop to the community in March 2021. Immediately, she was showered with community support and love. In order to stand out, her mission was to fill her nursery with unique and rare plants that were hard to find. “Right away it was made clear to me that there was a need for another plant nursery,” Thomas said. “I’m trying to bring a variety to town that we haven’t seen before. It’s been super fun 48 Best of Flag | 2021

Plantae | 112 E. Rte. 66, #106

COURTESY OF PLANTAE

Plantae also offers a variety of pots. to see people’s responses to the variety of plants. It’s been a year of trying to grow the business, figure out the business, what

works and doesn’t work.” Thomas goes to extreme distances to procure a wide range of plants – literally. She drives

to California twice a month and Phoenix weekly to pick up everything from ferns and succulents to Venus flytraps and more unique offerings. Beyond the variety of plants offered, Thomas wanted Plantae to be community-based. If a customer needed help or had a question, she wanted her team to be able to step in and help. “We’re also here to help with any type of care questions or if you’re having any problems with your plants,” Thomas said. “Our staff is always ready to help you get to the bottom with it and try to fix the problem. We sell pots and also drill drainage holes on demand. Even if you didn’t purchase the pot from us, you’re welcome to bring in your pot and we’ll drill holes for you for free.” While many businesses were negatively affected by the pandemic, Thomas found house plants were on the uprising. She noticed even people who had never taken care of a plant

The Best: Plant Nursery 1. Plantae 2. Warner’s Nursery and Landscaping 3. Viola’s Flower Garden before come into her store, wanting to learn the ropes. Even now, more than a year into the pandemic, house plants have become a hobby for many. The plant community that already existed expanded as the months of quarantine dragged on. “I feel so incredibly blessed,” Thomas said. “The pandemic only fueled this business. I do think we would have been successful if we weren’t in a pandemic because it’s a store Flagstaff didn’t have but I honestly think it took the pandemic for me personally to figure out what I should be doing.” Thomas would go into the garden department and look at

all of the plants when only a few stores like Walmart and Home Depot were open during the early stages of the pandemic. This hobby sparked an idea in her brain and she ran with it. “The universe just made everything fall into place so well,” Thomas said. “Down to our location next to MartAnnes, the opening day couldn’t have been better, they cleaned out the store. COVID was not a problem for Plantae, that’s for sure. I feel so bad and sympathize with other businesses that were affected, but COVID was not a problem for us.” In the future, Thomas hopes to expand her business, both physically and throughout the community. She hopes to put on workshops and classes in the future for those who want to learn more about plant care. She’s also working on offering plant doctor and vacation plant care services – clear signs that Plantae is still growing.

Your Neighborhood Plant shop

Thanks for Voting Us Best Plant Nursery! Tropical Plants

Easy Cacti & Indoor Plants Succulents

Plants for Beginners

112 E Route 66 #106 – Downtown Flagstaff plantaeflagstaff.com (928) 298-5588 @plantaeflagstaff

THANK YOU FLAGSTAFF! For voting us the Best Shoe Store In Flagstaff!

Your local running store Since 2005 our team has committed to providing the best service to all of those who pass by our shop or see us in the community. From runners and hikers to nurses and teachers, we are here to help you find the best shoe that supports your lifestyle. We're proud to be a part of this community, and we're proud to be your trusted friend. It's an honor to be recognized as the Best Shoe Store in Flag. Thank you!

WWW.RUNFLAGSTAFF.COM Best of Flag | 2021

Art Loft collective was voted Best Art Gallery in the 2021 Best of Flag. JAKE BACON, ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Art above town

Art Loft Collective | 17 N. San Francisco St., Ste. 3C SVEA CONRAD

Art Loft Collective, tucked up above Flag Terroir and the long-standing Artist Gallery, was in many ways born out of the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps not directly, but had Art Loft mastermind Ashley Matelski not been temporarily unemployed when the restaurant she managed closed for a month she would not have been making and selling her art full time. Had she never been forced to make ends meet solely through her art, opening a space to help others do the same likely would not have come about. Time and time again it’s the hardships that yield the fruit. “The biggest turning point for me was during the shutdown. So many people took that time to do what they could never do, for most creatives that was making art. You always have your support job taking up your Please see ART, Page 60

50 Best of Flag | 2021

COURTESY OF CIERRA MURRIETTA

The recently opened Art Loft Collective occupies the top floor above The Artists Gallery and FLG Terroir in downtown Flagstaff.

Thank You

to everyone who voted us Best of Flag Convenience Store for 2021

Thank you, Flagstaff for 77 great years and voting us...

Best Florist since 2002!

We appreciate it! Come visit our store anytime for your favorite beverage, pies from The Pie Guys, Homemade Toffee, Winter Wear and more.

1st Wednesday of the Month

Winedown Wednesdays are perfect for your holiday plans.

Get 20% off your favorites. Come see our selection.

(928) 774-0670

111 N. Beaver St. Flagstaff, AZ @sutcliffefloral www.sutcliffefloral.com Best of Flag | 2021

SVEA CONRAD

ichelle Gregory’s mother suffered a life-altering heart attack just two months after Michelle and her husband, Curtis Gregory, completely remodeled and opened the Mobil gas station on Butler Avenue. It was their first-ever store. For the next three months, Michelle – who left her job of 21 years at a vitamin company in Phoenix to join Curtis in Flagstaff – would finish doing the books for the gas station in the morning then drive down to Phoenix to be with her mom. Her mother, among many things, lost the ability to speak and had been moved to a care facility. Michelle spent each day with her mother, simply holding her hand and being by her side, before making the long drive back up the mountain each evening. She repeated this daily ritual for three months. Her mother died on April 8, 2021. And, yet, the Mobil on Butler continued to open for customers. Situated kitty-corner to the Little America Hotel, the Mobil is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Local businesses like The Pie Guy, Canyon Coolers (sport-

Much more than a

gas station Butler Mobil | 2484 E Butler Ave. ing the designs of Hopi artist Duane Koyawena), Mother Road Brewing Co. and many more are represented in the gas station so clean you can practically see it glisten from the I-40. Then, on May 25, Curtis had a stroke. He spent the night in the hospital. The couple say things could have turned out much differently had they not made it there. Though still grieving, everything seemed to be looking up for the Gregory’s as their daughter, Nicki, prepared to give birth to their first grandchild. The C-section was scheduled for June 18 in Phoenix. But a call came from their son Cory, a paramedic and firefighter for the Phoenix Fire Department, the night before they were set to

leave: He was hospitalized after sustaining third- and fourth-degree burns in an apartment fire. It was June 17. Nicki gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Brielle, the next day. The couple’s hearts remain steadily with their family – both biological and business – as they assembled a team of employees to help run the store. But the Butler Mobil is not your average gas station. Decals depicting Sedona’s red rocks, Ponderosa pines and the Grand Canyon cover the walls above the beverage coolers. Holiday decorations that Michelle curates for every season, Flagstaff souvenirs, 20% off all wines on Wednesdays and a bathroom that stays immaculate (a priority for Mi-

chelle) separate it from others. “We want to be as much a mom-and-pop store as we can,” Michelle said. They also sell Curtis’ mother’s toffee, a recipe that has been in the family for nearly 100 years. Through the Mobil, Curtis and Michelle also sponsor the Coconino High School Football team as an homage in part to daughter Nicki’s job as a cheerleading coach and high school math teacher in Phoenix. They also sponsor the Mormon Lake Fire Department. “We try and take care of all our roots,” Curtis said. “The locals take care of us so we try and take care of them.” For the Gregory’s, it’s safe to say the good and bad have gone hand-in-hand during their first year of business, yet they remain marvelously optimistic. Curtis’ recent thyroid cancer diagnosis presents yet another hurdle, but they look at with it grit. It’s one they firmly plan to overcome.

The Best: Convenience Store 1. Butler Mobil 2. Majestic Marketplace 3. Maverik

Michelle and Curtis Gregory stand amid the convenience section of their Mobil gas station and food mart on Butler Avenue. The market won Best Convenience Store in the Best of Flag 2021 competition, an award they believe is due to their cleanliness, service, large selection and the local products available in their store. RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

52 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Thank you for all your support! 2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 1800 S. Milton Rd Suite 1 Flagstaff, Az 86001

2616 N. Steve’s Blvd Flagstaff, Az 86004

Unlimited Self-Serve Dog Washes with No Time Limits Salon Amenities Included 24 Hour Access 365 Days a Year Monthly Membership $26/month Annual Membership $260/year HID Key Card $10.00 (One Time Purchase) Membership Includes Single or Multiple Pets in a Family One Time Wash - Non Membership (Single Pet $25, Additional Pets - $5 ea.)

THEDOGWASH.PET today to get soapy with your pooch right away! ( 928) 928 ) 212-9298 Sign up at

Best of Flag | 2021

As simple as an

old milk bottle

Fourth Street Vintage marks successful first year Fourth Street Vintage | 1901 N. Fourth St.

54 Best of Flag | 2021

The Best: Antiques 1. Fourth Street Vintage 2. Maude’s Antique Mall 3. Barn Bros.

SVEA CONRAD

aura and Bill Buehler long had visions of opening their own store. They dreamt of an antique shop that offered the best of the best, the stuff you can’t find just anywhere else, from vintage motorcycles and bikes to life-sized porcelain signs. The things you see on TV shows like American Pickers or Antiques Roadshow, but rarely find in real life. Then the building once occupied by the Flagstaff Farmers Market went up for lease and the Buehlers jumped at the opportunity. “When the space popped up a year ago we thought maybe the building was too big, we worried what was going to happen with COVID. We asked ourselves, ‘Are we gonna fail or is it gonna be good?’” Buehler said. “And it’s good. It’s really good. Flagstaff has shown the love even more than we thought.” Fourth Street Vintage is packed to the brim with treasures – old gas pumps, records, furniture, toy cars from the 1950s, original movie posters from the silent era, authentic Persian rugs, entire booths from restaurants with the leather still bright red and in mint condition – name something, especially something obscure, and the Buehlers probably sell it. “We are definitely trying to keep it to a different level,” Buehler said. “People think of antique stores as just dishes and doilies and dolls and we want to be a little more edgy than that.”

The shop is carefully curated, with items large and small that the couple source from different states. Old barns, estate sales and storage units are just a handful of what supply Fourth Street Vintage. COVID has confined the Buehler’s shopping travel primarily to Arizona, but, even through the pandemic, they have managed to stock the store weekly. “We have our regular customers who come in like two, three, four times a week just because they know we bring in a truckload of new stuff,” Buehler said. “Because we are so new some people still don’t know we’re here, but the ones who do love us and come in very often and usually walk out with something.” Both Buehler’s came to the vintage trade via different routes. Bill restored and sold WWII tanks and helicopters

QUALITY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS GIFTS & ACCESSORIES LESSONS • RENTALS • REPAIRS

Please see VINTAGE, Page 56 Best of Flag | 2021

Vintage From Page 55

and collected artifacts from the era for many years. Laura ran a graphic design business with her mother in Prescott before she began working with her husband. Though she entered the picture later than he did, she has since become an old hat at the job, cultivating a keen eye for what she calls “the good old stuff.” “When you look at something vintage it’s just so beautiful, and it’s still here today which means it was made well,” she said. “You can appreciate the time and effort that

was put into the stuff that was made back then. Something as simple as a milk bottle. Now we consume tons of plastic bottles, back then it would be brought to your front door in a nice glass jar.” It wasn’t easy opening the store in the midst of COVID but somehow they managed, rearranging furniture so people could social distance and saying goodbye to their two sons every morning so they could run the business while the two finished high school over Zoom. “We just want to thank Flagstaff for being so amazing and supporting this dream,” Buehler said.

JAKE BACON, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

Fourth Street Vintage was named Best Antique Shop in the 2021 Best of Flags. 56 Best of Flag | 2021

Gourmet gifts at

Duette® honeycomb shades

Olive the Best Olive the Best Oils & Vinegars 18 E. Birch Ave.

CHRISTINE MAXA

v e r y b o d y ’s got that person they have to buy a gift for and they have no idea what to give them. When you can get that person something they never thought of or can’t get just anywhere, it’s fun. At least that’s what Scotty McPeak, co-owner of Olive the Best Oils & Vinegars of Flagstaff, thinks. “Someone sends you a gift,” McPeak described why he thought Olive the Best

won Flagstaff’s Best Gift Shop award, “And you’re like, ‘Wow, this balsamic is from May of ’99 – this is 22 years old. This is really cool stuff.’” The shop not only draws not only tourists, but also loyal locals. In Olive the Best’s case, locals include the whole world. “Thirty percent of our business is online,” explained McPeak, “We ship several thousand boxes a year. The in-store is what’s grown the online because it is tourism-based, and they go home Please see GIFTS, Page 58

Thank You Flagstaff for voting us Best window treatments 6 years in a row!

2624 N Steves Blvd • M-F: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

928-526-5587

www.flagstaffblinds.com winter19 namlm.com

The Best: Gift Shop 1. Olive the Best Oils & Vinegars of Flagstaff 2. Flagstaff General Store 3. Crystal Magic

Gifts From Page 57

and order more.” McPeak is quick to point out Olive the Best has several hundred Google reviews, and each one has no less than five stars. Any problem with a shipment gets quickly resolved, often with extra product. “I just kill them with kindness and everyone’s happy,” McPeak said. “We try to give really good customer service and make it an experience.” The same model of operation exists at the Birch Avenue shop where the McPeaks, except for an occasional day off, meet and greet every customer. Customers have fun as they sample plant-based, no-preservative olive oil from all over the world,

58 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

balsamic vinegar from Italy and flavored balsamic. The shop also offers flavored salts, maple syrup and related tableware made by local artisans. When sales dived the pandemic, the McPeaks decided they could either be bummed or find a way to morph. They decided to deliver gifts and products for free to locals. “So you could go on our website, order a gift for a friend, and we’d take it to the destination for free,” McPeak said. “No one else ships free. People nowadays use Amazon because it’s easy, but they’d rather support a local small business. So you just have to find an avenue to make that happen. That’s probably what really helps us.” That, and the fact that Scotty McPeak knows no strangers. When his wife,

Laura, became pregnant after 16 years of marriage, Scotty described the customer reaction when baby Hailey Mae was born three months ago. “Some of our biggest business was when my wife had the baby,” McPeak said. “We were told to never have children because she has cystic fibrosis disease and we adopted two girls who are now 6 and 9. We had so many gifts sent to the store from customers I’ve never met.” And that’s the way the McPeaks like to do business. Give people a good product, go above and beyond expectations, and create a fun family atmosphere. “When you come into the store, it’s a fun experience. We joke. We ship stuff,” he said. “I can’t believe I get paid to do this.”

“No one else ships free (locally). People nowadays use Amazon because it’s easy, but they’d rather support a local small business. So you just have to find an avenue to make that happen. That’s probably what really helps us.” -Scotty McPeak, co-owner of Olive the Best Oils & Vinegars of Flagstaff

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OLIVE THE BEST OILS & VINEGARS OF FLAGSTAF

winter19 namlm.com

The Best: Art Gallery 1. Art Loft Collective 2. Museum of Northern Arizona 3. Arizona Handmade Gallery/Fire on the Mountain

Art From Page 50

time,” she said. “I was very honest with people, like ‘Hey everyone I am out of work.’” Matelski offered everything at a discount and very quickly sold out of every available piece. “And I thought, ‘Well shoot, if I can do this now, what is stopping me from doing this forever?’” Matelski’s main medium is pyrography, burning delicate southwestern botanical scapes onto pieces of wood of varying sizes. A recent collaboration with Canyon Coolers, as well as an upcoming one with Absolute Bikes are just a handful

RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

Ellen Bennett views art pieces on display at the grand opening of the Art Loft above FLG Terroir. The new gallery features local artists of many different styles and mediums. of the projects Matelski, who also won Your Favorite Fine Art Artist, has embarked upon since making art her primary breadwinner. Her goal is to help facilitate the same for her fellow artists and Art Loft has aided in her own career, but more importantly that of her colleagues – no matter the medium or an

artist’s experience level. Opening to the public in July, Art Loft has functioned in part as an incubator for others to pursue their dreams, with new resident artists nearly every months, free Saturday classes for kids, adult study hall for those hoping to start or grow their small business, workshops

off all kinds and First Friday Art Walks that see the space full to the brim every time. In short, the space is thriving. “My mission, my goal is to have a hub for our town to make art more accessible and to have community support in following your artistic dreams,” Matelski said.

Voted Best deli sandwich and Best Butcher

110 E Route 66, Flagstaff

propermeats.com • (928) 774-9001 @propermeats

60 Best of Flag | 2021

Clean It. Restore It. Get It Right. AZROC#: 220541 AZROC#: 318625

Available 24/7 at 928-714-0003 | www.MammothRestorationAZ.com Serving Northern Arizona

SHOPPING WINNERS ANTIQUES

CRAFT, HOBBY, FABRIC & SEW STORE 1. Wee Scotty 2. Odegaard’s Sewing Center 3. JOANN Fabric and Crafts

ART GALLERY

DEPARTMENT STORE 1. Dillard’s 2. Target 3. REI

1. Fourth Street Vintage 2. Maude’s Antique Mall 3. Barn Bros.

1. Art Loft Collective 2. Museum of Northern Arizona

3. Arizona Handmade Gallery/Fire on the

Mountain

AUTO DEALER

1. Findlay Toyota 2. Flagstaff Nissan Subaru

FLORIST 1. Sutcliffe Floral 2. Dirty Boot Farms 3. Flagstaff Floral Arts

MUSIC STORE 1. Arizona Music Pro 2. Bookman’s 3. Flagstaff School of Music NON-PROFIT THRIFT STORE 1. Cedar Closet Thrift (Assistance League of Flagstaff) 2. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona’s Flagstaff ReStore 3. Sharon’s Attic OUTDOOR/SPORTING GOODS 1. Peace Surplus 2. Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters 3. REI

3. Findlay Honda

AUTO PARTS 1. NAPA Auto Parts 2. O’Reilly Auto Parts 3. AutoZone BIKE SHOP 1. Absolute Bikes 2. Flag Bike Revolution 3. Cosmic Cycles BOOKSTORE 1. Bookman’s 2. Bright Side Bookshop 3. Barnes & Noble

FRAMING SHOP 1. Michael’s 2. Hidden Light LLC/The Framing Department 3. Aficionado Framing FURNITURE STORE 1. Furniture Barn 2. The Lite Company 3. Designs West Home Furnishings GIFT SHOP 1. Olive the Best Oils of Flagstaff 2. Flagstaff General Store 3. Crystal Magic

BUTCHER 1. Proper Meats + Provisions 2. Randall’s Fine Meats 3. Casey’s Processing

HOME DÉCOR 1. Flagstaff General Store 2. Cost Plus World Market 3. The Lite Company

CANNABIS DISPENSARY 1. Noble Herb (formerly Greenhouse of Flagstaff) 2. High Mountain Health 3. GreenPharms Dispensary

HOME IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIERS 1. HomCo Lumber & Hardware 2. Home Depot 3. Heath’s Paint Center

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 1. Shoes & Such 2. Rainbow’s End 3. Sage Brush Trading Co.

HUNTING OUTFITTER 1. Bull Basin Archery 2. Sportsman’s Warehouse 3. C-A-L Ranch

CONVENIENCE STORE 1. Butler Mobil 2. Majestic Marketplace 3. Maverik

JEWELRY STORE 1. Frederick Fisher Jewelers 2. Jeff Karl Jewelers 3. Gold Wolff Jewelers

PHARMACY 1. Walgreens 2. Safeway 3. Mortar and Pestle Compounding Pharmacy PLANT NURSERY 1. Plantae 2. Warner’s Nursery and Landscaping 3. Viola’s Flower Garden RETAIL BEER SELECTION 1. Majestic Marketplace 2. Beaver Street Liquor 3. Mother Road Brewing Company RETAIL LIQUOR SELECTION 1. Majestic Marketplace 2. Beaver Street Liquor 3. Grand Canyon Spirits RETAIL WINE SELECTION 1. Majestic Marketplace 2. FLG Terroir Wine Bar & Bistro 3. Vino Loco Wine & Bottle Shop SHOE STORE 1. Run Flagstaff 2. Shoes & Such 3. REI TIRES 1. Discount Tire 2. Big O 3. Anderson General Tire WINDOW TREATMENTS 1. Flagstaff Custom Window Coverings 2. Budget Blinds 3. Heath’s Paint Center and Blinds

Best of Flag | 2021

Thank you for voTing us BesT auTo ParTs sTore!

THANK HANK YOU, FLAGSTAFF! FLAGSTAF

Voted best Craft Craft, Hobby, Hobby Fabric & Sew Store! WEE SCOT T Y

Family Owned, Locally Trusted

1865 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | (982) 774-2733

www.weescotty.com (928) 440-3242 • 18 N. Leroux St.

Thank you for your

conTinued supporT.

www.flagstaffit.com • (928) 255-5545 62 Best of Flag | 2021

Pickin’ in the Pines

YOUR FAVORITES winter19 namlm.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARBORETUM AT FLAGSTAFF

64 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

The Arboretum Sharing the good fortune with other Flagstaff businesses

SABRINA PROFFITT

Forty years ago, Frances McAllister opened a private nonprofit organization called “The Transition Zone Horticultural Institute.” Now, in 2021, what has become “The Arboretum At Flagstaff” isn’t far different from what McAllister intended. Once a site for research, The Arboretum has become Flagstaff’s favorite Northern Arizona Attraction. They celebrated four decades of operation this year. “This was our 40th anniversary so we had a lot of special events tied to that,” Erin Creekmur, Board President of The Arboretum at Flagstaff, said “We had a display at Cline Library about Frances McAllister and her vision when she started the Arboretum, we also put together a special video that highlights what we’ve done over the last 40 years. The 40th anniversary is something we were the proudest of. It’s a testament to our long-standing presence in our community.” Beyond the 40th anniversary events, The Arboretum focused on community engagement in any way possible during the pandemic. As an outdoor venue, they were in a unique position continue business as usual. The Arboretum recognized how lucky they were and they shared this good fortune with other Flagstaff organizations that were trying to figure out how to navigate the pandemic. They partnered with Theatrikos to put on outdoor plays, while Bookmans and Bright Side Book Shop hosted virtual and outdoor readings. Others hosted outdoor activities and events. “We’ve been in kind of post-COVID

The Arboretum at Flagstaff 4001 S. Woody Mountain Rd.

The Best: Northern Arizona Attraction 1. The Arboretum at Flagstaff 2. Bearizona 3. Arizona Snowbowl transition,” Creekmur said. “We’re very fortunate since we are an outdoor venue, and so we are still able to have a lot of programming that can happen outdoors. One of the unique

things we did this year was we paired up with Flagstaff organizations. We also had yoga on the property, watercolor classes, bird watches, but we kept the Please see ARBORETUM, Page 66

Best of Flag | 2021

Arboretum From Page 65

numbers small so folks felt comfortable coming out and meeting with other people of the community.” Throughout the year, they offered numerous events for adults, including painting classes, garden tours and bird walks. Creekmur said they also had many opportunities for the children of the community, like a junior ranger program. To participate in this program, parents could download worksheets for their children, and they could complete them at home or visit The Arboretum and complete scavenger hunts on site. The Arboretum is now closed for the season, but Creekmur said they are excited to return with a bang next year. The team is already looking forward to bringing back their summer camp, summer concert series and many more outdoor events.

us ing vot r o ou f ! nk y taff Tha lags u of F t s r yo be g fo nin i p l be ter! We'l win all

Thank you for voting us

Best Festival!

Save the date for the 16th Annual Pickin’ in the Pines:

September 16-18, 2022 Tickets on sale in March 2022

pickininthepines.org 66 Best of Flag | 2021

High Country Humane depends on fosters, volunteers RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Dr. Carly Bennett examines a 6-day-old kitten held by Dezbah Palmer at High Country Humane in April 2021.

PUPPY

LOVE High Country Humane Society 11665 N. US-89

SABRINA PROFFITT

he COVID-19 pandemic did not halt the influx of animals needing a home in Flagstaff. For High Country Humane, it only boosted these numbers. Liz Olson, Executive Director of High Country Humane, said the center has welcomed around 3,000 to 3,500 animals a year during their first three years of operation. High Country also has the city of Flagstaff and Coconino County contract for animal management, making them the county’s local animal welfare organization. To survive, especially with growing numbers of animal intake, Olson said High Country relies on its volunteers, foster Please see HUMANE, Page 68 Best of Flag | 2021

High Country Humane was voted best in Pet Adoption and Non-Profit in the 2021 Best of Flagstaff. JAKE BACON PHOTOS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

The Best: Non-Profit

The Best: Public Agency

1. High Country Humane

2. Flagstaff Family Food Center and Food Bank

2. Flagstaff Public Library 3. Flagstaff Fire Department

3. Coconino Humane Association

Humane From Page 67

families and sponsors. During the pandemic, they were able to keep their doors open both to the public and to the animals, making it possible for them to continue their mission of helping animals. “Our core mission was honored,” Olson said. “We kept staff employed, we stayed open to the public, we stayed open to the animal we were required to 68 Best of Flag | 2021

take in. I think resilience comes from everyone coming together for the shared mission of helping animals, helping people and helping the community. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our foster families, without adopters, without businesses continuing to sup-

port us. Everyone really came together. We really relied on the community and they came together to support us and to keep us staying open.” Their mission of helping animals that need support is one of the easiest to convince people of, according to Olson.

“I think the mission speaks for itself,” Olson said. “It’s the easiest job I’ve ever had because it’s so easy to love an animal, right? It’s about something much bigger than ourselves. When we keep our mission at the core of everything we do, it’s so easy to keep sailing that ship. It’s exciting, it’s new and we’ve done a great job of being transparent but organized. It feels good to align because some of the foundation pieces are in place.” Throughout the pandemic, volunteers and foster families were at the core of their work.

Animal intake numbers are continuing to rise even now, and Olson said they will need as much help as they can get. “High Country is so proud to be aligned with the city of Flagstaff and Coconino County as your local animal welfare organization,” Olson said. “We are so appreciative and thankful for everyone’s support, but we continue to need help in areas like fostering puppies and kittens, volunteering like walking dogs, doing dishes or helping us on site. Whatever capacity you’re able to be involved in High Country, our website is such a great resource to find out how you can get involved.” And High Country Humane hopes to increase the resources they offer even more by opening a public clinic. This clinic would be a place for the public to receive discounted vaccines and care options, as well as provide a place to go for other pet care needs. But, to make this happen, they need to add another veterinarian and team. Flagstaff can help this mission by donating to their cause. Donate, learn more about fostering and see available animals now at highcountryhumane.org. High Country Humane won Best Pet Adoption, Non-Profit and Public Agency.

RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN‌

Vet technician Lydia Arnold gathers information on a young female cat, Thunder, before the cat is spayed at High Country Humane.

Thank you for voting the Orpheum Theater Flagstaff’s Best Live Music Venue of 2021!

Thank You to the readers of the Daily Sun for voting us:

We can’t wait to connect with you through live music in 2022! Coming Soon

1.20 - Son Volt

2.6 yonder mountain stringband

3.9 pigeons playing ping pong

3.16 - MSSV

4.24 built to spill 5.1 marcus king a big thank you to our sponsors

“BEST PLACE TO ADOPT” “BEST NON-PROFIT” “BEST PUBLIC AGENCY” We are so appreciative of this recognition and support from the community. We hope you will consider High Country Humane, and the animals we care for, when making your charitable donations this holiday season. High Country Humane 11665 N. Hwy 89 Flagstaff, AZ 86004 www.HighCountryHumane.org Best of Flag | 2021

YOUR FAVORITES WINNERS EVENT/FESTIVAL 1. Pickin’ in the Pines 2. Hullabaloo 3. Flagstaff Festival of Science LIVE MUSIC VENUE 1. Orpheum Theater 2. Pepsi Amphitheater 3. Gopher Hole at The Weatherford LOCAL ARTIST, FINE ART 1. Ashley Matelski 2. Shonto Begay 3. Arne’s Ceramics LOCAL ARTIST, PERFORMANCE 1. Ed Kabotie 2. Tiny Bird 3. Nolan McKelvy LOCAL BAND 1. Righteous Harmony 2. Ruff Stuff 3. The Originals—A Reel Big Fish Cover Band? NON-PROFIT 1. High Country Humane 2. Flagstaff Family Food Center and Food Bank 3. Coconino Humane Association NORTHERN ARIZONA ATTRACTION 1. The Arboretum at Flagstaff 2. Bearizona 3. Arizona Snowbowl PLACE TO GO DANCING 1. The Museum Club 2. Orpheum Theater 3. Gopher Hole at The Weatherford PLACE TO TAKE KIDS 1. Bearizona 2. Arizona Snowbowl 3. Bookman’s PUBLIC AGENCY 1. High Country Humane 2. Flagstaff Public Library 3. Flagstaff Fire Department

70 Best of Flag | 2021

aank y Flagstaﬀ! for voting us Best of Flagstaﬀ 2021

Best Real Estate Agency

AND Best Property Management

We continue to strive to give back to our community. Best of Flag | 2021

THANK YoU FLAGSTAFF for selecting State Farm as the Best Insurance Company again for 2021!

That’s when you can count on State Farm®. We know life doesn’t come with a schedule. That’s why at State Farm you can always count on us for whatever you need - 24/7, 365. GeT To A BeTTer STATe™. conTacT an agenT or viSiT online Today

Thank you for voting State Farm Best Insurance Agency in Flagstaff for 2021!

STeVe SWITALA 223 n. leroux Flagstaff, aZ 928-774-3303

72 Best of Flag | 2021

HArrISoN LoVeTT

2050 S Woodlands village Blvd, Suite 2 Flagstaff, aZ 928-774-0691

MArY DeYoUNG rICHArD SANCHeZ 1415 n Beaver St, Flagstaff, aZ 928-526-1234

1515 e. cedar avenue Suite a-4 Flagstaff, aZ 928-774-0657

MATT PoSSeHL

930 n. Switzer canyon dr. Suite 201 Flagstaff, aZ 928-779-9900

BrANDoN reDFerN 2677 e 7th avenue Suite 3 Flagstaff, aZ 928-526-1006

Best of Flag 2021

Articles inside

Gift Shop: Olive The Best Oils and Vinegars 61 Shopping winners list

Antiques: Fourth Street Vintage

Hotel: Little America Hotel

Martial Arts: Sacred Mountain Fighting and Healing Arts

New Restaurant: Tiki Grill

Plant Nursery: Plantae

Chinese Food: Golden Dragon

Overall Restaurant: 1899 Bar & Grill

Home Cleaning Services