BayouLife Magazine's 2023 BayouBuzz Awards

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A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

For the last seven years, BayouLife Magazine has published the Bayou Buzz Awards, or “Buzzys” as we like to call them. Nominations were open to the public, where the top ten were selected to be voted on. We acknowledge that there are so many amazing businesses in our area, but our Bayou Buzz awards focus on those businesses that are locally owned and operated. We know that this list is not all encompassing, and we hope to continue to grow this special acknowledgement in the coming years.

The Bayou Buzz awards is our way of celebrating those business owners who took risks and were successful at developing businesses that have made an impact in our community. In the following pages, you will find the top 3 finalists in each category with the winner listed at the top. We hope that our readers will use this insert as a resource for finding some of the most endeared businesses in our region.

Thank you to all those that participated in this year’s Bayou Buzz awards and congratulations to our nominees, finalists and winners.

BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN

Whether you are looking for a personal trainer to help reach your fitness goals or a stylist to fix your “do,” we’ve got the best of the best listed below. This group of finalists encompass our readers’ choices for body, beauty and brawn.

HAIR STYLIST/COLORIST

WINNER: MAKAYLA LITTLETON

FINALISTS: RUSSELL MOORE, ASHLEY ALES BAILES

HAIR SALON

WINNER: RUMO’S

FINALISTS: MERAKI STUDIO, RAIN THE SALON AND DAY SPA

EYEBROW SERVICES

WINNER: BRITTANY DYE

FINALISTS: SPA BELLA, RAIN THE SALON AND DAY SPA

EYELASH SERVICES

WINNER: BRITTANY DYE

FINALISTS: DEFINE LASH CO., KALLIE BIBLE (SPA BELLA)

SUNLESS TANNING

WINNER: KEY WEST TAN

FINALISTS: BRITTNEY SULLIVAN, KALLIE BIBLE (SPA BELLA)

MANI/PEDI

WINNER: VIP NAIL BAR

FINALISTS: SPA BELLA/ALEXIS MCCOY, TC NAILS

WAXING

WINNER: BRITTANY DYE

FINALISTS: KALLIE BIBLE (SPA BELLA), RAIN THE SALON AND DAY SPA

DAY SPA

WINNER: SPA BELLA

FINALISTS: SPA NOUVELLE, NEW BEGINNINGS

MEDISPA

WINNER: SPA BELLA

FINALISTS: NEW BEGINNINGS, THE WOMAN’S CLINIC

MASSAGE THERAPIST

WINNER: DAWN MILLER (SPA BELLA)

FINALISTS: MARY BETH DICKERSON, CANDI BROOKS/ANA LOPEZ HALE

FACIAL

WINNER: KALLIE BIBLE (SPA BELLA)

FINALISTS: BRITTNEY SULLIVAN, EMILY LANE

YOGA STUDIO

WINNER: BLUE SKY YOGA

FINALISTS: THE WELLNESS CENTER, PURE DRIP WELLNESS

PILATES STUDIO

WINNER: THE WELLNESS CENTER

FINALISTS: BLUE SKY YOGA, THE PILATES ROOM

FITNESS TRAINER

WINNER: BONNIE FARMER HAY

FINALISTS: CESAR CAMACHO, TAYLOR JOPLING

ATHLETIC CENTER/GYM

WINNER: THE WELLNESS CENTER

FINALISTS: TRIBE31 TRAINING, MONROE ATHLETIC CLUB

BAYOU BUNGALOW

Home is where the heart is and the finalists in these categories definitely have our love. From the very best in furniture options, to the guys with the green thumbs, our Bayou Bungalow winners celebrate the best in home décor and more.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART

FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW, REVIVAL DESIGN & CONSIGN

HOME ACCESSORIES

WINNER: WALSWORTH & COMPANY

FINALISTS: GYPSY SOUL, LAUREN ROEBUCK DESIGNS

HARDWARE & DESIGN

MATERIAL STORE

WINNER: TP OUTDOORS

FINALISTS: BASTROP FEED & SEED, TOM SANDERS BUILDING MART

FURNITURE STORE

WINNER: IVAN SMITH FURNITURE

FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW, WALSWORTH & COMPANY

HOME BUILDER

WINNER: 318 CONSTRUCTION

FINALISTS: HOLYFIELD CONSTRUCTION, RAFAEL LARA CONSTRUCTION

PLUMBER

WINNER: KELLY PLUMBING

FINALISTS: ALL PLUMBING, ROY WIGGINS PLUMBING

HVAC - HEATING & AIR

WINNER: GILLEY’S HEATING & COOLING

FINALISTS: 318 HEATING & AIR, JEREMY PRUITT

YARD CARE

WINNER: PRECISION LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

FINALISTS: NORTH PRO LANDSCAPING, SAL MORA

GARDEN SHOP

WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART

FINALISTS: SAMMY’S PLANT WORLD, O’NEALS FARM & GARDEN

CUSTOM CABINETS

WINNER: WEST OUACHITA CABINETS

FINALISTS: MAYO’S CUSTOM CABINETS, KEY MILLWORKS & SUPPLY CO.

COUTNERTOPS

WINNER: TWIN CITY GRANITE

FINALISTS: OTWELL FLOORING, DELTA GRANITE

PEST CONTROL

WINNER: REDD’S PEST CONTROL

FINALISTS: FLIPPIN’BUGS PEST MANAGEMENT, ANDERSON PEST CONTROL

INTERIOR DESIGNER / DECORATOR

WINNER: TAYLOR BENNETT

FINALISTS: LAUREN ROEBUCK, STRICKLAND INTERIOR BY JAN STRICKLAND

PAINTER

WINNER: BROWN’S PAINTING

FINALISTS: A-1 PAINTING, WAYNE MOORE PAINTING

HOME CLEANING

WINNER: FARMHOUSE FAIRIES

FINALISTS: KELSEY KLEAN, DELTA DEEP CLEAN

ELECTRICIAN

WINNER: COPELAND ELECTRIC

FINALISTS: TWIN CITY ELECTRIC, EMS ELECTRIC

BEST FLOORING

WINNER: FLOORWORKS

FINALISTS: KIM’S FLOOR DÉCOR, OTWELL FLOORING CO

FAVORITE FARE

Louisiana is known for delicious food, and our Favorite Fare category recognizes the best in the industry. From your favorite mixologist to the best burger in town – we’ve got you covered when it comes to these nom, nom, nominees.

BAR TO WATCH A GAME

WINNER: FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL

FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY, DAWGHOUSE SPORTS GRILL

PLACE FOR A CRAFT COCKTAIL

WINNER: PARISH RESTAURANT

FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY. CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR

BAR FOR BEER

WINNER: FLYING TIGER BREWERY

FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB

BEST BARTENDER

WINNER: MADDIE EMMONS

FINALISTS: JOE SOMMERSCALES, JOSH COLSON

STEAK

WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE

FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO 1, GENUSA’S

CRAWFISH

WINNER: CRAWFISH CITY

FINALISTS: CORMIER’S CAJUN CATERING, CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR

GUMBO

WINNER: TRAPP’S

FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO 1, MOHAWK TAVERN

POBOY

WINNER: RAY’S PEGE

FINALISTS: MAGIC GRILL MONROE, TRAPP’S

WINE SELECTION

WINNER: LANDRY’S VINEYARD

FINALISTS: THIRSTY FARMER, TONORE’S WINE CELLAR

PIZZA

WINNER: JOHNNY’S PIZZA

FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY, REVIVAL PIZZA CO

TACO JOINT

WINNER: IRON CACTUS

FINALISTS: TACO BANDIDO, DON CHUY MEXICAN GRILL

MARGARITA

WINNER: IRON CACTUS

FINALISTS: DON CHUY MEXICAN GRILL, EL PASO MEXICAN GRILL

FRENCH FRIES

WINNER: MAGIC GRILL

FINALISTS: OKALOOSA, JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE

AWARDS

FRIED CHICKEN

WINNER: SOUTHERN CLASSIC CHICKEN

FINALISTS: BIG MOMMA’S FINE FOODS

DELTA BISCUIT CO.

ASIAN

WINNER: RAWZ CAFÉ

FINALISTS: RONIN HIBACHI, BASIL OF MONROE

BURGER

WINNER: BURGER GRIND

FINALISTS: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB, FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL

BREAKFAST

WINNER: DELTA BISCUIT CO.

FINALISTS: BELLE’S OLE SOUTH DINER, LEA’S OF LECOMPTE

BBQ JOINT

WINNER: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE

FINALISTS: DANKEN TRAIL, PODNUH BAR-B-Q /BBQ PIT

COFFEE

WINNER: CORNER COFFEEHOUSE

FINALISTS: STANDARD COFFEE, ALEX LATIN RESTAURANT AND CAFETERIA

ITALIAN

WINNER: GENUSA’S RESTAURANT

FINALISTS: MILANO’S ITALIAN GRILL, ROMA’S RUSTON

BRUNCH

WINNER: DETLA BISCUIT CO.

FINALISTS: LEA’S OF LECOMPTE, RESTAURANT COTTON

SEAFOOD

WINNER: WAREHOUSE NO. 1

FINALISTS: TRAPP’S, CATFISH CHARLIES

SANDWICHES

WINNER: DAILY PRESS

FINALISTS: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE, RAY’S PEGE

BAKERY FOR SWEETS

WINNER: BUTTER - A LOUISIANA BAKERY

FINALISTS: CAKE, ALLBRITTON’S CAKE HOUSE

VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY

WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLY FAMILY FOODS

FINALISTS: DAILY HARVEST, FIESTA ON EIGHTEENTH/GOOD EARTH

GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS

WINNER: BUTTER - A LOUISIANA BAKERY

FINALISTS: DELTA BISCUIT CO., FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS

BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE

WINNER: FIESTA ON EIGHTEENTH/ GOOD EARTH

FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, DAILY HARVEST

BEST FOOD TRUCK

WINNER: THE BLUE TACO

FINALISTS: FAY’S FAT BURGER & GRILL, BAD WOLF BBQ

BEST DONUTS

WINNER: BESTZ DONUTS

FINALISTS: HASKELL’S, DAYLIGHT DONUTS

2023 BAYOU BUZZ
FARE (CONT.)
FAVORITE

LOCAL STORES & SHOPS

Our local retailers are top notch, offering Northeast Louisiana represents the best shopping around. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or something outdoors, these local stores and shops have it all.

EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE

WINNER: HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER

FINALISTS: DILLINGHAM CHAPMAN FAMILY EYECARE, FAMILY EYE CARE

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

WINNER: THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE

FINALISTS: LITTLE BLUE KIDS BOUTIQUE, FIRST GLIMPSE

GIFT SHOP

WINNER: THE MUFFIN TIN

FINALISTS: TRENTON HOUSE, WOODSTOCK MONROE

JEWELRY STORE

WINNER: RANDY SMITH JEWELERS

FINALISTS: STEVE’S JEWELRY, MARTY & MARK’S, HOLLIS & COMPANY

ATHLETIC WEAR

WINNER: FLEET FEET

FINALISTS: RIVER OUTFITTERS, BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE

WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

WINNER: CARA’S

FINALISTS: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE, HERRINGSTONE’S

MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

WINNER: RIVER OUTFITTERS

FINALISTS: TP OUTDOORS, HONEY HOLE

SHOE STORE

WINNER: FLEET FEET

FINALISTS: CARA’S, HERRINGSTONE’S

ANTIQUE STORE

WINNER: TRENTON STREET ANTIQUES

FINALISTS: A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING, COTTON PORT

SPORTING GOODS

WINNER: TP OUTDOORS MONROE

FINALISTS: SIMMONS SPORTING GOODS, HONEY HOLE

LOCAL LIVING

Our Local Living nominees offer the best services in Northeast Louisiana. Whether you’re looking for a bank or need a caterer for your next big party, these businesses are the cream of the crop.

DAYCARE/CHILDCARE

WINNER: CLAIBORNE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

FINALISTS: PLAYHOWSE STERLINGTON, FIRST METHODIST MONROE

FLORAL SHOP

WINNER: PETALS & PEARLS

FINALISTS: VEE’S FLOWERS, ALL OCCASIONS FLOWERS & GIFTS

TAILOR /ALTERATIONS

WINNER: CAROLYN SEWING

FINALISTS: SHIRLEY’S ALTERATIONS, JOSE’S TAILOR SHOP

CATERER

WINNER: THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY

FINALISTS: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE, UPTOWN DOWNTOWN, THE PLATTER

CAR WASH

WINNER: ROCKETFAST

FINALISTS: TOMMY’S EXPRESS CAR WASH, CAR WASH WEST

PET GROOMER

WINNER: DKS GROOMING

FINALISTS: DOGGY STYLE, TAILS OF THE TWIN CITIES

DRY CLEANER

WINNER: D&D CLEANERS

FINALISTS: THURMANIZE CLEANERS, CLEANERS OF RUSTON

VET CLINIC

WINNER: THE CORNER VET

FINALISTS: COOPER VETERINARY, ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST MONROE

AUTO DEALER

WINNER: JIM TAYLOR AUTO GROUP

FINALISTS: SPARKS NISSAN, RYAN CHEVROLET

BANK

WINNER: ORIGIN BANK

FINALISTS: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

PHARMACY

WINNER: ARON’S PHARMACY

FINALISTS: COMMUNITY PHARMACY, MR. DISCOUNT DRUGS

ACCOUNTANT/CPA

WINNER: TASHIA HINES - CAMERON, HINES & COMPANY,

FINALISTS: DEBBIE TAKEWELL - TAKEWELL AND HANNA, APAC; AULDS, DUCHESNE & GRIGGS

LAWYER

WINNER: CUMMINS & FITTS

FINALISTS: CREED & CREED BRUSCATO LAW FIRM

INSURANCE AGENT

WINNER: BLAKE WHEELIS

FINALISTS: PEGGY SULLIVAN, STATE FARM, LAURA WOODS, STATE FARM

FINANCIAL PLANNER

WINNER: DARREN OGLESBY, OGLESBY FINANCIAL GROUP

FINALISTS: ANDY YARBROUGH, KEN FLETCHER

REAL ESTATE AGENT

WINNER: HARRISON LILLY

FINALISTS: HANNAH GIVENS, CHRIS RUX, ANNA ROMERO

DANCE STUDIO

WINNER: LINDA LAVENDER SCHOOL OF DANCE

FINALISTS: MISSY CRAIN DANCE STUDIOS, DBK DANCE AND PERFORMING ARTS

PET BOARDER

WINNER: SIT, STAY, PLAY

FINALISTS: CURLY’S TOP DOG, DOGGY DAYS LLC

TREE REMOVAL SERVICE

WINNER: CAJUN TREE CUTTER

FINALISTS: KIRKLAND KUTTERS, MUNHOLLAND TREE SERVICE

PHOTOGRAPHER

WINNER: ALBRITTONS PHOTOGRAPHY

FINALISTS: DESIRAE GOODING, UNVEILED RADIANCE - ANGELA SHOEMAKER

PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC

WINNER: MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY

FINALISTS: NELA REHABILITATION, GLORY THERAPY

YOUTH SUMMER CAMP / PROGRAM

WINNER: MEDCAMPS

FINALISTS: CAMP CH-YO-CA, SEEKER SPRINGS

MECHANIC

WINNER: FRANK NETTLES AUTOMOTIVE

FINALISTS: CULPS AUTOMOTIVE MARK’S AUTOMOTIVE

BEST PLACE TO ENTERTAIN KIDS

WINNER: KIROLI PARK

FINALISTS: LA PURCHASE GARDENS & ZOO, INDIAN VILLAGE HARVEST FARM

BEST CREDIT UNION

WINNER: OUACHITA VALLEY FCU

FINALISTS: CENTRIC FCU, KRAFTMAN FCU

BEST DENTIST

WINNER: NELA DENTAL

FINALISTS: PEACH TREE DENTAL, MATT TURPIN

BEST ORTHODONTIST

WINNER: CAPLES AND ROBINSON

FINALISTS: TURPIN ORTHODONTICS, WILLIAMS ORTHODONTICS

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

WINNER: GG GRANT (SHELL CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH SERVICES)

FINALISTS: MONROE CHIROPRACTIC, MAYFIELD CHIROPRACTIC

BEST LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND

WINNER: MIKE MCKENZIE BAND

FINALISTS: CODE BLUE AND THE FLATLINERS, CLARA MCBROOM

BEST TITLE COMPANY

WINNER: NORTH DELTA TITLE COMPANY

FINALISTS: BAYOU DESIARD TITLE COMPANY, DURRETT LAW & TITLE

BEST MORTGAGE LENDER

WINNER: ORIGIN BANK

FINALISTS: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

LAGNIAPPE

These categories represent some of the best products and people in the area. We love following our finalists on Instagram and always look forward to visiting our local art galleries.

LOCAL INSTAGRAMMER

WINNER: SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF @LEGITSADIEROB

FINALISTS: JO & KEMP @JOANDKEMP TAYLOR BENNETT @TAYLOR.A.BENNETT

ART GALLERY

WINNER: MASUR MUSEUM OF ART

FINALISTS: NORTHEAST LOUISIANA ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY, NEVILLE HOUSE

PUBLIC OFFICIAL

WINNER: MAYOR FRIDAY ELLIS

FINALISTS: US CONGRESSWOMAN JULIA LETLOW, SENATOR JOHN KENNEDY, MAYOR STACI MITCHELL

BEST LOCAL PRODUCT

WINNER: MR. P’S TEES

FINALISTS: LANDRY’S VINEYARD WINE, INDIAN VILLAGE HARVEST FARM

BEST LOCALLY OWNED CHAIN/ FRANCHISE

WINNER: CHICK-FIL-A

FINALISTS: JOHNNY’S PIZZA, CHICKEN SALAD CHICK

2023 BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS
LOCAL LIVING (CONT.)

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