2022 Best In Calhoun County

Calhoun County

Sugar, spice, and bullet shells

New business sells guns and cheesecake

BY CJ VETTER cjvetter@plwave.com

When it comes to gifting for guys and girls, it can be hard to find a shop that has something for both. But Sinful Sweets and Guns has some thing for both him and her.

Sinful Sweets & Guns is a new business in Port Lavaca, and is a unique hybrid that offers both cheesecake and firearms for purchase. Owned by husband and wife, Juan and Jennifer Cobos, the bakery and officially licensed gun dispensary fo cuses on high-quality customer service, and is gaining attention for its specialty, the smoked pork belly cheesecake.

“So Lupe from LaVaca BBQ approached us last November. We’ve known him since they moved to town in 2019. Our son was one of the first employees they hired from here, and for Lupe’s birth day, they approached Jennifer and asked if she could make a cheesecake, and she did, and they enjoyed it,” Juan said. “Later on, he approached us again and said all the top 50 barbecue joints are going with desserts and he asked us if

Up:

we would make cheesecakes for him. So we started making cheesecakes, and Jennifer became an employee of LaVaca BBQ… By February, we said let’s start our own business.”

The idea for the business came about after numerous friends of the couple kept asking for Jennifer’s cheesecakes, which eventually led Jennifer to work with LaVaca BBQ, which currently serves the business’s cheesecake as a dessert.

LaVaca BBQ also played a hand in the creation of their popular dish, allowing their pits to serve as the test bed for their smoked cheesecake, and LaVaca BBQ still works with Sinful Sweets & Guns to help smoke the cheesecakes. The fire arm side of the business specializes in guns such as AR-15s and shotguns.

“Originally, Jennifer wanted to open a cheesecake business, and I’ve always wanted to do firearms so there was a good opportunity to combine both the businesses and name to make it unique,” Juan said. “I just started selling firearms last month, and we’re open to providing the community somewhere to purchase

Juan and Jennifer Cobos are the owners of Sinful Sweets & Guns (CJ Vetter/Wave photo

Food & Drink 2022 Results

Best Bakery

Mad Batter Cheesecakes

Sinful Sweets and Guns

La Estrella

Best Bar

Omar’s Bar

Scully’s Sports Bar & Grille Drifters Hall

Best Bartender

Megan Longoria - Omar’s Bar Samantha Williams

Alyssa Tatro - Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill

Sugar, spice, and bullet shells

firearms locally, to eventually open a storefront with the cheesecakes.”

Most popular by far, and considered the business’s iconic dessert, the pork belly cheesecake is a smoked cheese cake, topped with pork belly cooked in beef tallow, then covered with home made bourbon-infused maple syrup. Be sides giving the cheesecake a yellowish layer on the top, smoking it also pro vides a slightly smoky flavor, which pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese cake, while the pork belly gives a savory crunch. Like all the cheesecakes made by the business, it is a tweaked version of a recipe passed down by Jennifer’s great-grandmother.

“The combination sounds different,

but once you try it, it’s an eye-opener. We took them to the Troubadour Fes tival and we had a line for three and a half hours, and we gave out over 2,500 samples,” Juan said. “They all enjoyed it, and it was a hit at the festival.”

In addition to the pork belly cheese cake, the business also currently offers a pumpkin pie-flavored cheesecake to celebrate fall, which has a light and not-overwhelming pumpkin spice flavor, reminiscent of the traditional holiday dessert staple. For those looking for a little more spice, they also offer a rasp berry-chipotle pie, which has a mixed berry flavor and a decent amount of heat to boot.

“We bring a unique flavor, and with

Jennifer’s great-grandmother’s tweaked recipe, we made it our own. A lot of people asked us about how we smoked it, but we’ve got to keep something for ourselves,” Juan said. “The ultimate goal is Jennifer is the only one who makes the cheesecakes, and we want to keep that quality there alongside customer ser vice.”

The store is currently operated out of the couple’s residence and requires or dering in advance. Cheesecakes are cur rently offered in a six-pack ‘cup-cake’ sampler for $20, or a nine-inch cake for $60. You can also purchase the desserts at LaVaca BBQ. Sinful Sweets and Guns is currently looking for a physical retail location in town.

Thank You, Calhoun County! Best Steak

Best

Best Breakfast

Coldest Beer

Best Breakfast Taco

Best Crawfish

Best Dessert

Best Buffet

Best Donuts

Best Burgers

Wagon

Best Catering

Pit

Best Chicken Fried Steak

Wagon

Best Coffee

Best Fajitas

Best Family Dining

Cathy’s

Best Food Truck

Best Fried Chicken

Best Menudo

El

Best Frozen Drink

La Antigua

Best Gumbo

Bubba’s

Best Ice Cream/Yogurt

Dairy Queen

Best Iced Tea

Bush’s Chicken

Best Margarita

La Antigua

Best Meal Under $8

Bush’s

Best Mexican Cuisine

La Antigua

Best Oriental Cuisine

Taiyo Sushi Fusion

Bayside

Best Overall Service

Bubba’s Cajun-style

Best Oysters

Bubba’s Cajun-Style

Best Pizza

Domino’s

Best Restaurant

Cathy’s Restaurant

Bubba’s

Shrimp Family Dining

Runner Up:

Best Restaurant Service

Bubba’s Cajun-Style

Seafood

Cathy’s Restaurant

El Patio

Best Salsa & Chips

El Patio

La Antigua

La Terraza

Best Sandwiches & Subs

Subway Restaurants

Green Iguana Grill

Hydration Hut Smoothie Shop

LaVaca BBQ

The Pantry inside Greenhouse Floral

Best Seafood

Cathy’s Restaurant

Bubba’s Cajun-Style Seafood

Big Bear Shrimp & Seafood

Best Shrimp

Cathy’s Restaurant

Bubba’s Cajun-Style Seafood

Big Bear Shrimp & Seafood

Best Snow Cone

The SnowCone Zone

K’s Snocones

Sylvia’s Snow Cones – Port O’Connor

Best Steak

5D Steakhouse

Drifters Hall

Indianola Fishing Marina

Texas Traditions Grill & Bar

Best Tamales

Josie’s Mexican Grill &

Cantina

Mexico Tipico

LaVaca BBQ

Best Tortillas

El Patio

La Antigua

Mexico Tipico

Best Waiter

Jimmy at La Antigua

Fernando at Green Iguana

Hector Morales

Best Waitress

Gloria at El Patio Restaurant

Hope Quintanilla at El Patio Restaurant

Devan Sanchez at Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill

Best Wine Selection

Rusty Hook Winery

Lavaca Bluff Winery

Pojo’s Liquor & Gifts

Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill

Best Wings

Scully’s Sports Bar & Grill

Bubba’s Cajun-Style Seafood

Domino’s Pizza

Trinity Shores staff

helps residents to make a new home Care&Caring

BY JAMIE WEAVER

jweaver@plwave.com

People helping people. That’s what Trinity Shores is known for.

Now in turn, Calhoun County residents have shown their appreciation.

Trinity Shores, located on 201 Trinity Shores Drive, was voted the Best Retire ment Facility from the latest Port Lavaca Wave’s Best in Calhoun County program. The center had won several years ago, and after dealing with the aftermath of COVID and recent renovations, it made this win even more fulfilling.

Candace Reyes, who has been the center’s executive director since March, said she was proud to earn the trust and respect of the Wave readers. She had previously worked as the business office manager, and she now works more closely with the residents.

“It’s amazing. We do so much here,” Reyes said. “We’ve been here for 11

Michelle Stransky, a nurse at Trinity Shores, checks paperwork before attending to a resident.

years… It’s been a few years [since Trin ity Shores won], so it was nice to get that again.”

As an assisted living center, Trinity Shores aims to encourage their resi dents’ independence, through frequent activities and events, but above all, they focus on providing a home-like environ

ment with a comforting atmosphere.

“We’re like a home for them,” Reyes said. “They’re coming from their home to a new one with us… We’re there person ally for them. We have this relationship with each one of them – we only have 45 residents at the moment. With each one, we get to learn a lot about them.”

Lifestyles 2022 Results

Best Apartment Living

Villas on Independence

Sea Greens Apartment Homes

Bayview Townhomes 2

Best Church

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church

First Baptist Church Parkway Church

Best School

Jackson-Roosevelt Elementary

HJM Elementary School

Our Lady Of The Gulf Catholic School

Best Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Poco Loco Lodge

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Best Place to Work Over 100 Employees

Formosa Plastics Corporation

H-E-B

Memorial Medical Center

Best Place to Work Under 100 Employees

First National Bank

Twin Dolphins Cinemas

Cal-Com Federal Credit Union

Best RV Park

Texas Lakeside RV Resort

5 Sons RV Park

The TWO RV Park

Best Retirement Facility

Trinity Shores

Bethany Senior Living

Port Lavaca Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Best Non-Profit Organization

The Harbor

Pregnancy Help Center

Safety Council of the Texas Mid Coast, Inc.

Best Dance/ Gymnastics

TNT Elite Gymnastics

South Texas Strutters - Calhoun Campus

Joule Valdez - South Texas Strutters coach

Charlaine

Adams is the smiling face that greets all visitors at Trinity Shores.

Care&Caring

According to their website, Cornerstone Living Center, which is Trinity Shores’ parent company, promises to: “treat your loved one as though they are an extension of our own families, providing kind, compassionate care regardless of what care level is needed. Our senior living communities are ‘caregiving centers’ staffed by professionals committed to knowing our residents and their families–providing a home environment that’s the right choice based on lifestyle, health care, and financial needs.”

Reyes ensures that these promises are fulfilled. Her favorite aspect of Trinity Shores is the personal connections formed between residents and staff members. Residents feel com fortable stopping by throughout the day to chat with Reyes, as she leaves her office door open, whenever possible.

This award would have been impossible without the caring and attentive staff. While the past few years have been stress ful to work in this field, Reyes described the staff’s devotion and dedication to their residents.

“Each employee here works with their heart. To do this kind of work, you have to have a passion for these residents, and they have that passion,” Reyes explained. “I like seeing how [the staff and residents] work well together.”

One characteristic that separates Trinity Shores from other facilities is their personally cooked meals. While many places use pre-cooked and ready-made meals, Reyes is proud of the kitchen staff for improving their meal quality and adding to the home-like atmosphere through their home-cooked meals each and every day.

“We have a crew that works back there [in the kitchen] – the dietary aids and cooks… Ours is personally prepared, so we have a homecooked meal for every resident,” Reyes appreci ated that this feature carried over into her time as executive director. “I love that we provide that. Most places don’t.”

Residents can enjoy their center’s theatre room, great room and grand piano, salon and barber shop, library, and patio garden, along with their daily events and scheduled trips. Reyes listed a few of their common events, including bowl ing, fishing, shopping at H-E-B and Walmart, cornhole, and for one resident, devotedly watching the Astros games on their iPad. Reyes is looking forward to their next event, which involves the local high school.

“We’re having the high school come out on Friday and do a little mini-pep rally. That’ll be neat. They’ll get little pompoms,” Reyes laughed. “They enjoy it. I’m trying to come up with ideas as I go. We have an activity director, and we try to come up with some different stuff that way it’s fun for them to get out… We’re going to Butter Churn at the end of this month in Aransas Pass, which is a really cool trip.”

Port Lavaca is fortunate to have an assisted living center like Trinity Shores, Reyes added. They help people live a full life, while staying as independent as possible.

Confessions 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Gone Fishin’

POC Rod & Gun is under new ownership

BY CJ VETTER cjvetter@plwave.com

Port O’Connor is well known for its beaches and wonder ful fishing opportunities, but to fish, one must be properly equipped. That’s where Debbie Powell and POC Rod & Gun step in, offering a wide variety of tackle and fishing supplies, both local and name-brand.

Located off West Adams Avenue, POC Rod & Gun has been a staple of Port O’Connor for years, although it has only recent ly been taken over by Powell last December. Inside, you’ll find everything an angler or hunter could possibly need, from new rods, guns, shades, lures, fish bags and more. Formerly owned by Donnie and Julia Klesel, the shop continues to provide an excellent, clean and welcoming atmosphere.

“Donnie and Julia and I have been friends for close to 40 years, Julia was my public-school friend and Donnie was my catholic school friend. I introduced them to each other, and they’ve been together ever since,” Powell said. “About four years ago at a crawfish festival, Donnie asked me if I would come work for him, and I said ‘sure, why not?’”

Powell, as a former employee of the shop, has worked for POC Rod & Gun for roughly four years and is familiar with the sur rounding area. Growing up, she would often visit Port of Connor with her family and is an avid fan of fishing herself.

“Since the 70’s, I’ve been coming to Port O’Connor, and this was our family vacation every single summer, and back then, you didn’t drink the water, it smelled like it was from Hades, and there was no beach,” Powell said. “We had our 19-foot yel low deck boat that went out to the jetties on and there was no limit on trout.”

One unique feature of the store is its product, specifically in how it offers both well-known and locally made equipment and supplies, such as lures or fajita seasoning. The store even sells locally-made art just in case you want a souvenir. The store offers custom-made rods, and custom orders, and is official ly licensed with their Federal Firearms Licenses (FFL) with a professional gunsmith on site to help take care of any firearm related issues.

“We pretty much carry everything, all the essentials. I also special order. If I can get it, I’ll get it for you,” Powell said. “We do rod and reel repair; we have a gunsmith. So not only do we sell you things you need, but we can take care of problems that you have with the things you bring.”

As a fixture of the community, they plan to continue to sup port and help grow Port O’Connor, even as they grow them selves. The store has continued to grow in the selection, variety, and in size over the years, as the store has become a one-stop shop for both locals and visitors. The store even donates to local charities via raffles.

“We are here for the long haul. We’re not going anywhere, we’re not changing it, we’re not moving,” Powell said. “This is what we are.”

The POC Rod & Gun also focus on providing friendly customer service. Powell often spends part of her slower days talking and visiting with those in the shop.

“This is the best job, and I’ll tell you why. In a business like this

Calhoun County!

Dowell Pest Control would

our gratitude to Calhoun County

for

for

Jeremy Powell, Debbie Powell and Eddie “Genius” Frazier show off their store’s unique interior decorations, including antique fishhook lines and genuine tin roof. (CJ Vetter/Wave photo)

town like this, these

that come in are

happy,” Powell said.

going fishing

it’s just

Debbie Powell, the owner of POC Rod & Gun, stands out in front of her store. Shoppers can usually find her out here on slow days, sitting on the nearby chairs. (CJ Vetter/Wave

Dallas

Becky SpicekCissy

Lauren

Kristina

Rita

Veronica

Best Attorney

Marie

Best Bail Bond

Services 2022 Results

Best Broker/ Broker Associate

Best Cell Phone Provider

Best Engineering Company

Best Bank

Best Barber

Best Car Lender

Best Credit Union

Best Equipment Rental

Best Car Wash

Best Dry Cleaner

Best Florist

Best Internet Provider

Best Hair Stylist

Best Investment Broker

Edward

Best Law Firm

Best Lawn Care

Best

You

Best Loan Officer

Best Massage Therapy

Ines

Personal Trainer

Best Photographer

Best Teller

Best Safety Services

& Reel Repair

Best

Best Title Company

Company

Pet

Small

Best General Contractor

Best Veterinary Clinic

Calhoun County Animal Hospital

Unique & Styling

Jo Beth’s Creations offers unique Port O’Connor gifts

BY CJ VETTER cjvetter@plwave.com

Owned and operated by its name sake Jo Beth Staff, Jo Beth’s Cre ations brings a colorful array of clothing, gifts, and more to Port O’Con nor. From tumblers to tees, Jo Beth’s Creations offers a little something for everyone.

A business owner for over 42 years, Staff moved from Ganado and has been involved with Port O’Connor for numer ous years. After retiring, she opened her boutique in her husband’s building and office space, but since then, has contin ued to grow it.

“My husband always said if he put up a building, he’d give me a little space for my boutique” Staff said. “It was about three years before we started, but now we’re basically taking over his building.”

While offering clothes, the store also has numerous items specifically tailored to Port O’Connor, ranging from cups and shirts and more, all with the town’s name on it. Furthermore, the store also offers toys for young children, as well as free seashells for them, making it a pop ular place for families to stop by while in town to do a little shopping.

“I love, love, love my job. We get to

meet a lot of interesting people, and we like to cater to the kids,” Staff said. “Su san Brauduay, my right-hand lady, picks up shells and drops them off in a shell basket for kids. They really enjoy that.”

For those with a good memory, some might also remember Staff’s husband, who is known in the county for making flagstone crosses, which are also avail able for purchase at the store.

“We try to reach the customers who might be looking for a magnet, might be looking for a glass, or a tumbler,” Staff said. “What makes us special is that we always greet and talk to everyone who comes in. We’re not high-pressured salespersons; we try and treat people like how we’d like to be treated.”

Currently, staff will be heading to Florida to visit a convention to find more items and products to offer at her shop. The store is open on Saturday and Sunday, although hours are subject to change as the fall season begins. For those who want to visit during the week, hours can be also arranged via Facebook or over the phone.

“It makes my heart happy when the little ones come in,” Staff said. “We’ve got several little girls who always come in, and when they get to Port O’Connor, they say they want to go to Jo Beths. I’m just doing something I really love.”

Jo Beth Staff, left, stands with Susan Brauduay inside Jo Beth’s Creations in Port O’Connor. ABOVE: Staff stands by the sign for her store. (CJ Vetter/Wave photos)

Retail

Best Appliances

Best Convenience Store

Buc-ee’s

Speedy Stop

Best Bait Stand

Big Bear Shrimp & Seafood

Indianola

The Fishing Center,

Best Boutique

Jo Beth’s Creations - Port O’Connor

Rhinestone Pineapple

Southern

Best Clothing Store

Jo Beth’s Creations - Port O’Connor

Rhinestone Pineapple Boutique

Southern

Best Feed & Tackle

Melstan Feed

Jeco’s

Best Hardware Store

Ace Hardware

Port

Best Liquor Store

Pojo’s Liquor

Port O’Connor

Thank You!

Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home

like to thank you for voting

Best of the Best. It is our honor

serve your families

dignity

we value

every

Gifts

Best Jeweler

Ondreas Custom Jewelry

Cantu’s

Best Specialty Shop

Gypsy Moon

Weedhaven Sporting

Best Storage Facility

Sandcrab Boulevard

A&A Storage

Storage

Most Helpful Employees

Robert Bryant - Public Works

Director, Seadrift

First National Bank

Hardware

Best

Best Nurse Practitioner

Shanna O'Donnell,

Medical

Best Health Clinic

Best

Health

Best Nurse

Emilie Ramirez, LVN,

Lavaca

Best Nursing Staff

Port Lavaca Nursing

Best Physical Therapy/Rehab

Port Lavaca Nursing

Best Physician

Dr. Joseph Jenkins

Dr. Crowley

Dr. Falcon

Dr. Wright

Timu Kwi, MD

Best Urgent Care

Memorial Medical Center

Twin Fountains Medical Clinic

Care

Best Pharmacy

Automotive 2022 Results

Best Auto Parts

Best Boat Dealer

Coastal

Best New Car Salesman

Mike Doddridge, Port Lavaca Auto Group

Bart

Lavaca

Best Oil Change

Dipstix

Cary’s

Best Paint & Body

Port Lavaca Collision Center

Abram’s

Frankie’s

Service and Repair

Cary’s Tire & Automotive

Port Lavaca Auto Group

Firestone

Best Tire Shop

Cary’s Tire & Automotive

Firestone

Jaime’s

Best Used Car Salesman

Mike Doddridge, Port Lavaca Auto Group

Edward DeLeon Affordable Auto

Bellah,

Best Vehicle Dealer

Port Lavaca Chevy

Port Lavaca Dodge

Best Window Tinting

Port Lavaca Auto Group

Best Wrecker

Coby’s Wrecker

Wrecker

#1 Boat Dealer

Fast, Friendly Service

O

Thank

Best Date Spot

Best Family Fun

Best Fishing Guide

Best Gym

Best Jukebox

Best Karaoke

Best Vape Shop

Best Place for a Birthday

Best Venue

Home Services 2022 Results

Best Carpet

Randy’s Floor Company

Best Contractor

Roland Cantu

Con

D

Best Day Care

Bright Day Preschool

Gingerbread

Tots

Best Electrical

Acosta Electric

POC Electric,

Power

Best Fencing

Blinka Fencing

Hurricane

Advantage

Best Flooring

Grace Flooring

Randy’s

Joe

Best Glass Company

Keathley’s Glass

Best Heating & Air

Wehmeyer Services

Beck Air Conditioning

Coastal

Best Homebuilder

Roland Cantu Custom Homes

Rohe Builders

Brian Rokyta

Best House Cleaning

Audie Vasquez and Tristan

Coastal Cleaning

Pink

Best Pest Control

Dowell Pest Control

Superior Termite

Best Plumbing

Young Plumbing

Grace Plumbing

Port Lavaca Plumbing

Best Property Management

Russell Cain Real Estate

Re/Max

and Homes

Texas Real

Best Real Estate Firm

RE/MAX Land & Homes On The Bay

Russell Cain Real

Bay

BEST Place For Family Fun