When locals look for the top local spot to get a hamburger, Jumbo Joe’s has regularly been the top choice with the community voicing their opinion by voting the business with the Gold Award for Best Hamburger 13 years in a row, in addition to other Gold and Silver Awards throughout the Food & Restaurants category.
Monica Rodriguez Head Teller Silver - Best Bank Teller
• Red Light Therapy
• Infrared Sauna
• Microneedling
• Fat Dissolvers
• Oxygen Bar
• Lip Fillers
• Botox
• Fat Blaster
• Fat Blaster
• Face Sculp
• Emsculp
• Body Waves
• Skinny Wrap
Private
812 W 8th Street, Suite 6A • Plainview
E xcel lent care. Ever y p at ien
Ever y day.
L ifting spir its, supp or ting t he mind a
E xcel lent care. Ever y p at ient.
Ever y day.
L ifting spir its, supp or ting t he mind a
t he b o dy, emp ower ing patients and t h families and op ening t he way for a m joyous and engaged existence at hom w hat we do!
E xcel lent care. Ever y p at ien
Ever y day.
t he b o dy, emp ower ing patients and t h families and op ening t he way for a m joyous and engaged existence at hom w hat we do!
113 W 8t h St re et • Plainvie w, Texa
L ifting spir its, supp or ting t he mind a t he b o dy, emp ower ing patients and t h families and op ening t he way for a m joyous and engaged existence at hom
113 W 8t h St re et • Plainvie w, Texa
w hat we do!
Event Center
2025 GOLD
Best Cardiologist
Dr. Kevin Jones
Best Internal Medicine
Dr. Sergio Lara
Best Surgeon Dr. Dayton Wong
Best Obstetrics and Gynocology
Dr. Charles R. Smith
Best Family Physician and Men’s Health (Silver) Dr. Jon Watkins
Best Physician’s Assistant and Women’s Health (Silver)
KrisAnn Schulz, PA
Best Women’s and Children’s Care (Silver)
Dr. Dominique Foster
Best Nurse Practitioner
Robin Stanfield, FNP-C
Best Men’s Health and Children’s Care
Dr. Colby Rozean
Best Administrative Assistant Keeley Askins
2025 SILVER
Best Surgeon Dr. Douglas Cummins
Best Obstetrics and Gynocology
Dr. Elaine Brown
Best Physician’s Assistant Sarah Rees, PA
Best Business Leader Homer Marquez
2025 GOLD
TO OUR PLAINVIEW COMMUNITY
Welcome to our 2025 edition of the Plainview Herald Readers’ Choice Awards Magazine. We are very excited to present this magazine to you and we hope that it provides you with information about some of the best businesses, people, places to visit and so much more from our local community.
We would like to take the time to send a big thanks to all of you who participated during the voting period and made sure your voice was heard for this contest. With each new year, this contest continues to grow and be a success and it is because of the community’s involvement from start to finish.
We would also like to say thank you to all of our area businesses who strive each and every day to make sure our community’s needs are met and work hard providing some of the best customer service around.
We look forward to next year’s edition of this magazine and we hope that you will join us once again!
Sincerely,
Carmen Ortega Regional Advertising Director
Plainview Herald Canyon News
Muleshoe Journal
ADVERTISING
REGIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Carmen Ortega, COrtega@hearstnp.com
MULTIMEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Carolina Mendoza, Carolina.Mendoza@hearstnp.com
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS EDITOR
Kevin Scannell, Kevin.Scannell@hearstnp.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mike Albanese, Skyler Hammons, Reece Nations
PUBLICATION DESIGNER
Kelsi Pohlman
PLAINVIEW HERALD
A Hearst Corporation Newspaper 820 Broadway Street Plainview, Texas 79072 806-296-1303 www.MyPlainview.com
The Plainview Herald Readers’ Choice Awards magazine is a publication highlighting Plainview’s favorite businesses. Voting is open to the public and businesses with the highest number of votes are designated Gold and Silver Award winners. For questions and comments regarding this publication, please contact Carmen Ortega at 806-296-1320 or COrtega@hearstnp.com.
Plainview Herald Readers’ Choice Awards is a publication of the Plainview Herald. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent.
On the Cover: (from left to right) Sam Rollins, Ali Drigan, Maria Drigan, and Nicca Gonzales.
BEST OF THE WEST
BARBECUE
GOLD: WEEKENDS BBQ AND CATERING
Silver: Rejino BBQ
BISCUITS AND GRAVY
GOLD: MCDONALD'S
Silver: Braum’s
BOOT SELECTION
GOLD: DORADO RANCH
Silver: Gebo’s
CHILI
GOLD: WENDY'S
Silver: Jumbo Joe’s
COMMUNITY EVENT
GOLD: RED, WHITE & MOO
Silver: Christmas Parade
FAJITAS
GOLD: LEAL'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Silver: Taqueria Jalisco
FEED STORE
GOLD: PLAINVIEW FEED & SUPPLY
Silver: Gebo's
FIBERGLASS COW
GOLD: WHATABURGER
Silver: Quick Lane Tire and Auto
HAT STORE
GOLD: DORADO RANCH
Silver: Masso’s
HOT SAUCE
GOLD: CARLITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Silver: Leal’s Mexican Restaurant
JEANS
GOLD: GEBO'S
Silver: The Rusty Rose
NON-PROFIT GROUP
GOLD: MOTIVATION
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Silver: Caprock Community Literacy
QUESO
GOLD: LEAL'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Silver: Taqueria Jalisco
STEAK
GOLD: TABLE ON 10TH
Silver: Chili’s
WESTERN WEAR STORE
GOLD: DORADO RANCH
Silver: Gebo’s
Silver:
Silver:
Silver: Vexus
Silver:
Silver:
Photography
WAYLAND’S ABRAHAM ART GALLERY AGAIN NAMED BEST IN TOWN
By Reece Nations, FOR THE HERALD
From its many murals to its unmatched natural beauty, works of art are not difficult to come across in Plainview.
Since 1998, one of the city’s most prominent places to view and enjoy worldclass one-of-a-kind artistic master works is the Malouf Abraham Family Art Center, also called the Abraham Art Gallery, located in the atrium of the Wayland Baptist University library in the Mabee Learning Resource Center.
Here, art aficionados are routinely delighted by a rotating slate of fascinating exhibitions in all sorts of mediums. From oil paintings to water colors to sculptures and more, excitement abounds as each visit brings something new to be seen.
This reputation for excellence along with its striking exterior design and its utility as an entertainment space has yet again led the gallery to Reader’s Choice gold this year. Designed in a joint effort with the Frank Lloyd Wright Institute and its namesake Dr. Malouf Abraham of Canadian, artists from across the Panhandle Plains region and country have had their works featured within the gallery’s walls.
Candace Keller, an art professor at Wayland, has served as curator of art for
the Abraham Art Gallery since its inception. She said the gallery’s origin stems from the Abraham family’s deeply charitable nature.
“The university was looking for help to fund our library center, which is a four story building,” Keller said. “I was looking for some space for them to put in an art gallery and we were hoping that it would be within the library construction that was being built at that time.”
Abraham, known as an avid art collector and enthusiast, looked at the space under construction and expressed an interest in the project. However, Abraham evidently must have felt that even the building itself should be a breathtaking work of art.
“He took it upon himself to come up with the plans and work with the administration,” Keller said. “He even took the plans to the Frank Lloyd Wright Institute to the details and everything put on it and presented our builders with it.”
As a result, Abraham decided to personally finance the art gallery himself as a gift for the university. Now, Plainview as a whole benefits from Abraham’s act of generosity as visitors from around the region and even across the whole country stop in on occasion just to see its art.
Malouf died on May 5, 2025, following the passing of his beloved wife Therese Browne Abraham the previous August. The couple met in Greensboro, North Carolina,
before settling in Malouf’s hometown of Canadian where they raised their three sons.
Today, another physical testament to the Abrahams’ philanthropy exists in Canadian as the Citadelle Art Museum—their former home converted from a Baptist church and again renovated into a public art museum.
Here, art aficionados are routinely delighted by a rotating slate of fascinating exhibitions in all sorts of mediums.
The Abraham Art Gallery’s most recent exhibition on display was entitled “Tranquility and Being” by artist Zhuocai Ouyang. Keller said exhibitions each last usually for around six to eight weeks, and the gallery typically features six to seven exhibitions in a year.
“Of course larger cities have more things to do and see, but it’s nice because our community is very supportive of the gallery,” Keller said.
“When we have really popular exhibitions, we do get a lot of traffic from the Lubbock and Amarillo communities coming to Plainview to see things.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABRAHAM ART GALLERY
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
MEDICINE & HEALTHCARE
GOLD: NATURE’S WAY
Silver: Wiley Wellness and Aesthetics
ASSISTED LIVING
GOLD: SANTA FE TERRACE
Silver: Westridge Manor
CARDIOLOGIST
GOLD: DR. KEVIN JONES
CHIROPRACTOR
GOLD: CHAMBLESS CHIROPRACTIC
Silver: Cunningham Chiropractic
DENTIST
GOLD (TIE): PLAINVIEW
WEST TEXAS DENTAL
ASSOCIATES: GEORGIA MITCHELL
GOLD (TIE): PLAINVIEW
DENTISTRY: DR. HARMOUCHE
EYEWEAR
GOLD: WEBB VISION CENTER
Silver: Eyewear Outlet Plainview Optical
FAMILY PHYSICIAN
GOLD: DR. JON WATKINS
Silver: Dr. Bradley Hough
HEARING CARE (INDIVIDUAL)
GOLD: GRAND HEARING
Silver: Livingston Hearing Aid Center
HOME CARE
FACILITY
GOLD: ACCENTCARE
HOME HEALTH
Silver: Interim HealthCare
HOSPICE
GOLD: INTERIM HEALTHCARE
Silver: AccentCare Home Health
HOSPITAL
GOLD: COVENANT HEALTH PLAINVIEW
Silver: Mangold Memorial Hospital
INTERNAL MEDICINE
GOLD: DR. SERGIO LARA
LVN/RN
GOLD: JULIE
MENDOZA, RN
Silver: Jill Moudy, RN
MEDICAL SUPPLY COMPANY
GOLD: B&I ENTERPRISE
Silver: CVS
MEN’S HEALTH PROVIDER
GOLD: DR. COLBY ROZEAN
Silver: Dr. Jon Watkins
NURSE PRACTITIONER
GOLD: ROBIN
STANFIELD, FNP-C
Silver: Jennifer Sepeda, NP
OB/GYN
GOLD: DR. CHARLES SMITH
Silver: Dr. Elaine Brown
OPTOMETRIST
GOLD: DR. KENT WEBB
Silver: Dr. Lindsie Mathis
ORTHODONTIST
GOLD: WENTZ
ORTHODONTICS
Silver: Hodges & Hodges Orthodontics
CHILDREN’S HEALTH
GOLD: DR. COLBY ROZEAN
Silver: Dr. Dominique Foster
PHARMACIST
GOLD: KENT BALLARD
Silver: Daniel Capps
PHARMACY
GOLD: HOMETOWN
PHARMACY
Silver: Amigos Pharmacy
PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER
GOLD: COVENANT HEALTH PLAINVIEW
Silver: Plainview Healthcare Center
PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT
GOLD: KRISANN
SCHULZ PA-C
Silver: Sarah Rees, PA
PODIATRIST
GOLD: DR. VINCENT DIPAOLO
PSYCHIATRY
GOLD: DR. BHUPALA KALLEPALLI
Silver: Dr. Cassie Collins
RADIOLOGY
GOLD: COVENANT HEALTH PLAINVIEW
Silver: Garvish Radiology
SURGEON
GOLD: DR. DAYTON WONG
Silver: Dr. Douglas G. Cummins
EMERGENCY CARE
GOLD: COVENANT HOSPITAL PLAINVIEW
EMERGENCY
DEPARTMENT
VETERINARIAN
GOLD: ANIMAL CLINIC OF PLAINVIEW: BLAINE LONG
Silver: Central Plains
Veterinary Clinic: Edward H. (Bud) Johnston
VISION CENTER
GOLD: WEBB VISION CENTER
Silver: Walmart Vision Center
WALK-IN CLINIC
GOLD: REGENCE HEALTH NETWORK
Silver: West Texas Family Medicine
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
GOLD: WILEY WELLNESS AND AESTHETICS
Silver: West Texas Bariatrics
WOMEN’S HEALTH PROVIDER
GOLD: DR. DOMINIQUE FOSTER
Silver: KrisAnn Schulz, PA
GEORGIA MITCHELL RECEIVES GOLD RECOGNITION FOR BEST DENTIST IN PLAINVIEW
Mike Albanese
Georgia Mitchell, dentist with West Texas Dental Associates, was awarded the Gold recognition for best dentist in Plainview.
“I was humbled and surprised,” she said upon learning of the award. “My focus is always on providing the best care possible for my patients, and that isn’t always the easiest or most popular job. It’s incredibly meaningful to have that hard work recognized, especially in such a public way.”
Mitchell, originally from Tucumcari, New Mexico, has been practicing in Plainview since 2022. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech University and completed her Master’s of Science in Oral Biology at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, where she conducted dental research.
Mitchell said through her work, she discovered a passion – applying research directly to patient care to improve outcomes. She also has a doctorate from Roseman University of Health Sciences in Utah. However, a connection Dr. Brian Herring allowed her to move closer to home and practice in Plainview and Lubbock.
“After a few months, I knew Plainview was where I wanted to put down roots,” she said. “I was thrilled to ‘recruit’ my husband, Dr. Colby Rozean, a family medicine physician, to Plainview as well. We’re so happy to live in and serve this community together.”
Mitchell said what makes Plainview special is the city and the people.
“I’ve lived in and visited many places, but the people in Plainview are among the kindest and most genuine I’ve ever met — hardworking, practical and warm,” she said. “I’m fortunate to collaborate with excellent specialists in and around Texas because patient care really is a team sport. Plainview’s location is also perfect for us, being close to my hometown in New Mexico and to my husband’s family in Texas.”
Mitchell said the best part of her role as a dentist is being able to help patients and assist them navigating decisions and “empower” them to make healthy choices.
She noticed her passion for dentistry during college, where she was more focused on the research side of the profession.
“As a biology student, I was struck by how much of the latest research wasn’t being applied chairside. Medicine was rapidly integrating evidence-based practices, but much of dentistry hadn’t evolved since the 1970s,” she said.
Mitchell said she felt strongly that applying current evidence to dental care – especially to people in rural and underserved areas – “could truly change lives.”
“I’m grateful for my background in research because it allows me to bring proven, evidence-based care directly to my patients,” she said.
Mitchell said the best part of her role as a dentist is being able to help patients and assist them navigating decisions and
“empower” them to make healthy choices.
“Dentistry is physically demanding and requires precision down to tenths of a millimeter, but technical accuracy is just the baseline,” she said. “[It’s] most fulfilling to me is seeing patients understand the power of preventive dentistry — preserving what they have and realizing that maintaining their oral health is ultimately in their own hands.”
West Texas Dental Associates is located at 3109 Olton Road in Plainview.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST TEXAS DENTAL ASSOCIATES
ANTIQUES
GOLD: 725 VINTAGE CO.
Silver: Haven Antiques
APPLIANCE STORE
GOLD: STILLWATERS
APPLIANCES & MORE
Silver: Aaron’s Rent to Own
BOOKSTORE
GOLD: WAYLAND BOOKSTORE
Silver: Broadway Treasures
BUILDING SUPPLIES
GOLD: SUTHERLANDS HOMEBASE
Silver: McCoy’s
CARPET AND FLOORING
GOLD: SUTHERLANDS HOMEBASE
Silver: King’s Carpet
CHILDRENS’ CLOTHING
GOLD: BEALLS
Silver: Play it Again
CONSIGNMENT SHOP
GOLD: BROADWAY TREASURES
Silver: Play it Again
SHOPPING
FLOWER SHOP
GOLD: THE ROSE SHOP
Silver: Kan Del’s Floral Candles & Gifts
FURNITURE STORE
GOLD: PLAINVIEW
FURNITURE EXCHANGE
Silver: BoxDrop Mattress
GIFT SHOP
GOLD: EVALENE’S GIFTS & MORE
Silver: Flatland Collective
HARDWARE STORE
GOLD: BULLDOG ACE HARDWARE
Silver: Sutherlands HomeBase
HOME DÉCOR
GOLD: EVALENE’S GIFTS & MORE
Silver: Collection 806
JEWELRY STORE
GOLD: ARTISAN JEWELERS & REPAIR
Silver: The Rusty Rose
MEN’S CLOTHING
GOLD: CAVALIER
Silver: Gebo’s
NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER
GOLD: TEXAS GARDENS
Silver: Sutherlands HomeBase
PET SUPPLIES
GOLD: TRACTOR SUPPLY
Silver: Gebo’s
SEWING SUPPLIES
GOLD: WALMART SUPERCENTER
Silver: Hall’s Sew and Vac
TIRE SPECIALTY SHOP
GOLD: WILLIE’S TIRE
Silver: HomeTown Tire Pros & Car Care
TOOLS
GOLD: HARBOR FREIGHT
Silver: Sutherlands HomeBase
TRENDY FASHIONS
GOLD: THE RUSTY ROSE
Silver: It’s A Girl’s Thing WEDDING GIFT SHOP
GOLD: EVALENE’S GIFTS & MORE
Silver: Cynthia’s Heart Desire
WOMEN’S SHOES
GOLD: IT’S A GIRL’S THING
Silver: Shoe Sensation
EVALENE’S GIFTS & MORE WINS READER’S CHOICE GOLD
By Reece Nations, FOR THE HERALD
Evalene’s Gifts and More has been recognized by Herald readers as Plainview’s best gift shop for home décor and wedding gifts.
One of the town’s most wellknown establishments, it is owned by David McDonald of the next-door McDonald’s Trading Post and has been in business since December 1972. McDonald said Evalene’s, located
at 1401 South Columbia Street, was started by and named for his mother, Evalene McDonald.
He said the inspiration for Evalene’s came after a fateful trip to a Dallasarea Pier 1 Imports store gave his mom the idea to open a similar business back home.
“She saw Pier 1 and she thought ‘Well, that’s pretty neat, Plainview needs something like that,’’” David McDonald
said. “So, that’s kind of what she fashioned it as originally.”
Following the retirement of Evalene’s namesake in 2003, it was taken over by Doris McDonald, David’s late wife. Today, the store boasts on its website that it is “quite possibly the largest gift store between Dallas and Denver.”
Doris oversaw a remodel of the business’s building and an overhaul of its stock during her time as its manager, David said. Now, shoppers browse the aisles for indoor décor, outdoor décor, cookware, items for babies, collegethemed knick knacks, home accessories, unique gifts and more.
After David took over the trading post from his father Pete McDonald, he and Doris shared the same work-life dynamic that Pete and Evalene enjoyed for so many years. Working with and near his wife each day exemplified the way Plainview’s family-friendly community thrives: lots of dedication and love made the business what it is today.
Though David’s preoccupation with running Plainview’s unofficial “everything store” consistently draws his attention elsewhere, he said Evalene’s is an asset to some community members looking for a different kind of shopping experience.
While men and boys of the community might stop by McDonald’s Trading Post either out of
necessity or fascination for its various bits and bobs, women and girls similarly enjoy Evalene’s for its wide ranging merchandise and wares suitable for events like parties, wedding showers, bridal showers or just sprucing things up around the house.
Evalene’s is now managed by Monica Azua who is aided by the tireless work of employees Ellie Jimenez and Erica Mariscal. Azua said Jimenez and Mariscal diligently work to ensure patrons have the most enjoyable shopping experience possible each time they step through Evalene’s doors.
“They really go above and beyond in keeping the store the way it needs to be,” Azua said. “We like to keep it nice and clean for our customers which they always notice. It’s nice for them to come and be able to look, browse and enjoy themselves while they’re in here.”
Indeed, Azua said the community aspect of the business makes working there each day special. They have regulars who come in to browse and visit with Evalene’s employees, further cementing its status as a local favorite for a fun and convenient shopping experience.
Evalene’s Gifts and More is open six days a week: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVALENE’S GIFTS AND MORE
ALL AROUND RESTAURANT
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
GOLD: LEAL’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Silver: Table on 10th
BAKERY
GOLD: FRISCO BAKERY
Silver: Amigos
BREAKFAST
GOLD: CHAYO’S RESTAURANT
Silver: Taqueria Perlitas
BUFFET
GOLD: EMPIRE SUPER BUFFET
Silver: China Dragon
BURGER
GOLD: JUMBO JOE’S
Silver: Bill’s Jumbo Burger
BURRITOS
GOLD: TAQUERIA PERLITAS
Silver: Chayo’s Restaurant
BUSINESS LUNCH
GOLD: TABLE ON 10TH
Silver: Leal’s Mexican Restaurant
CAKES
GOLD: AMIGOS
Silver: Table on 10th
CARRY OUT/DRIVETHROUGH
GOLD: CHICK-FIL-A
Silver: Sonic
CATERING
GOLD: WEEKENDS BBQ AND CATERING
Silver: El Mercadito Street Tacos
CATFISH
GOLD: GOODFELLAS BAR AND GRILL
Silver: Chicken Express
CHICKEN
GOLD: CHICKEN EXPRESS
Silver: Chick-fil-A
CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
GOLD: COTTON PATCH CAFÉ
Silver: Plainview Country Club
COFFEE
GOLD: BROADWAY BREW
Silver: Starbucks
COOKIES
GOLD: INDULGE SWEET SHOPPE
Silver: Amigos
CORN DOG
GOLD: SONIC
Silver: Allsup’s Convenience Store
DELI
GOLD: UNITED SUPERMARKET
Silver: Amigos
DESSERTS
GOLD: TABLE ON 10TH
Silver: Indulge Sweet Shoppe
DONUTS
GOLD: BENJAMIN DONUTS
Silver: The Donut Shop
ENCHILADAS
GOLD: CARLITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Silver: Leal’s Mexican Restaurant
FOR CHILDREN
GOLD: MCDONALD’S
Silver: Chick-fil-A
FRENCH FRIES
GOLD: MCDONALD’S
Silver: Wingstop
GATHERING SPOT
GOLD: BROADWAY BREW
Silver: Collection 806
HAPPY HOUR
GOLD: RED DOOR
Silver: Sonic
ICE CREAM
GOLD: DAIRY QUEEN
Silver: The Creamery Coffee Barn
ITALIAN FOOD
GOLD: MIA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Silver: Plainview Country Club
LIQUOR STORE
GOLD: WALMART SUPERCENTER
Silver: Liquor Loft
MEAT DEPARTMENT
GOLD: UNITED SUPERMARKET
Silver: Frontier Market
MEXICAN FOOD
GOLD: CARLITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Silver: Leal’s Mexican Restaurant
MIXED DRINKS
GOLD: RED DOOR
Silver: Goodfellas Bar and Grill
NACHOS
GOLD: JUMBO JOE’S
Silver: El Mercadito Street Tacos
ORIENTAL FOOD
GOLD: CHINA DRAGON
Silver: Empire Buffet
PIZZA
GOLD: PIZZA HUT
Silver: 806 Pizza House
PRODUCE DEPARTMENT
GOLD: UNITED SUPERMARKET
Silver: Amigos
RESTAURANT FAST FOOD
GOLD: CHICK-FIL-A
Silver: Jumbo Joe’s
RESTAURANT HOME COOKING
GOLD: COTTON PATCH
Silver: Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant
RESTAURANT SERVICE
GOLD: CARLITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Silver: Leal’s Mexican Restaurant
SALAD BAR
GOLD: PLAINVIEW COUNTRY CLUB
Silver: 806 Pizza House
SANDWICH
GOLD: FIELDHOUSE SANDWICH SHOP
Silver: Broadway Brew
SEAFOOD
GOLD: OCHO 80
Silver: Plainview Country Club
SUPERMARKET
GOLD: UNITED SUPERMARKET
Silver: Amigos
SWEET TEA
GOLD: CHICKEN EXPRESS
Silver: Tea2Go
TACOS
GOLD: EL MERCADITO STREET TACOS
Silver: Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant
VEGAN FOOD MENU
GOLD: TABLE ON 10TH
Photo L-R Flavia Garcia, Josh Gonzales, Milli Valencia, Derrick Rivera, Christian McGuire, Marissa Carillo, Joe Casares, Maria Baeza, Sethanie Rodriguez
EL MERCADITO CELEBRATES READER’S CHOICE AWARDS IN CONSECUTIVE YEARS
By Reece Nations FOR THE HERALD
As one of Plainview’s local staples, El Mercadito Street Tacos understands the importance in delivering a quality dining experience to customers.
Day in and day out, El Mercadito owner Sonya Rodriguez arrives at her restaurant at 1201 West 24th Street to cook up authentic Mexican cuisine with a smile on her face. Though she and her staff deal with the
occasional ornery customer, Rodriguez said their cheerful disposition never changes.
Last year, El Mercadito took home Reader’s Choice gold for best tacos and silver for best catering, respectively. She said learning that her business had once again been named the best place in town for tacos makes all their hard work feel worthwhile.
“When you work so hard for this you try to be the best and you’re constantly working to give your best to the customers,” Rodriguez
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EL MERCADITO
said. “We’re always trying to give them the best quality, quantity and price. But, it’s an honor. We love getting to feed so many wonderful people.”
As any restaurant owner worth their flour will tell you, their business constantly consumes them. Rodriguez said her restaurant is basically on her mind more or less 24/7.
Even on her off time, she’s always cooking up new ways to please her hungry clientele.
Rodriguez said El Mercadito’s latest addition to its already extensive menu options are its birria tacos served with its signature consomé broth for dipping as well as onions, cilantro, red sauce and lime.
In addition to an assortment of tacos, the restaurant also offers gorditas, chalupas, enchiladas, quesadillas and more. Rodriguez said she often experiments with adding different menu items.
“The recipes are all mine, I just teach my employees how to do it,” she said. “How to cook it, what I want, how to get the proper flavor, all that.”
El Mercadito has been happily serving Plainview since 1999 though it was originally located on 5th street. Rodriguez said she has been operating as the business’s sole owner and primary manager for 10 of its roughly 25 years of service.
“Never give up on your dreams... Keep working on them because it’s not the end when things go wrong or become difficult.”
Rodriguez, who grew up in Hereford, said she could not ask for a better community than Plainview for her small business. Despite many hard times and nearly having to take on a second job at one point, she said she has fought tirelessly to keep El Mercadito up and running for so many years.
“Of course, I couldn’t have done this without my employees,” Rodriguez said.
She said her always reliable kitchen employees are Maria, Isabelle, Yuri, Melanie, Alexis, and Cindy. Of this group, Rodriguez said Maria and Isabelle are her go-to all-stars for all food-related intents and purposes.
She also highlighted the work of employees Abby, Delores, Diana and Cassie for their steadfast dedication to serving customers in the front of the restaurant. Rodriguez said earning Reader’s Choice gold in backto-back years was a gratifying sign that her and the staff’s hard work had not gone unnoticed by the people of Plainview.
“Never give up on your dreams,” she said. “Keep working on them because it’s not the end when things go wrong or become difficult.”
-SARAH DORNEY, OWNER
ACCOUNTANT
GOLD: LKRSG COMPANY
Silver: Rogers, Cross, Hanby & Co.
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
GOLD: KEELEY ASKINS (COVENANT HOSPITAL PLAINVIEW)
Silver: Jessica Carrasco (Plainview Country Club)
ALTERATIONS/ SEAMSTRESS
GOLD: ANNETTE SAUCEDO
Silver: Ranada Jack
ATTORNEY
GOLD: PAUL HOLLOWAY
Silver: Alesha Walker
AUTO MECHANIC
GOLD: EDWARD RINCON
Silver: Doug Blackerby
BAKER
GOLD: APRIL BURNS
Silver: Indulge Sweet
Shoppee: Sarah Dorney
BANK TELLER
GOLD: HAVEN WALKER (HAPPY STATE BANK)
Silver: Monica Rodriguez (West Texas National Bank)
HOLLOWAY THANKS COMMUNITY FOR ANOTHER READER’S CHOICE HONOR
By Reece Nations FOR THE HERALD
Since opening his law office in Plainview in 1994, Paul Holloway made his mark in the community one case at a time.
For around 31 years, Holloway and his team have helped clients in the Plainview-area and beyond resolve legal troubles related with family, criminal and personal injury law. Though he is known to travel all across the Panhandle Plains region to help his clients, Holloway operates primarily from his modest brown stucco Pueblostyle office building located at 207 East 6th Street.
Since 2013, the Law Office of Paul Holloway has been named Plainview’s best attorney in annual Reader’s Choice voting more than 10 times. Holloway said he has been happy to call Plainview home for so many years after hearing he had once again been honored with Reader’s Choice recognition.
“I’m very grateful for [Plainview’s] support and thankful that I’ve been able to work here for all these years and help people,” Holloway said.
In addition to being a graduate of Baylor Law School, Holloway has been a licensed attorney since November 1989. Before moving to Plainview, Holloway worked on commercial litigation projects in Houston.
Prior to his law career, Holloway was an employee of the civil engineering firm HNTB and at one point
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL HOLLOWAY
“I’m very grateful for [Plainview’s] support and thankful that I’ve been able to work here for all these years and help people.”
served as utility coordinator in the initial Dallas North Tollway extension project. After initially moving to be closer to family and to pursue his professional opportunities, Holloway said Plainview was a great place to lay down roots.
His wife, Kathryn Browning Holloway, is from Plainview originally and serves as the office’s accountant, book-keeper, and business manager. Together, the Holloways are parents to their sons Matthew, John Paul, and Christian.
Flor Hill, also a Plainview native, is the office’s paralegal and has served in this role for more than five years. Hill received her degrees in legal studies from South Plains College and East Texas A&M-Dallas.
“She is an integral part of our work,” Holloway said of Hill. “Flor is a barrio girl… she can speak Spanish and help me with the clients that I have. She is just an immeasurable help.”
Receptionist Esperanza Perez, an employee of around three years, is the voice and face of the office. In charge of greeting clients as they come in and manning the telephones, Perez works
diligently each day to help keep things running smoothly.
“I make sure in my business that we answer our phones,” Holloway said. ”It’s a rare thing when you call here and you go more than a ring before you get somebody, and Esperanza is the first person you make contact with when you call here.”
Joann Blando has served as Holloway’s office manager and bookkeeper for about five years. Blando interfaces with clients with monthly billing—a crucial aspect of the business. If someone calls with a question about their bill, Blando is the one who can assuage their concerns.
Holloway said the business bills its clients monthly so that they have regular status updates on their cases and are never blindsided by new charges and to ensure they meet all state bar requirements.
Holloway practices law primarily in the district courthouses of Hale, Swisher, Castro, Floyd, Briscoe, Randall, Potter and Lubbock counties. Additionally, he is licensed to practice law in the federal district courts of both Amarillo and Lubbock.
GOLD BEST LOAN OFFICER AWARD
By Skyler Hammons
PLAINVIEW, Texas – Nancy
Reed, a West Texas National Bank employee, was recently recognized by winning the GOLD Best Loan Officer award in the Plainview Herald Readers’ Choice Awards Magazine.
“It was unexpected. I strive to give our customers the best banking experience,” Reed said. “It is rewarding to know that someone was impacted so positively and to a level that they would think enough of that experience to vote for me. I am honored.”
Reed, VP, commercial relationship manager, has been part of the West Texas National Bank family for only a couple of years, but has 18 years of banking experience in Plainview.
“West Texas National Bank is a well-capitalized bank based out of Midland, Texas,” Reed said. “They are a bank that understands community banking. WTNB takes exceptional care of their team members and entrusts us to do our jobs and take great care of our customers.”
All 18 years of Reed’s banking career have been spent honing her craft in lending. Reed described her role as officially being a commercial lender and lending assistant, who works with the
rest of the bank as a team to help with all projects and events.
“As a lender, my job impacts the community diversely by serving every member of the Plainview community and beyond,” Reed said. “We provide consumer and business loans covering personal and business financial needs.”
Before her banking career began, Reed worked for 30 years at Gabriel’s Department Store, which was acquired by The Dunlap Company in 1994. From a Gabriel’s Department Store buyer to eventually becoming a store manager for The Dunlap Company, Reed worked in retail until 2007.
“I loved the 30 years I worked in retail as I have loved the 18 years in banking,” Reed said. “Retail and banking have been gratifying careers. A successful career is about hard work, being rewarded for your work, your attitude and relationships with others. I have truly been blessed with the friendships I have made along the way.”
Reed’s career switch to banking began with the help of a colleague and a new prospect on the horizon.
“A good friend, Willis McCutcheon, reached out with an opportunity to make a career change from retail to banking,” Reed said. “He was building a team of bankers to bring a new
bank to the Plainview community. I had completed my Bachelor of Business degree a few years prior, so [I] was pleased for the opportunity. I have worked directly with Willis McCutcheon for all 18 years of my banking career.”
While Reed got her start in retail and eventually moved into banking, she has carried the skills she learned in her previous career into her current role.
“I believe the skills that cross over no matter your job or title are work ethics,
“It is rewarding to know that someone was impacted so positively and to a level that they would think enough of that experience to vote for me. I am honored.”
such as do your job, do it with pride, honesty, dependability and integrity,” Reed said.
While Reed’s job and skill set directly impact her community, she also helps out the area through community support and volunteerism.
“It is important as members of this great community to take care of Plainview businesses, charitable organizations and its citizens to pass on the legacy that was passed on to us as an outstanding place to live,” Reed said.
Nancy Reed PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST TEXAS NATIONAL BANK
GOLD – Best Esthetician, Cam Perkins
GOLD – Best Makeup Artist, Cam Perkins
SILVER – Best Gathering Spot, Collection 806
SILVER – Best Décor, Collection 806
SILVER – Best Locally Owned Business, Betty Faye
SILVER – Best Makeup Artist, Harlie Garcia
ROLLO INSURANCE AGENCY ASSOCIATE RECEIVES RECOGNITION AS GOLD BEST INSURANCE SALESPERSON FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
By Skyler Hammons
PLAINVIEW, Texas – For the fifth year in a row, Christopher W. Moore, Rollo Insurance Agency associate, recently received recognition as the GOLD Best Insurance Salesperson for the Plainview Herald Readers’ Choice Awards Magazine.
“It is always so humbling to receive accolades from those you represent,” Moore said. “When I got the email letting me know, I felt like Sally Field accepting her 1985 Academy Award when she replied, ‘You like me, you really like me!’”
Moore’s position at Rollo Insurance Agency is primarily as an insurance salesman who also helps manage the office.
“It is an honor to serve and meet the insurance needs of folks up here in the Texas panhandle,” Moore said. “I love Plainview and can’t imagine being anywhere but here.”
Moore said he hopes his job has a positive impact on the community. One thing Moore hopes those in Plainview take from his role is that not every salesperson is just there for the money, and that there are those who do
care about the needs of the individual.
For 13 years, Moore’s career path has walked alongside insurance, with his start being with Texas Farm Bureau. Moore said he purchased the Dodson Agency five years ago, and an eventual merger with Rollo Insurance Agency took place in February 2025.
“I can’t think of a child that has ever told me they wanted to be in insurance when they grew up,” Moore said. “This position is one that just presented itself. I am outgoing and talkative by nature and so this has been a good fit.”
Before Moore walked into the world of insurance or walked the streets of Plainview, Texas, he grew up in western Kentucky and southern Illinois. In the fall of 2000, Moore and his wife moved to Plainview, where he became the Wayland Baptist University technical director of theater.
His job at WBU entailed Moore designing sets, lighting, and costumes for productions, as well as teaching theatrical makeup and set/lighting design.
“I loved my time in the classroom at
Wayland and at the heart of every good insurance agent, is an educator’s heart,” Moore said. “My favorite part of this job is sitting down with a client and explaining the insurance policies.”
Moore’s work background also extends from a morning show on the local 106.9 KKYN radio station to Walmart shipping to Lowe’s Grocery to the coal mines.
“There are two professions that I think a person needs to have some life experience and some chrome in their beards: pastor and insurance agent,” Moore said. “With the various positions I have held and life experience, I am able to connect to a variety of folks with different backgrounds. Also, working in the different industries, it gives me an inside look at what the commercial insurance policies need to cover.”
Outside of work and over the years, Moore has continued to be involved in the community through organizations such as the Plainview Lions Club as Lion Boss from 2022-’23 and ‘22-’23 Plainview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board president. Currently, Moore is the local High Plains Pheasants Forever Club vice president, president of the St. Paul
Lutheran congregation, and sits on the Covenant Hospital Foundation Board.
“Christ taught that the greatest among you must be a servant to all, and that serving others is how we, as believers, serve and glorify God,” Moore said. “I hope and pray that my serving others might lead others to faith in Christ. If I lead by example, perhaps we could get others in our community involved in the various service organizations.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER MOORE
APARTMENT COMPLEX
GOLD: CONRAD LOFTS
Silver: Stonebriar Village Apartments
AUTO ACCESSORIES
GOLD: TEXAS CARWORX
Silver: Apex Collision Center
AUTO BODY PAINTING
GOLD: TEXAS CARWORX
Silver: Covington Body Shop
AUTO FINANCE
GOLD: FIRST UNITED BANK
Silver: Happy State Bank
AUTO PARTS STORE
GOLD: O’REILLY
Silver: Auto Zone
AUTO REPAIR
GOLD: TEXAS CARWORX
Silver: Paul Waller Garage
BAIL BOND
GOLD: VERA’S BONDING
Silver: Exit Bail Bonds
BANK
GOLD: HAPPY STATE BANK
Silver: West Texas National Bank
BAR/NIGHT CLUB
GOLD: RED DOOR
Silver: Goodfellas Bar and Grill
CAR WASH
GOLD: SOAK & SUDS
Silver: Willie’s Tire
PLACES
CAREER TRAINING/TECH
SCHOOL
GOLD: SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE
Silver: Star Career Training Inc.
CARPET CLEANING
GOLD: CHEM DRY CARPET CLEANING
Silver: Sun-Brite Carpet Cleaning
CITY PARK
GOLD: RUNNINGWATER DRAW PARK
Silver: Hood Park
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
GOLD: WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Silver: South Plains College
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
GOLD: THRASHER INC.
Silver: JV Garza Construction
CONVENIENCE STORE
GOLD: ALLSUP’S CONVENIENCE STORE
Silver: Toot’n Totum
DANCE STUDIO
GOLD: REBEL CHEER & DANCE
Silver: Lone Star Dance
DAY CARE
GOLD: WEECARE DAYCARE
Silver: Thrive
DETAIL SHOP
GOLD: TEXAS CARWORX
Silver: Triad Car Treatment
DOG BOARDING FACILITY
GOLD: MERIT KENNELS
Silver: Central Plains Vet Clinic
DRIVE THRU BANK
GOLD: WESTERN BANK
Silver: Happy State Bank
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
GOLD: ACE HARDWARE
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
GOLD: PLAINVIEW BOWLING CENTER
Silver: Lime Light
FUNERAL HOME
GOLD: KORNERSTONE
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Silver: Bartley Funeral
GAS STATION
GOLD: TOOT’N TOTUM
Silver: Murphys
GLASS REPLACEMENT
GOLD: AA&A
Silver: Network Auto
GOLF COURSE
GOLD: PLAINVIEW
COUNTRY CLUB
Silver: Floydada Country Club
HAIR SALON
GOLD: ALLURE SALON
Silver: Looking Good Salon
HEATING & COOLING
GOLD: CAPROCK PLUMBING
Silver: Bennett Heating and Cooling
HOME MORTGAGE COMPANY
GOLD: WEST TEXAS NATIONAL BANK
Silver: Western Bank
INSURANCE COMPANY
GOLD: FARMER’S INSURANCE - JOHN MCGAVOCK
Silver: Texas Farm Bureau
INVESTMENT FIRM
GOLD: EDWARD JONES
Silver: Happy Investment Services
LANDSCAPING
GOLD: LEGACY LAWN CARE
Silver: Allen Lawn Soultions
LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS
GOLD: WILLIE’S TIRE
Silver: Betty Faye Beauty Bar
MOTEL/HOTEL
GOLD: HOLIDAY INN
Silver: Comfort Inn
MUSEUM
GOLD: FLYING QUEENS MUSEUM
Silver: Llano Estacado Museum
NEW BUSINESS
GOLD: BODY WAVES LLC
Silver: Texas Care McHur Care
NEW CAR DEALER
GOLD: BILL WELLS CHEVROLET
Silver: Smith Auto
PACKING, MAILING, SHIPPING
GOLD: PAK MAIL
Silver: Plainview Post Office
PEST CONTROL
GOLD: MY BUG MAN
Silver: Care Pest Control
PLACE TO EXERCISE
GOLD: FIT/PLAINVIEW
Silver: YMCA
PLACE TO GET MARRIED
GOLD: OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH
Silver: Radiant Lilly
PLACE TO WORK
GOLD: COVENANT HEALTH PLAINVIEW
Silver: Plainview ISD
PRESCHOOL
GOLD: PLAINVIEW EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Silver: Baptist Church Mother’s Day Out
PUBLIC SCHOOL
GOLD: CENTRAL ELEMENTARY
Silver: Plainview High School
REALTY COMPANY
GOLD: STREET REAL ESTATE
Silver: Billington Real Estate
RENTAL STOREFURNITURE
GOLD: AARON’S RENT TO OWN
Silver: Ideal Rentals
RETIREMENT CENTER
GOLD: SANTA FE PLACE
Silver: Westridge Manor
STORAGE CENTER
GOLD: EASY STOP STORAGE
Silver: Sto-n-go
TANNING SALON
GOLD: UPTOWN TANS SALON
Silver: Bronzed Brawdee & Boutique
THRIFT STORE
GOLD: BROADWAY TREASURES
Silver: Salvation Army
TIRE SERVICE
GOLD: WILLIE’S TIRE
Silver: Hometown Tire Pros
TIRES
GOLD: WILLIE’S TIRE
Silver: Brush Auto and Truck Service
USED CAR SELECTION
GOLD: BILL WELLS CHEVROLET
WEDDING/PARTY VENUE
GOLD: KORONA EVENT CENTER
Silver: Radiant Lilly
WI-FI SPOT
GOLD: THE CREAMERY COFFEE BARN
Silver: Broadway Brew
YOUTH HANGOUT
GOLD: THE BLACKNESS HAUNTED HOUSE
Silver: The Creamery Coffee Barn
Billington Real Estate
AG CHEMICAL DEALER
GOLD: TRI STAR CHEMICAL
Silver: Bayer
AUCTIONEER
GOLD: FIVE STAR AUCTIONEERS
Silver: Rudy Baeza Auctioneer
CENTER PIVOT DEALER
GOLD: SOUTH PLAINS IRRIGATION
Silver: Valley Ag
COTTON GIN
GOLD: SERVICE GIN
Silver: Street Gin
ELEVATOR
GOLD: FLATLANDS GRAIN
Silver: Hale Center Gin
FARM & RANCH SUPPLIES
GOLD: GEBO’S
Silver: Tractor Supply
FARM & RANCH
FARM FUEL DEALER
GOLD: ALL STAR FUEL
Silver: West Texas Gas
FARM TIRE SERVICE
GOLD: BRUSH AUTO AND TRUCK SERVICE
Silver: Willie’s Tire
FERTILIZER
GOLD: CHUNKERS FERTILIZER
Silver: Tri Star Chemical
IMPLEMENT MECHANIC
GOLD: BRUSH AUTO AND TRUCK SERVICE
Silver: James Brothers
IRRIGATION
SUPPLIER
GOLD: VALLEY AG
Silver: South Plains Irrigation
MOST POPULAR TRACTOR
GOLD: JOHN DEERE (WESTERN IMPLEMENT)
Silver: Kubota (James Brothers)
PUMP SERVICE
GOLD: RODGERS WELL SERVICE
Silver: Adams Well Service
SEED DEALER
GOLD: BROWNING SEED
Silver: Corteva
SPRAYING SERVICE
GOLD: CHUNKERS
TRUCK REPAIR
GOLD: BRUSH AUTO AND TRUCK SERVICE
Silver: Plainview Truck and Trailer
Reeves Reeves
Jimmy Reeves Reeves
Jimmy Reeves Reeves
AUCTIONEER
Thank You Plainview
Andi Rusher Best Dental Hygienist
Hours: MON - THURS 8am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm It is an honor to serve this community in a profession I am truly passionate about.
