Victoria's Best of the Best 2022

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 12

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Companies • Dining & Food • Professionals • Repairs & Services Locations & Activities • Retail • Education • Health & Beauty • The Arts www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 1

Victoria’s Non-Profit of the Year Two Years in a row!

Early Childhood Early Childhood Intervention

Intervention

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• Place to Work • Charity & Non-Profit Organization

www.esc3.net | 361-573-0731 1905 Leary Lane | Victoria, TX 77901 THANK YOU For Supporting ECI Babies And Families Since 1981.

Austin, Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, Victoria, Wharton.

2022 Best of the Best Place to Work

DORNBURG LAW

Aggressive Criminal Defense

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DEFENDING

Terri Lynn & Brent Dornburg

TEXANS

Thank You

SINCE 1999

Best Attorney and Best Criminal Defense Attorney 101 W. Goodwin Ste. 305 • Victoria, TX 77901

361-570-4444 www.DornburgLaw.net

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Named Best of the Best Since 2012

Estate Planning & Probate Attorney Business Law Attorney First Runner Up - Real Estate Attorney Second Runner Up - Attorney

Thank You, C rossroads! www.kliemlaw.com 5606 N. Navarro, Suite 209 Victoria, TX 77904

CALL US TODAY 361.575.5291

BEST of the BEST 2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPOTLIGHT LEDWIG DANCE ACADEMY ��������������������������������������������������������8 DIERLAM FEED ������������������������������������������������������������������������10 PROSPERITY BANK ������������������������������������������������������������������11 PALM HARBOR HOMES �����������������������������������������������������������12 REGION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION �����������������������13 VENTURA’S TAMALES �������������������������������������������������������������14 JIM’S BIG BURGER ������������������������������������������������������������������ 17 DOUBLE J EATERY �������������������������������������������������������������������18 LAS PALMAS MEXICAN BAR & GRILL ������������������������������������19 THE WATER WELL CAFÉ ��������������������������������������������������������� 20

DR. BRITTANY STAFFORD �������������������������������������������������������37 MICHELE ROHDE FINANCIAL GROUP ������������������������������������� 38 DR. LESLIE FRELS ORTHODONTICS ���������������������������������������� 39 KLIEM & ASSOCIATES ������������������������������������������������������������ 40 ROSEWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL �����������������������������������������������41 MONUMENTS OF VICTORIA ���������������������������������������������������� 42 VALLEJO MOTORS ������������������������������������������������������������������� 43 RCR HOMES ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 46 VICTORY GMC BUICK, KIA ������������������������������������������������������47 GLASS DOCTOR OF VICTORIA ������������������������������������������������ 48

HOSPICE OF SOUTH TEXAS ���������������������������������������������������� 23

TISD ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 49

VICTORIA PAIN & REHAB ������������������������������������������������������ 25

BUGMOBILES PEST & TERMITE ��������������������������������������������� 50

BETHANY SENIOR LIVING ������������������������������������������������������ 26

EXPRESS TAX ��������������������������������������������������������������������������51

GLOW’N’GO ������������������������������������������������������������������������������27

THE TEXAN NO. 6 ������������������������������������������������������������������� 52

CUERO’S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK �������������������������������������� 29

ALL ABOUT THE DRESS ���������������������������������������������������������� 54

DORNBURG LAW �������������������������������������������������������������������� 30

CHESNICK FURNITURE ����������������������������������������������������������� 55

BERNARD KLIMIST ���������������������������������������������������������������� 34

FOSTER CREEK STATION BOUTIQUE �������������������������������������� 56

KELLY GARRETT KUCERA ������������������������������������������������������� 36

GREEN BROTHERS JEWELERS �������������������������������������������������57

BEST OF THE BEST CATEGORIES COMPANIES ������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 DINING & FOOD �����������������������������������������������������������������������14 EDUCATION �����������������������������������������������������������������������������21 HEALTH & BEAUTY ����������������������������������������������������������������� 23 LOCATIONS & ACTIVITIES ������������������������������������������������������ 28 6 | BEST of the BEST 2022

PROFESSIONALS �������������������������������������������������������������������� 30 REPAIRS & SERVICES ������������������������������������������������������������ 43 RETAIL ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 52 THE ARTS ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 59 www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

CLEAN DONE RIGHT KEEP YOUR VEHICLE CLEAN INSIDE & OUT

Victoria’s only full service wash and lube center 12

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2021

courtesycarwash.com 7102 N. Navarro Rd., Victoria, TX 77904 Mon-Sat: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sunday: 9 a.m - 6 p.m.

BEST of the BEST 2022

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COMPANIES

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

FARM EQUIPMENT DEALER

MORTGAGE COMPANY

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THEN & NOW ANTIQUES GIFTS AND COLLECTIBLES

DIERLAM FEED STORE

PROSPERITY BANK VICTORIA - MAIN

PLACE TO WORK

WINNER

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Victoria Farm Equipment SECOND RUNNER-UP

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

First National Bank Victoria

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Scherer Kubota

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Shoppa’s | John Deere Victoria

MANUFACTURED HOMES

The First State Bank

Habitat For Humanity ReStore Restoration House Ministries Gleanings Resale Shop THIRD RUNNER-UP

Bloomingdeals Resale Shoppe

DANCE SCHOOL WINNER

LEDWIG DANCE ACADEMY

THIRD RUNNER-UP

WINNER

PALM HARBOR VICTORIA FIRST RUNNER-UP

Clayton Homes

SECOND RUNNER-UP

A1 Homes

FIRST RUNNER-UP

South Texas Strutters

Motto Mortgage THIRD RUNNER-UP

MOVING AND RELOCATION WINNER

PROSPERITY MOVERS FIRST RUNNER-UP

Crossroads Movers, Inc. SECOND RUNNER-UP

Armstrong Warehouse & Transfer

NEW CAR DEALER

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Aubrie Shugart School of Dancing

WINNER

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Victoria All Star Dance Academy

Weber Motor Company THIRD RUNNER-UP

Mac Haik Ford

WINNER

REGION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION FRIST RUNNER-UP

Victoria Independent School District SECOND RUNNER-UP

South Texas Strutters THIRD RUNNER-UP

Citizens Medical Center

USED CAR DEALER WINNER

VICTORY AUTO GROUP BUICK GMC KIA FIRST RUNNER-UP

Atzenhoffer Chevrolet

VICTORY BUICK GMC KIA

SECOND RUNNER-UP

FRIST RUNNER-UP

Port Lavaca Ford

Atzenhoffer Chevrolet

Weber Motor Company THIRD RUNNER-UP

BEST DANCE SCHOOL, WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS, YOUTH SPORTS COACH

LEDWIG DANCE ACADEMY One of Stephanie Ledwig’s biggest passions is working with kids. The Victoria dance instructor and owner of Ledwig Dance Academy said she tries to make that passion shine through in every class she teaches.

“I feel like when I teach, every class I teach, I bring the energy and I bring the fun,” she said. “And then I also make sure that we’re learning something, and we’re taking away things from each class. Not just dance, but also things that you can use in life and lessons.”

Ledwig and her staff of 12 instructors teach around 200 dancers in styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop and more, she said.

“My staff is really great,” Ledwig said.

“They’re part of the reason that this place

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is so successful. They put in a lot of hard work and love their jobs just as much as I do.”

This past year was one of resurgence for the dance academy after losing many students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ledwig said.

Each year, her students perform an end-of-year showcase recital, but during that first year the students only performed in the dance studio. This year, Ledwig said, they returned to the stage.

“Being back on stage, it was a blessing,” she said. “The kids were happy. The parents were happy. It’s just great to do something at the end of each dance year to kind of celebrate all the hard work the Stephanie Ledwig kids have put in.”

Contributed photo

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

Thank you!

Best Dance School Best Youth Sports Coach Best Women-Owned Business

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Thank you for your support!

We are honored to be voted the BEST! 361-541-6054 | 5803-M John Stockbauer Dr.

BEST FARM EQUIPMENT DEALER

DIERLAM FEED

Many years have passed since Dierlam Feed Store opened to the public with the help of his family, Dierlam Feed owner Wayne Dierlam, 80, said.

Dierlam Feed, 914 NE Water St., has served the public for over 50 years at the same location, Dierlam said. Livestock feed, livestock equipment, fertilizers and seeds and fencing supplies are among some of the items the store specializes in.

The business was named best farm equipment dealer by Advocate readers in 2019. It again took home the title for 2022.

“We’ve been in business a whole lot longer, it goes way back to my great-grandfather when we used to bale hay in the country,” Dierlam said. “When I got out of the service, my brother, Larry, Mark and myself ran the hay baling business and then after that we started the liquid feed business.”

Dierlam said the work goes way back to his childhood helping his great-grandfather Thomas Dierlam bale hay.

“I remember as a little kid when you baled hay, you had to bring the hay to

Wayne and Bryan Dierlam

Advocate Staff Photo

the hay baler,” Dierlam said. “Well, we had horses that pulled the hay baler because I wasn’t a part of that.”

Over 50 years later, the store proudly serves the city of Victoria and will continue doing so, Dierlam said. He is looking forward to seeing how the business grows and plans for the business to stay

as a family business.

“We have a wonderful staff, we’re proud of the staff at our store,” Dierlam said. “We’re proud of the history of our business and we thank God everyday that we’re able to supply people in this area with supplies that they need to run their ranching and farming operations.”

Over 50 Years

Of Serving Victoria

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More Than A Feed Store.

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

Thank You for voting us Best Farm Equipment Dealer

DIERLAM FEED STORE Pet Food & Supplies • Home Pest • Lawn & Garden Hunting Supplies • Livestock Feed & Equipment Fencing Supplies • And so much more!

914 NE Water St. • Victoria, TX A level of value and service that can’t be matched at the box stores!

361-575-3224 • dierlamfeed.com 10 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST MORTGAGES

PROSPERITY BANK

Prosperity Bank

Cody Baird | cbaird@vicad.com

Victoria’s Prosperity Bank has just a single loan officer and was still voted the Best of the Best in the mortgage category.

Loan officer Gina Zavesky said the services the bank offers and their ability to prioritize customers during the pandemic

led to the community choosing them for the title of Best of the Best.

The last couple of years have been difficult for mortgage companies because rates were low and there was an influx and backlog of refinances, Zavesky said.

“Even though we had delays, I think that the bank did a very good job of keeping things moving forward and prioritizing customers to try to meet contract dates and communicate and work with our customers as much as possible,” she said.

One of the popular programs the bank offers is called the Home Ownership Possibility Program, Zavesky said. The program is 100% financing and, in most cases, will beat a Federal Housing Administration loan for both monthly payments and down payment requirements.

“It makes it a whole lot easier for a lot of borrowers to be able to get into a house with a minimal investment on it,” Zavesky said.

Zavesky noted that the rates for their portfolio programs are also good, and in many cases are below the market rate.

The loans that Zavesky deals with are fairly varied, she said. “(My loans) are pretty well evenly balanced,” she said.

We appreciate being voted the Best of the Best Mortgage Company.

Come see us for your home loan.

THANK YOU!

Best Mortgage Company 1.800.201.9022 ProsperityBankUSA.com

CLICK HERE

*Loans subject to credit approval. This ad is not a commitment to lend.

ProsperityBankUSA.com Prosperity Bank NMLS #466414

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 11

BEST MANUFACTURED HOMES

PALM HARBOR HOMES

Palm Harbor Homes

Duy Vu | dvu@vicad.com

Located at 1709 E. Houston Highway, Palm Harbor Homes won the best manufactured homes business for the fourth year in a row.

“I think we’re right where we’re sup-

posed to be,” JR Shelby, general manager, said through a chuckle. “Our customers are seeing it, the community is seeing it and I definitely agree with it. I’m thankful that our customers feel the same way.”

The company has been selling manufactured and modular homes to the community since 1988.

A key to the company’s continued success starts with customer service, first and foremost, Shelby said. Following that comes quality construction that goes into the homes, he added.

“The special thing about Palm Harbor is the many different price points, floor plans and building options that we have,” Shelby said. “We literally have a floor plan in every possible price point for any customers out there.”

Entry level homes start in the $50,000 range, and the company even competes with side builders with the typical house that can go up to $450,000, Shelby said.

“I’m just thankful that we won for the fourth year in a row,” Shelby said. “And I’m looking forward to adding number five to our resume.”

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Thank You Victoria Crossroads For Voting Us RBI-02959

Best Manufactured Homes, Four Years in a Row!

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Call or Stop By Today! (361) 576-2171 1709 E. Houston Hwy. Victoria, TX

ON

“Serving the Crossroads Community Since 1988” www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST NONPROFIT, PLACE TO WORK

REGION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION For Region 3 Early Childhood Intervention, winning best nonprofit and best place to work comes after decades of building culture and expertise across the years.

This is the second time Region 3 ECI has won the best nonprofit and the first time they’ve won best place to work.

“I really think that it’s such an honor,” said Linda Ledwig, ECI deputy executive director. “So much of the credit goes to the staff that we have here.”

Since 1981, Region 3 Education Service Center Early Childhood Intervention Program has been serving the Crossroads and that experience has proven invaluable to the nonprofit.

“We are the experts in birth to 3 education in the region,” Ledwig said.

This comes from the years of experience across their

staff, which has people who have worked their for 15, 20 and 30 years, she said.

That staff includes early intervention specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered nurses, nutritionists, speech therapists and case managers.

The importance of the work

the ECI does was the key reason they won best nonprofit and best place to work, Ledwig said.

The development of children from birth to 3 years old is one of the most critical time periods in their growth, Ledwig said. Having an experienced staff that is passion-

ate about what they do along with support from the ECI’s regional partners makes all the difference in achieving the organization’s mission.

Having that mission to help children and their families and a staff that wants to make a difference makes this a great place to work, she said.

Region 3 Early Childhood Intervention staff

Contributed Photo

VICTORIA ISD

Every Classroom Every Child Every Day DISTRICT OF INNOVATION | STUDENT TEACHER CHOICE SCHOOLS

&

BEST HIGH SCHOOL Victoria West HS

Apply Today!

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST PLACE TO WORK

BEST YOUTH SPORTS COACH Wes Kolle

VISD.NET

BEST TEACHER

Tricia Bludau - DeLeon Elem.

Candace Coyle - VEHS

2022

#VISDproud

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 13

BEST of the BEST 2022

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DINING & FOOD

APPETIZER

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

JOE’S PIZZA & PASTA

BARBECUE

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill

DOUBLE J EATERY

FIRST RUNNER-UP

MUMPHORD’S PLACE RESTAURANT

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

The Cracked Crab SECOND RUNNER-UP

Froggy’s Grub & Pub THIRD RUNNER-UP

Yummy Finds

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Club at Colony Creek

KB’s BBQ

ASIAN

SECOND RUNNER-UP

YAMATO HIBACHI & SUSHI

THIRD RUNNER-UP

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Noot’s Thai Kitchen SECOND RUNNER-UP

Dragon Palace Chinese Restaurant THIRD RUNNER-UP

Tokyo Grill & Sushi Bar

BAKERIES WINNER

SWEET FOUNTAINZ BAKERY FIRST RUNNER-UP

Cimarron Express SECOND RUNNER-UP

Rosita Bakery

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Uncle Mutt’s Bar-B-Q

BREAKFAST WINNER

Pinto Bean

Don Lupe Licious Taco

BUFFET WINNER

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK WINNER

Burdogz Bar & Grill SECOND RUNNER-UP

Froggy’s Grub & Pub

FAMILY TABLE RESTAURANT

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

DELI OR MEAT MARKET

DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks SECOND RUNNER-UP

The Club at Colony Creek THIRD RUNNER-UP

Gonzalez Cafe

WINNER

DICK’S FOOD STORE

Golden Corral Buffet & Grill

FIRST RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

CATERING

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

VENTURA’S TAMALES

PINTO BEAN TNT Restaurant/Tacos N Tamales Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill THIRD RUNNER-UP

Ramsey’s Victoria

BREAKFAST TACO WINNER

TNT RESTAURANT/TACOS N TAMALES

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Mike Pozzi

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Jason’s Deli

Tuttle’s Grocery & Market THIRD RUNNER-UP

Yummy Finds

DINNER WINNER

Mumphord’s Place Restaurant

JOE’S PIZZA & PASTA

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Cracked Crab

The Cracked Crab

BEST CATERING AND MEXICAN FOOD

VENTURA’S TAMALES Year after year after year, Ventura’s Tamales has taken home top Best of the Best awards.

Owned by sisters Martha Vasquez and Susan Martinez, the beloved Victoria restaurant boasts humble beginnings.

In 1985, Vasquez’s and Martinez’s mother opened the restaurant in a small to-go facility on Water Street that even lacked tables.

Although much has changed over the decades, the restaurant’s dedication to quality has remained the same.

“We use quality ingredients and have used the same spices for over 35 years,” said Vasquez. “We take pride in what we put out and have a standard for great service and food quality.”

Those high-quality ingredients are used to make the family’s popular quesadil-

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la rolls, fajitas and homemade taco shells. But true to its name, the tamales are a special treat.

Every winter, the restaurant cranks out thousands of exquisitely made tamales for a seemingly never-ending line of customers.

There’s a good reason, too. The tamales are simply to die for.

On top of that, the restaurant has Advocate File Photo cultivated a family-friendly atmoSusan Martinez, left, and her sister, Martha A. sphere where people of all ages and Vasquez, are co-owners of Ventura’s Tamales. backgrounds can come to enjoy a deloyal customers. licious, filling meal.

“We would like to say thank you. Thank “It has a hometown feel,” Vasquez said.

“It is a place that you can bring your entire you for standing by us through another unpredictable year,” Vasquez said. “You family and feel welcomed.”

In addition to the restaurant’s excellent have kept our dining room full and our food and comfy atmosphere, Vasquez said drive-through busy. We couldn’t have done the restaurant also owes its success to its this without ya’ll.” www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

HAMBURGER

SECOND RUNNER-UP

JIM’S BIG BURGER

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Texas Roadhouse

FIRST RUNNER-UP

DOUGHNUTS

SECOND RUNNER-UP

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

SECOND RUNNER-UP

The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar THIRD RUNNER-UP

WINNER

SHIPLEY’S DO-NUTS FIRST RUNNER-UP

Charlie’s Donuts SECOND RUNNER-UP

McAlisters Sweet Ship THIRD RUNNER-UP

Donut Palace in Victoria

FAST FOOD WINNER

CHICK-FIL-A FIRST RUNNER-UP

Jim’s Big Burger SECOND RUNNER-UP

Tolbert’s Dairy Treet THIRD RUNNER-UP

KN Drive-In

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

WINNER

Burger Nation Dairy Treet

Niki’s Roma Pizza La Bella Tavola

WINNER

MARGARITA WINNER

LAS PALMAS MEXICAN BAR & GRILL FIRST RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

CHICK-FIL-A

Ventura’s Tamales

HEALTHY MEAL

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Froggy’s Grub & Pub

The Cracked Crab

WINNER

CLEAN PLATE FIRST RUNNER-UP

Jason’s Deli

SECOND RUNNER-UP

The Cracked Crab THIRD RUNNER-UP

Vela Farms On The Square

ITALIAN WINNER

JOE’S PIZZA & PASTA FIRST RUNNER-UP

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

The Cracked Crab SECOND RUNNER-UP

Double J Eatery

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Aero Crafters

LUNCH LOCATION WINNER

DOUBLE J EATERY FIRST RUNNER-UP

Jim’s Big Burger SECOND RUNNER-UP

The Cracked Crab THIRD RUNNER-UP

Froggy’s Grub & Pub

SECOND RUNNER-UP THIRD RUNNER-UP

MG Bartending Services - Mike Garcia

MEXICAN WINNER

OVERALL RESTAURANT WINNER

THE WATER WELL CAFE FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Cracked Crab SECOND RUNNER-UP

The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar THIRD RUNNER-UP

Froggy’s Grub & Pub

PIZZA WINNERS

VENTURA’S TAMALES NIKI’S ROMA PIZZA FIRST RUNNER-UP

Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill

FIRST RUNNER -UP

Joe’s Pizza & Pasta SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Pinto Bean

Paint’s Underground Pizza

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Las Tapatias Mexican Cafe

DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks

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SEAFOOD

STEAK

THE CRACKED CRAB

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

FIRST RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

Baytown Seafood Restaurant SECOND RUNNER-UP

Texas Seafood

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Bubba’s Cajun Style Seafood

WINNER

The Club at Colony Creek SECOND RUNNER-UP

The Cracked Crab

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THIRD RUNNER-UP

The Bomb Diggity

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2020

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Family Table Thank You 12

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for Voting Us Best of the Best IN THE CROSSROADS!

2022

26 years of serving the Crossroads Area

There’s only ONE Family Table Restaurant...Good

1102 S. Moody • Victoria

TH

Ole Food

Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 pm

361.580.3602

THE BEST ASIAN FOOD THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES VICTORIA

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Best Italian • Best Dinner Best Appetizer Thank you for your votes Victoria!

ITALIAN RESTAURANT 16 | BEST of the BEST 2022

601 E. Mockingbird Lane Victoria TX 361-579-3225 www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST HAMBURGER

JIM’S BIG BURGER

Jim’s Big Burger has a special ingredient that can’t be matched. moment to examine their quality.

“We are cooking with love. Our slogan is ‘Taste the love,’” said That quality has led to loyal customers coming from near and Amy Wuest, one of the restaurant’s owners. “That’s the No.1 as far as New Hampshire. Wuest thanked those customers for thing that customers love.”

For Wuest, working in the burger business is an exercise of their continued business and support. love. There’s just something divine about a perfectly made burg“We want to say thank you,” she said. er, she said. Something magical happens with the perfect combination of a soft bun, crisp vegetables and succulent meat.

“It’s a party in your mouth,” she said. “We are in the business because we love burgers.”

Always aiming to please, the restaurant caters to all kinds of customer requests with a variety of toppings like ham, onion rings as well as grilled jalapenos, mushrooms and onions.

“Whatever we have, we’ll do it,” Wuest said.

Although the burgers come with any number of customizable toppings, they all share one thing. Each and every burger is made to perfection with a careful eye for quality and detail. And after about 42 years, Jim’s has got a solid lock on what it takes to create the ideal burger.

“We make them one at a time. They don’t hit the grill until they are ordered,” Wuest said. “People tell us exactly what they want, and that’s exactly what we do.”

In fact, Wuest said she’s so dedicated to the quality of her burgers that she often takes a Jim’s Big Burger Advocate File Photo

Best Burger

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Jim’s Big Burger 3/16/22, 11:00 AM

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Thank you for your votes and 42 years of your continued support!

Bring in this coupon for 10% off. must present coupon/one time use only

102 Glascow St. • (361)575-7641 BEST of the BEST 2022 | 17

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BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK AND LUNCH

DOUBLE J EATERY

Once you get a bite of Double J Eatery’s chicken fried steak, there’s no going back.

You’ll be hooked for life.

It’s quite common to find repeat customers coming from a couple counties over just for another bite, said brother and sister co-owners John Piera and Lauren Tagliabue. “(They say), it’s the best one I’ve ever had,” Tagliabue said. “People drive from Hallettsville, Cuero, all around, just to eat chicken fried steaks.”

“All over the Crossroads, they come over to eat,” said Piera. “It’s tender, juicy, and you have a crunchy crust.”

Others make pit stops on trips from Houston, Austin and beyond.

Coated in a proprietary crust, the chicken fried steaks are coated in a creamy white-pepper gravy made in house. Altogether, the combination of complementary flavors and textures is irresistible.

But Double J Eatery has even more to offer.

The restaurant’s fried shrimp has a comparable following. Each and every shrimp is butterflied by hand and breaded in the same proprietary crust. That item is so popular they go through about 130 pounds of shrimp each week.

“It’s a lot of labor and a lot of love,” said Tagliabue.

Since opening, the restaurant has won repeated Best of the Best awards for their chicken fried steak and others.

Seeing that support from the community is great, Tagliabue and Piera said.

After all, it’s a community they love and support.

Over the years, they have supported

local school and student organizations among other groups.

During the pandemic, the restaurant offered free meals to every local public school teacher as well as teachers from several local private schools.

For Tagliabue and Piera, who love Victoria’s close-knit sense of community, that act of giving was an easy one.

Double J Eatery

Advocate File Photo

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Thank you for your votes!

Family Owned & Operated Catering, Dine-In, & Take-Out 8607 N. Navarro St, Ste. E Victoria, TX 77904 | (361) 570-7744 | www.doublejeatery.com

18 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST MARGARITA

LAS PALMAS MEXICAN BAR & GRILL The perfect margarita starts with the perfect mix.

And Las Palmas has that mix.

Once again, Victoria Advocate readers have recognized the Frankarita at Las Palmas Mexican Bar & Grill as the most perfect margarita in town.

“It’s a favorite for sure,” said Frank Martinez, general manager and creator of the Frankarita.

Martinez said he’s grateful for that appreciation. But he’s not surprised. After winning the award once again, Martinez’s Frankarita continues to wow customers.

Las Palmas has been in business for about 16 years, and Martinez has worked there for about six.

Unlike lesser margaritas, which are often far too tart for their own good, the Frankarita is deliciously smooth and complex.

Martinez chalks that success to a carefully curated mix that combines a bouquet of balanced flavors.

The in-house mix that gives the Frankarita its perfect smoothness and flavor is a closely guarded secret for good reason.

“It’s always smooth,” said Martinez.

“I’m the only one who makes it. That’s

how much pride we have in it.”

It also lends itself to a number of customizable flavors from sangria to peach to strawberry to mango. And it easily adapts to a variety of tequilas available at the restaurant. The drink also is equally delicious on the rocks or frozen.

“If we can get the flavor, we will do it,” Martinez said.

The restaurant also offers a full TexMex menu along with its drinks, making it an ideal destination for any meal or gathering.

Advocate File Photo

Las Palmas Mexican Bar and Grill’s signature frozen Frankarita, their version of a margarita named after their manager, Frank Martinez.

Thanks for the Votes Victoria!

Best Margarita aka Frankarita 2020, 2021 & 2022 Best Mexican Food 2017 & 2019 12

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6007 N. Main • Victoria, TX • (361) 573-1717 www.laspalmasmexbarandgrill.com

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 19

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT

THE WATER WELL CAFÉ First opening on July 1, 2021, The Water Well Café won Best Overall Restaurant by Advocate readers.

The Goliad comfort food café is owned by husband and wife duo Jennifer and Sammy Lopez. They serve up comfort food to those who walk in.

“We took a big leap of faith,” Jennifer said. “We want to be able to not just serve people good food and nourishment, but to be able to make everybody feel welcomed like they’re family.”

Walking into the restaurant, customers are greeted by the smells of chicken fried steak, ribeye steaks, burgers, along with a plethora of other menu items.

“We do a lot of comfort foods and we also do a lot of different meals that we can generate,” Jennifer said. “We love to make things out of ingredients, we throw it in our minds, we put it on a plate and our customers love that.”

Before going into the restaurant business, Jennifer said she has worked in the hair industry as a stylist since 1997 while her husband Sammy worked at a chemical plant for the past three years.

“We felt led to open (Water Well Café) here in Goliad, it was literally by faith,” Jennifer said. “So when the opportu-

nity came up to open a restaurant, we weren’t sure about it at first, but then as time went on, we prayed about it and we decided it was just the right thing to do,” Sammy added.

Located in downtown Goliad at 141 S. Courthouse Square, inside of the old Empresario Restaurant, the Water Well Café has wood panels covering the walls, walls painted red and chandeliers hung above to set the atmosphere. The restaurant is

open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday to Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The eatery is closed Sundays and Mondays.

“We’re genuine at heart and we love without boundaries,” Sammy said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, doesn’t matter where you’re from, there’s always a seat at the table.”

Duy Vu | dvu@vicad.com

Chaithanya Tota, left, and Jon Poland enjoy lunch inside of The Water Well Café.

HOURS: Thank You for voting us the Best Overall Restaurant in The Crossroads.

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141 S Courthouse Square, Goliad, TX 77963 • (361) 645-2347 20 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

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Best Breakfast Taco

TNT Tacos & Tamales, Inc. Homemade Tortillas, Tacos & Tamales

Thank you Victoria, for voting us 12 years Best of Best!

We Greatly appreciate this honor for supporting small businesses, God Bless us all!

TNT

HIGH SCHOOL WINNER

VICTORIA WEST HIGH SCHOOL FIRST RUNNER UP

St Joseph High School SECOND RUNNER UP

Crossroads Christian School THIRD RUNNER UP

Industrial High School

TEACHER

T-N-T Tacos & Tamales Inc.

Homemade Tortillas, Tacos, & Tamales 15 Different Kinds of Tacos 908 E. Rio Grande Mon-Fri - 5 am - 2 pm Victoria, TX 77901 Sat - 6 am - 12 noon (361) 576-9950 Reyna Herrera - Owner (361) 576-9990 Fax https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm#inbox?projector=1

ALLISON ARCEO, NAZARETH ACADEMY FIRST RUNNER UP

Gina Fojt Crossroads Christian School THIRD RUNNER UP

Candace Coyle, East High School

YOUTH SPORTS COACH WINNER

STEPHANIE LEDWIG LEDWIG DANCE ACADEMY FIRST RUNNER UP

WINNER

Restaurant

SECOND RUNNER UP

Tricia Bludau, Deleon Elementary School

Bennett Cain, South Texas Strutters SECOND RUNNER UP

Wes Kolle, East High School THIRD RUNNER UP

Luis Jimenez, Zen Martial Arts

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Thank you for voting us in the top Best School in the Best of the Best.

Thanks for voting us

Best of Best for Deli/Meat Market

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Where Children Succeed Kinder - 12th Grade

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1302 Crestwood 361-573-4339

We offer a level of individualized care that no other school can provide as we foster individual achievement through flexible and personalized learning.

361-212-3078 | crossroadschristianvictoria.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

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Where Children Succeed Kinder - 12th Grade

Gina Fojt

Thank you for voting our teacher Gina Fojt in the top best of the best 361-212-3078 | crossroadschristianvictoria.com

START YOUR FUTURE AT UHV! It’s time to think about what you want for your life and the ones you love. At UHV, we’re ready to help.

Whether you have a student about to graduate from high school who wants a traditional university experience while earning a bachelor’s degree or you’re a busy professional who wants to finish up a bachelor’s or start a master’s degree, UHV is here to guide you and provide encouragement.

Start your degree this summer or fall and take face-to-face or online classes at convenient times. UHV also has some of the state’s lowest tuition rates and offers more than 80 academic programs in popular areas.

What are you waiting for? Summer and fall registration is open!

Contact us now at (361) 570-4848 or recruitment@uhv.edu to learn more about becoming a UHV Jaguar, or go to UHV.edu!

recruitment@uhv.edu

(361) 570-4848

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! 22 | BEST of the BEST 2022

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BEST of the BEST 2022

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

FITNESS & EXERCISE WINNER

CITIZENS HEALTHPLEX FIRST RUNNER-UP

Elite Fitness Victoria SECOND RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Citizens Medical Center SECOND RUNNER-UP

Harbor Hospice

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Zoom Rehabilitation

HOSPITAL/ER FACILITY WINNER

MEDICAL CLINICS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

VICTORIA PAIN & REHABILITATION CENTER

SECOND RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

NURSING HOME & ASSISTED LIVING

WINNER

Citizens Bariatric Center SECOND RUNNER-UP

Barbara Bauer Briggs Family YMCA

CITIZENS MEDICAL CENTER

Cuero Medical Clinic

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

DeTar Hospital Navarro

Citizens Convenient Care

CrossFit 302

HAIR STYLIST/BARBER

SECOND RUNNER-UP

WINNER

TESS SMALLEY FIRST RUNNER-UP

Sarah Blaylock

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Cuero Regional Hospital THIRD RUNNER-UP

PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Victoria North

MEDICAL & DAY SPAS WINNER

WINNER

MIKE MICHAEL FIRST RUNNER-UP

Plum Crazy

HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE CARE

Glow ‘n’ Go

Cynful Makeup

SECOND RUNNER-UP

NAIL SALON

HOSPICE OF SOUTH TEXAS

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Spruce + Spry

Indigo Day Spa

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

WINNER

Indigo Spa Suites

MUA/PERMANENT COSMETICS

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Melanie Saenz

THIRD RUNNER-UP

BETHANY SENIOR LIVING

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

The Powder House

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA VICTORIA - MAIN

Victory Barbershop

Woodhouse Day Spa

Yurim Cabrera Makeup Artistry

WINNER

ROYALTY NAIL SPA

Morada Victoria SECOND RUNNER-UP

Cuero Nursing and Rehabilitation Center THIRD RUNNER-UP

Whispering Oaks Rehab & Nursing

NUTRITION/SUPPLEMENTS AND HEALTHY FOOD STORE WINNER

COMPLETE 360 +SMOOTHIES FIRST RUNNER-UP

Nutri Fuel Smoothies & Supplements

BEST HOME HEALTH/HOSPICE CARE

HOSPICE OF SOUTH TEXAS Hospice of South Texas has won the best home health/hospice facility for the second year in a row.

But that is only part of the story. Advocate readers have also said they are the best five other years.

For the past 37 years the nonprofit has provided end-oflife care to patients and families in 12 counties — Victoria, Bee, Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, and Refugio counties.

“We feel honored, grateful, supported but most of all blessed to provide end-of-life care to the 12 counties we serve,” said Hilary Lucas, Hospice advance-

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

ment director.

Lucas believes Hospice’s dedication to its patients and families and its standard care of bringing love, comfort and hope to those they serve is what keeps readers voting for them.

The only nonprofit hospice in the area, it serves more than 800 patients and their families a year.

Hospice of South Texas provides 24/7 specialized care for people living with chronic illnesses, including comprehensive physical, medical, emotional, and spiritual care to patients and their families.

The caregiving team includes hospice physicians, regis-

tered nurses, certified hospice aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers.

“We provide a team of expert caregivers focused on physical health and emotional and spiritual well-being. We partner with patient’s healthcare providers to add this extra level of care,” Lucas said.

It has three locations — the main office in Victoria, the

Hospice of South Texas

in-patient center, the Dornburg Center of Compassion, the Hallettsville office.

“We are truly humbled by your vote of confidence in our care. To us, there is no greater honor than to have the support of the communities we serve…

We will continue to strive to be the best we can be for our patients and families.”

Contributed photo

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 23

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Central Drug

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Organic Emporium

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Morada Victoria East, on Larkspur

SKIN CARE

PHYSICAL THERAPY TIE - WINNER & REHABILITATION GLOW ’N’ GO CITIZENS HEALTHPLEX

MELISSA A. KAINER ERWIN, M.D., PA

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

WINNER

Zoom physical Therapy Victoria Pain & Rehabilitation Center THIRD RUNNER-UP

Cuero Regional Hospital

SENIOR LIVING FACILITY WINNER

BETHANY SENIOR LIVING

Dr. Gary F. Cox, MD

TATTOOS & PIERCINGS WINNER

D’S TATTOOS FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Primal Instinct Tattoo X-Treme Ink Tat2s

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In The Skin Tattoo and Piercing Studio SECOND RUNNER-UP

Vitality Court

BEST

Evening Esthetics

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Morada Victoria

Thanks For Voting us the

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D’s Tattoos (361) 652-0850 2506 Loma Vista Ave Victoria, TX 77901 LOVE. COMFORT. SUPPORT.

FROM US TO YOU.

Best Hospice Care!

2022

Thank you for voting us Best of the Best Established 1985 (361) 572-4300 • hospiceofsouthtexas.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! 24 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST MEDICAL CLINIC

VICTORIA PAIN & REHAB For Victoria Pain and Rehab, winning the best medical clinic comes down to providing the best care they can for their patients as a team.

This is the first time Victoria Pain & Rehab has won best medical clinic after previously winning best physical therapy twice.

“Our staff is very attentive to the needs of our patients,” said Dr. Wilson Almonte, Victoria Pain & Rehab owner. “I think they go above and beyond to help our patients, get them in when they need to be seen, and address whatever needs they have.”

Whether it is their physical therapy department or interventional pain management, the staff is very caring and attentive to the clinics patients beyond what they are required to do, Almonte said.

The integrity of the staff at Victoria Pain and Rehab has been key to the clinic’s success as they are dependable and reliable and that comes across in the clinic’s patient care, he said.

“The patients know that we are

there for them and if they need us we’re here,” he said. “If we make a promise to a patient or if we say we are there for them, we follow through with that. Our patients know we have a higher level of integrity and are reliable.”

Victoria Pain and Rehab as a clinic is geared toward treating pain with minimally invasive procedures, focusing more on non-intervention, interventions and physical therapy as opposed to prescribing oral pain medications like other pain clinics, Almonte said.

Some of the procedures the clinic does include epidural steroid injections, joint injections, muscle injections, Almonte said.

The clinic also does minimally invasive advanced pain procedures such spinal cord stimulators, peripheral nerve stimulators that block nerve pain and minor invasive spinal procedures to treat neck and low back pain.

Contributed Photo

Victoria Pain and Rehab physicians Ted Lin and owner Wilson Almonte

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Interventional Pain Management (361) 575-2882

Thank you for voting us Best of the Best!

Physical Therapy (361) 578-7396

6902 Zac Lentz Pkwy | Victoria, TX 77904 | 361-578-7396 www.victoriapainandrehab.com www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 25

BEST NURSING HOME & ASSISTED LIVING, SENIOR LIVING CENTER

BETHANY SENIOR LIVING

For the two years that Bethany Senior Living has been oper- care possible. ating in Port Lavaca, they’ve provided high quality service as a The facility provides IV therapy, wound care, dietary sernursing home and senior living center. vices, housekeeping services and activities for its residents.

This year that work has been recognized for the first time “The staff and services here make it conducive for the best as the best nursing home and assisted living and best senior results for our residents,” Pallanez said. living center.

“Ever since we opened, this has been something I wanted for our center,” said Gaberiel Pallanez, Bethany Senior Living facility administrator. “I was thrilled that we were able to get our facility up to level where our work is recognized like this.”

For winning the award credit goes to Bethany’s amazing service and staff, Pallanez said.

As for why they won these best of awards this year, Pallanez believes people have become more and more aware of the facility, as they’ve built up their reputation the last two years, resulting in more people voting for it.

Bethany staff maintains open communication with their residents and customers and works with their doctors to ensure they are providing the best Bethany Senior Living Contributed photo

Thank You Crossroads for Voting us 12

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Best Nursing Home & Assisted Living and Best Senior Living Facility 118 Trinity Shores Dr. Port Lavaca, TX 77979

(361) 551.0500

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! 26 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST SKIN CARE

GLOW ’N’ GO

Glow ’n’ Go has come a long way since its founding in 2015.

The spray tan salon began as a mobile business that could provide services to people in the comfort of their homes, owner Carmella Salinas said.

“My first two years were very, very slow,” she said. “I spent my time doing training, researching and practicing on the side.”

In 2017, though, Salinas made a concerted effort to create social media pages for her business, she said, after which Glow ’n’ Go “started popping up fully in people’s homes.”

By 2018, she had acquired a van that became a full mobile spray tan salon.

“I’m bringing an actual kind of luxury spa system to (customers’) doorstep,” Salinas said. “They can just come out in their driveway and we actually do the spray tan in the van and then they just go right back inside.”

While that’s still a service Salinas provides, she said, she now also has a brick and mortar location in Victoria.

Salinas said she was honored to receive the title of Best Skin Care because she wants to do her part in spreading skincare and skin cancer awareness.

“I try to show people that they can choose a healthier way to tan rather than the sun’s harmful rays or harmful tanning beds. We only get one skin and skin cancer does not discriminate.”

To ensure her client’s get the best care, Salinas said she goes through a consultation with each one so she can prepare tanning solutions for their specific needs.

“All of my spray tan solutions plus my aftercare products are derived from organic and clean ingredients, leaving the skin hydrated and moisturized,” she sad.

Carmella Salinas

Contributed Photo

Thank You for Voting Us the Best!

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Photo Credit: Heather Crump

Enhance That True Love Glow Enhance Your Glow 1007 Airline Ste D

1007Victoria, Airline 77901 Ste D Victoria, 77901 361.676.9530 361.676.9530 glowngomobile.com glowngomobile.com www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

@glowngomobiletans BEST of the BEST 2022 | 27

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LOCATIONS & ACTIVITIES

BARS & CLUBS

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SCHROEDER HALL

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

FESTIVALS

Froggy’s Grub & Pub

WINNER

The Club at Colony Creek THIRD RUNNER-UP

Froggy’s Grub & Pub

CHILDREN PARTY VENUE WINNER

CUERO’S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Cuero Turkeyfest THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Children’s Discovery Museum SECOND RUNNER-UP

Skateworld

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Zen Martial Arts SECOND RUNNER-UP

Monsters Den

THIRD RUNNER-UP

The Holy Grail Jiu-Jitsu

Victoria Livestock Show

OUTLAW PASS

VICTORIA KARATE ACADEMY FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

WINNER

The Bomb Diggity

Aero Crafters

MARTIAL ARTS

CUERO’S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

PLACE TO TAKE A DATE WINNER

THE PUMPHOUSE RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT AND BAR FIRST RUNNER-UP

OUTLAW PASS

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

TOURIST DESTINATION

Flow Paddle

WINNER

Bomb Diggity

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES WINNER

Yorktown Western Days

The Barn

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Coleto Creek

Pro Escape Rooms SECOND RUNNER-UP

Aero Crafters

Schroeder Hall

WINNER

THIRD RUNNER-UP

ROCKPORT

GRINCHmas by South Texas Strutters

PLACE TO DANCE

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SCHROEDER HALL

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Christmas in Cuero

SCHROEDER HALL

SECOND RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

DANCE & LIVE MUSIC VENUES WINNER

Aero Crafters

FIRST RUNNER-UP

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WINNER

Christmas in Goliad, Goliad

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Cuero Municipal Park

Shooters

Pro Escape Rooms Presidio La Bahia The Texas Zoo

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO NOMINATED & VOTED FOR YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESSES & PEOPLE! www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST HOLIDAY EVENT, FESTIVAL

CUERO’S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Lighted displays continue to light up Cuero every Christmas to give children and adults alike the thrill of the season.

The popularity of the 42-day holiday spectacular is apparent as Advocate readers have voted Cuero’s Christmas in the Park the best holiday event and best festival for the eighth year in a row.

“It’s a crowd pleaser,” said Bobby Seiferman, executive director of the Cuero Development Corp.

The corporation’s December Events Committee coordinates the display every year working from Labor Day to the Monday before Thanksgiving to get more than 260 lighted displays set up and lighted.

The display stays on through Jan. 1, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the state. Seiferman said it is hard to keep track of how many people pass through the driving tour each year.

The donations raised at the

end of the tour goes back to the exhibit for labor costs for security, upkeep on the infrastructure and more displays. Last year, $86,000 was given, down from $100,000 in 2020.

With the popularity and growth of the event, they are running out of space for the displays.

The display includes the giant paddleboat, Santa Claus, elves, snowflakes, deer, nativity, and gingerbread men, to name a few.

Last year, a selfie station was added at the end of the tour, near the former airport, to give visitors a place to take photos outside of their vehicles.

The event would not be possible without the committee, the volunteers, event sponsors, Stevenson prison unit helpers and the hot chocolate sponsors.

“I want to thank the December Event Committee, all the volunteers who made the Christmas in the Park happen and all the visitors who take the time to come to Cuero to see this very quintessential family event.”

Kit MacAvoy | kmacavoy@vicad.com

A 17-piece Nativity scene illuminates the City of Cuero Lake during the annual Christmas in the Park event.

Cuero’s Christmas in the Park Thank You, Crossroads for voting us The Best Festival & The Best Holiday Event for 2022

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Mark your calendar for the Monday before Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Day You may continue to donate year round to support the 2022 Christmas in the Park! Give online at cuerochristmasinthepark.org

201 Leonard Roy Harmon Dr., Cuero, TX 77954 • (361) 275-8178. Follow us on Facebook Brought to you by The Cuero Development Corporation

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 29

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PROFESSIONALS

ATTORNEY WINNER

BRENT AND TERRI LYNN DORNBURG-DORNBURG LAW FIRST RUNNER-UP

Kelly Garrett Kucera SECOND RUNNER-UP

Kliem & Associates

ATTORNEY — CIVIL ATTORNEY — ESTATE ATTORNEY — REAL ESTATE WINNER PLANNING & PROBATE WINNER BERNARD KLIMIST WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Tali Villafranca

SECOND RUNNER-UP

John Griffin

TIE - THIRD RUNNER-UP

KLIEM & ASSOCIATES FIRST RUNNER-UP

Jhiela Poynter

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Ray Reese, Cuero

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Jhiela Poynter Ray Reese, Cuero

ATTORNEY — BUSINESS LAW

ATTORNEY — CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY — FAMILY WINNER LAW

Jhiela Poynter

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Joyce Heller

KLIEM & ASSOCIATES

WINNER BRENT AND TERRI LYNN DORNBURG - DORNBURG LAW ASHLEY PALL

FIRST RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

WINNER

Cole, Cole, Easley & Sciba John Griffin

Leslie A. Werner

Steve Cihal

Sierra Tabone

Michael Sheppard

Lynn Knapp

Glenn Villafranca Rosalind Perez

KELLY GARRETT KUCERA FIRST RUNNER-UP

Kliem & Associates SECOND RUNNER-UP

Dennis Kowalik THIRD RUNNER-UP

Ray Reese, Cuero

CAR SALESMAN WINNER

KEITH ALSTROM FIRST RUNNER-UP

Brandon Dolan SECOND RUNNER-UP

Ken Willis THIRD RUNNER-UP

Manny Villareal

BEST ATTORNEY AND BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

DORNBURG LAW

Husband-and-wife attorneys Brent and Terri Lynn Dornburg each have their specialties when it comes to representing criminal defendants: jury trials for him, and mitigation packets for her.

Together, they represent clients facing charges for everything from DWI and drug possession charges to assault and murder.

Both Dornburgs boast more than a decade of legal experience and Brent Dornburg has hundreds of jury trials under his belt. Educating his clients so they can make an informed decision about how best to proceed through the legal system is among Brent Dornburg’s top priorities, he said.

“Most people, whenever they have a criminal case, they’re in the dark and not educated on what to expect procedure-wise,” Dornburg said. “It might be backwards from a lot of attorneys, but I put the client in a position to make an intelligent decision…That means getting them into the office and spending time with them.”

30 | BEST of the BEST 2022

Terri Lynn Dornburg, meanwhile, said her favorite part of the job is getting to know her clients and preparing a mitigation packet for prosecutors on their behalf.

This might include their education, career aspirations, or “everything I can possibly gather and share with the prosecutor to take into consideration,” she said.

This year, Advocate readers voted the couple’s firm, Dornburg Law, best criminal defense attorneys in the Crossroads for the fifth consecutive year, and named the firm best attorney for the second year running.

“It boggles my mind that, as a criminal defense attorney, we’re considered for this award, much less winning it,” Brent Dornburg said. “We appreciate the efforts that everybody puts in and the time they took to do this.”

“Every year, it’s a great feeling knowing that so many voters have taken the Contributed Photo by Images by Dayna time out of their busy days to vote for Husband-and-wife attorneys Brent and Terri Lynn Dornburg us,” Terri Lynn Dornburg added. www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

Klimist Law Firm

Bernard T. Klimist

Thank You

for voting me the Best Civil Attorney in Victoria & The Crossroads.

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Over 40 years of courtroom experience!

361.572.8234 / www.klimistlawfirm.com Se Habla Español

T hank You V ictoria For V 12

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Diana Escalante

2022

Winner for Best Insurance Agent and Agency 361-579-0543 101 Mockingbird Cir. Ste A Victoria, TX 77901 vtxinsurance.com

Winner for Best Tax Preparation

Homer Escalante 361-570-6000

101 Mockingbird Cir. Ste B Victoria, TX 77901 expresstaxvictoria@yahoo.com

Voting Us Best of Best!!

Winner for Best Real Estate Agency Homer Escalante 361.579.3344

Brianna Escalante 361.935.6883

Victoria & Surrounding Counties

Victoria & Surrounding Counties

Real Estate Agent Runner Up Altha Clemons 361.652.3360

Goliad & Surrounding Counties

Victoria & Surrounding Counties

Jazmin Quintero 361.648.0281

Kristi Gandy 361.212.0651

Houston, Tx and Victoria County

Give us a call to join our Award Winning Team!

Brittnay Cantu 361.771.8404

Isabel Martinez 361.652.6734

Bryan-College Station

Kenda Day 352.642.1079

Goliad & Surrounding Counties

Edna & Surrounding Counties

Give us a call to join our Award Winning Team!

CARDIOLOGIST

DENTIST

DR. HARISH CHANDNA

BRITTANY STAFFORD, D.D.S. MICHELE ROHDE, ROHDE DIANA ESCALANTE FINANCIAL GROUP OF AMERIPRISE FIRST RUNNER-UP FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Dr. Ajay Gaalla

WINNER

Zboril Dental Center

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Dr. Tywaun Tillman Dr. Corey Scruggs

David R Rivera D.D.S. Rachel Heard

FINANCIAL PLANNERS INSURANCE AGENT WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

Beth Trcka

Edward Jones SECOND RUNNER-UP Daylan K Gwosdz& Kenneth Russell Buesing French, AAMS,Financial THIRD RUNNER-UP Advisors Paul Summers

CHARITY & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

FAMILY DOCTOR/FNP/PA

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Prosperity Bank, Victoria Main

MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS

ARMANDO DIAZ

FUNERALS SERVICES

MONUMENTS OF VICTORIA

FIRST RUNNER-UP

REGION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION

Paul Willers, D.O., Cuero Medical Clinic

ROSEWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Lighthouse for the Youth SECOND RUNNER-UP

Christ’s Kitchen

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Victoria Professional Express Network

CHIROPRACTORS WINNER

CHRIS THOMAS FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Ngoc Duran, FNP THIRD RUNNER-UP

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Grace Funeral Home

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Surface Burial Vault & Monuments

OBGYN WINNER

Ginger Carver, Mind Body Wellness

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Freund Funeral Home

DR. MELISSA WILSON

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Angel Lucy’s Funeral Homes

Dr. Anthony McDowell

INSURANCE AGENCY

SECOND RUNNER-UP

WINNER

TDECU VICTORIA MOCKINGBIRD FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

STATE FARM DIANA ESCALANTE

Dr. Tanya Seiler

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Dr. Robert Hicks

ORTHODONTIA WINNER

Crossroads Bank

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Buddy Young Insurance

LESLIE FRELS, DDS MSD, BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Clayton Franke

Morris Chiropractic Dreier Chiropractic

TrustTexas Bank

The First State Bank

Buesing Insurance

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance

Crane Pediatric Dentistry

BEST CIVIL ATTORNEY

BERNARD KLIMIST

For Bernard Klimist, a normal day of work starts with working on litigation cases from when he gets in the office and until he gets home at night. Between that he talks with clients.

Klimist, a civil trial attorney, has been named best civil attorney in the Victoria area by Advocate readers.

“I hope it was out of respect,” Klimist said through a chuckle about being named best civil attorney in the Victoria area. “I feel honored by it and I hope I live up to the title.”

Klimist has been practicing law for 40 years after graduating from the Southern Methodist University School of Law. Some areas of his practice include personal injury, estate, probate litigation and commercial litigation, he said.

Klimist has been exclusively doing civil

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trial law for the past 28 years after wavering off from doing criminal and family law.

“Helping people and the ability to help people and to work in the courtroom system, it’s fascinating and exciting,” Klimist said. “It’s a great life.”

In all the years of practicing law, the best part is the diversity of people that he has helped over the years, particularly opening doors for him to help people outside of the courtroom such as serving on the school board for several years, Klimist said.

“It enabled me to help children in that situation as well as the arts and other organizations in town,” Klimist said.

As far as what’s next for the future, he puts it simply, “I look forward to the next 40 years.”

Bernard Klimist

Contributed photo

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

SECOND RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

PEDIATRIC DOCTOR/NP/PA

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Dr. Lisa Heinrich-Null

VETERINARIANS

Dr. Maureen Caldwell

WINNER

DR. STEPHEN DENTLER

WINNER

MAIN STREET ANIMAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY HOSPITAL Victoria Foot and Ankle Center

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Adelaida Resendez Arnel Arquisola

ESCALANTE REAL ESTATE GROUP BROKERED BY EXP REALTY

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Dr. Anne Vo

PHOTOGRAPHER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Lone Star Animal Hospital SECOND RUNNER-UP

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS WINNER

LEDWIG DANCE ACADEMY FIRST RUNNER-UP

South Texas Strutters SECOND RUNNER-UP

Crossroads Veterinary

Crossroads Flooring And Design

RE/MAX Land & Homes

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Navarro Small Animal Clinic

Glow ‘n’ Go

Shaw Realty

WINNER

JOHN HUDGEONS PHOTOGRAPHY

BUDDY YOUNG INSURANCE

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Manning Real Estate Group

REAL ESTATE AGENT

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Caleigh Ann Photography

WINNER

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Sande Bilton Photography Ray Alstrom

Brianna Escalante

PODIATRIST

SECOND RUNNER-UP

DR. ANDREW YOUNG

THIRD RUNNER-UP

LIFE

COMMERCIAL 12

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- BETH YOUNG TRCKA -

Zaplac Group

WINNER

AUTO

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THE BEST INSURANCE AGENT CATEGORY!!!

JAMIE POWELL FIRST RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

HOME

147 S. Commercial St. Goliad, Texas Goliad: 361-645-3000 or 361-550-3474 | Victoria: 361-550-8415 beth.youngtrcka@gmail.com

Melissa Orr

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Melvin Chaloupka

John Quitta

Dallas Fanklin

Alfred Kopecky

RE/MAX HALL OF FAME

Each office independently owned & operated

Cissy Sullivan

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Carol McLarry

Jamie Powell

Kimberly Garrett

Marco Porras

Judy VanZant

Donna Sahualla

Debbie Welfel

Cat Jones

Brian Olguin

Denise McGough

Devon Cisneros

Bert Jones

Jennifer Daniels

Becky Spicak

Kate Hawes

Russell Neubauer

Kevin Daugherty

Kim Hoelter

Lauren DeLeon

Leslie Bell

Amanda Fuller

Marolyn Cummins

Melanie Hargis

Patricia Morris

Amber Spicak

Katelin Turley

Sally Janca

Tami Brown

Taffy Carman

Erica Rodriguez

Kristina Summers

Ashley Boucher

Ernest Lindsey Renee Tracy Graves McKinney Guajardo, Jr. Smith

Thank you Victoria for voting us Best of the Best!

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Veronica McCants Broker/Owner

Sarah Korczynski Broker/Owner

RE/MAX LAND & HOMES III

142 S. Market St. • Goliad • 361.551.0723

RE/MAX LAND & HOMES

5215 N. Navarro St. • Victoria • 361.573.0444

We specialize in Residential, Farm & Ranch/Land & Commercial

www.LandandHomesTexas.com www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

RE/MAX LAND & HOMES ON THE BAY

618 N. Virginia • Port Lavaca • 361.552.5200

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 35

BEST REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY

KELLY GARRETT KUCERA

In Kelly Kucera’s first year as a real estate attorney in Victoria, she handled roughly 100 closings. In 2021, with the real estate market on overdrive, that number ballooned to 1,600.

As the sole attorney in her office, Kucera’s dedication to her clients has earned her the distinction of best real estate attorney in the Crossroads for the second consecutive year.

“Some people want a whole lot of detail,” Kucera said. “They want you to go through every single step. And some people just want to show up and sign their papers. So you have to be able to tell the difference.”

As a real estate attorney, Kucera works with all the parties to a property transaction, including the Realtor, lender, surveyor, and title company, to ensure the process runs smoothly. The bulk of her clients — roughly 85% — are residential homebuyers, but she also works with commercial clients.

To accommodate her growing practice, Kucera is opening a second office at 4800 N. Navarro St. this spring, along with her original office on the third floor of One O’Connor Plaza in downtown Victoria.

Even as demand among homebuyers grows, Kucera remains committed to making herself available to each client, often working long days in order to close a purchase.

“When I’m not on vacation, I’m available,” she said.

A Victoria native, Kucera said it remains immensely satisfying to help couples sign the dotted line on their first home.

“Watching people leave just so happy to own their first house, that always gets me,” she said. “They’re so joyful, and having them reach that milestone in their life, it never gets old.”

YOUR REAL ESTATE

CLOSING TEAM KGKCLOSING.COM Kelly Garrett Kucera

36 | BEST of the BEST 2022

Contributed photo

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST DENTIST

DR. BRITTANY STAFFORD

For Dr. Brittany Stafford, D.D.S., the idea of winning best of receiving quality dental service, she said. the best was one of shock and surprise, but she credits the great That trust puts Stafford in position to continue to grow team behind her for the success. through word of her patients and provide quality care to the This is the first time Stafford’s practice has won best den- rest of Victoria, she said. tist category and it’s in her first year running her own practice.

“I always thought stuff like this was made up,” Stafford said.

However, during the voting period, after her staff nominated her for best dentist, she would constantly hear from her patients saying they were voting for her, she said.

She thanks all of her patients, family and friends for taking the time to vote for her.

“The support is overwhelming and gives me the daily motivation I need to strive for the best,” she said.

While Stafford is in the first year of her practice, she took over the practice of Dr. John Swannack, who she was both a patient when she was young, and his assistant for three years before taking over the practice when Swannack retired, she said.

Much of the credit for her success in her first year goes to the staff she works with, she said.

“I have a really great team around me,” Stafford said.

That staff has allowed Stafford to build trust Contributed Photo with her patients and get them seen quickly while Dr. Brittany Stafford D.D.S. & Staff

Thank you for voting!

Dr. Brittany Stafford DDS 12

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Best Dentist I would first like to thank all my great patients, family, and friends for taking the time to vote! I could not have done this without you all! The support is overwhelming and gives me the daily motivation I need to strive for the best. Mom, Dad, Duke and Kaiden thank you for absolutely everything you all do! Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful team that assist in providing the best care to all our patients! You all are amazing! One year down and many more to come!

105 Professional Park Dr. | (361)578-5208 www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 37

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNERS

MICHELE ROHDE FINANCIAL GROUP When you win something more than once it isn’t luck, and Rohde Financial Group has been named Best of the Best financial planner nine times now.

President Michele Rohde, a Victoria native, said that it’s the connections she’s formed and services she provides that she’s appreciative of.

“I’m just really blessed to be able to serve a lot of good local people and have over the years been able to establish deeper and deeper relationships with them,” she said.

Rohde said she provides a wide range of services to clients, including retirement plans, college and savings accounts. Retirement plans are one of the services they provide most, though.

“When clients are ready to re-

361.575.2600 5606 N Navarro St Ste 207 Victoria, TX 77904

tire or thinking about it, usually five years out, they come to us for a financial plan,” she said.

One of the services they provide that sets them apart from other financial planners is benefits for small businesses, Rohde said.

These benefits include health and life insurance and 401(k)s.

“I think that’s what makes us unique as well, that we are able to offer a wide variety of solutions for individuals and small business owners.”

Rohde said those benefits are actually the second biggest service they provide the community after the retirement plans.

“We’ve enjoyed helping small business owners a lot,” she said.

Michele Rohde

Contributed photo

Michele Rohde

Thanks You!

michele.rohde@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/ michele.rohde

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Financial Planning Retirement Investments Insurance

Michele Rohde, AAMS® Financial Advisor Rohde Financial Group

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A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services,Inc. Member SIPC & FINRA

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! 38 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST ORTHODONTIA

DR. LESLIE FRELS ORTHODONTICS The bedrock of Dr. Leslie Frels Orthodontics is formed by a lot of local legacy, and Frels is continuing that legacy of excellence with her third straight Best of the Best win.

Frels is a native of the Crossroads, having grown up in Cuero. Her father practiced dentistry.

She began practicing orthodontics in Victoria eight years ago, and four years ago she purchased her practice from Dr. Robert Westbrook, who won Best of the Best numerous times.

“I bought Dr. Robert Westbrook’s practice and he would always win Best of the Best, and then we won it together. So I’ve carried on his legacy,” Frels said after winning the award for the first time.

Frels said she and her team are happy to receive the continued recognition.

“We try our hardest to give everyone the best and most beautiful smile we can possibly give them,” she said.

Services Frels and her team provide include both traditional braces Dr. Leslie Frels and Invisalign, she said.

Contributed Photo

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Thank you for voting for us!

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BEST ORTHODONTIST

www.victoriabraces.com 203 Kerh Blvd Victoria, TX 77904 www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

(361) 578-0326 BEST of the BEST 2022 | 39

BEST ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY, BUSINESS LAW ATTORNEY

KLIEM & ASSOCIATES

For Diane Kliem and Briana Balusek and their team at Kliem & Associates, being part of the Best of the Best every year is part of who they are and what they strive for every year.

Since her second year in business in 2012, Diane Kliem and/or Kliem & Associates have been in the Best of the Best in at least one category and many years, in multiple categories. Standards and goals are set high and then achieved.

“The team culture at Kliem & Associates is one of high customer service and education about the law, within the team and with every client. Every client is treated with equal importance. We love our clients and we love educating our clients about the law. There is a lot of bad information about many parts of the law” Kliem said.

Kliem & Associates won best of the best categories for best estate planning attorney and best business law attorney, which are two areas of law the firm focuses on every day. Kliem & Associates handles most areas of law but focuses on estate planning law (wills, trusts, and probate), business law, real estate law, guardianships and mediation.

Kliem & Associates was also honored to receive first runner up for real estate attorney and second runner up for overall attorney.

“Thank you Crossroads community for your votes of confidence”, Kliem said. “These mean the world to us.”

Diane Kliem and Briana Balusek

Contributed photos

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY AND AGENT 11

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Thank You Victoria & The Crossroads for voting us Best Antiques & Collectibles.

STATE FARM DIANA ESCALANTE

Diana Escalante had one thing on her mind when readers voted her 2022’s best insurance agent - her team.

The recognition, which she also received in 2021 and 2020, wouldn’t have been possible without them, she said.

Escalante said she and her team’s success comes from their commitment to customer relations and investing in the community.

“Me and my team do a lot of community service—community involvement,” Escalante said.

Since opening the agency in 2019, Escalante said they’ve expanded their offerings from home, auto and life insurance to services. Through a partnership with Rocket Mortgage, they now offer home loans, refinances and commercial loans, too.

State Farm is at 101 Mockingbird Circle, Suite A.

3708 N Navarro, Suite D | Victoria, Tx 77901 (361) 578-7290 www.facebook.com/ThenandNowVictoria

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! 40 | BEST of the BEST 2022

STATE FARM: DIANA ESCALANTE & TEAM

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST FUNERAL SERVICES

ROSEWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL Since 1987, Rosewood Funeral Chapel has helped grieving Victorians find a bit of closure. That’s why readers voted them the best funeral services provider in 2022.

“We’ve taken care of grandma or grandpa or something like that,” said co-manager Robert Hairell. “When people come back to us, they expect and get the care they had before.”

This care includes spending time with clients while they undertake the difficult process of saying goodbye.

“It’s about the service one gets,” Hairell. “The service is the key to what helps them through this time.”

Hairell said this service includes making sure to honor the wishes of the deceased, which in turn helps the bereaved.

Rosewood accomplishes this with the help of a dedicated team of employees, who have been working together for a long time.

The other key, he said, is to make sure each funeral is “uneventful.”

“If everything goes well with a funeral, you should not even know that the funeral director is there,” Rosewood Funeral Chapel said Hairell.

Contributed photo

THANK YOU VICTORIA For voting us BEST OF THE BEST

3/23/22, 12:46 PM

Best of the Best.jpg

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ROSEWOOD FUNERAL CHAPELS 3304 Mockingbird Lane Victoria, TX 77904 www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com (361)573-4546

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 41

BEST MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS

MONUMENTS OF VICTORIA For those looking for a lasting tribute to friends, family or loved ones, look no further than Monuments of Victoria.

Readers voted the granite and bronze memorial makers as the best business of its kind in 2022.

“We hope that it’s mostly because we put a lot of personal detail into the things that we do,” said Kim Phillips, a native to Victoria who has worked in the funeral industry for 25 years. “We try to take our time with our customers.”

Phillips said that their success is the result of getting to know their clients

and the people they’re memorializing.

This attention and care—coupled with advancements in engraving technology, which helps them create more complex designs—helps them give clients the best experience possible.

“And the other thing even with that is, families usually have a pretty good idea of what they want when they come in,” Phillips said, adding that they’re used to including a lot of icons for peoples’ hobbies and interests.

“I think that just helps them,” Phillips said, to bring closure.

Kim Phillips

Contributed photo

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Best Monuments & Memorials 361.579.0744 2108 N Laurent St Victoria,TX 77901

Thank you Victoria!

We are proud to help you honor your loved ones!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS!

42 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022

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REPAIRS & SERVICES

AUTO BODY

AUTO SERVICE

MATULA’S COLLISION CENTER

VALLEJO MOTORS

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Atzenhoffer Chevrolet SECOND RUNNER-UP

Port Lavaca Auto Group Body Shop THIRD RUNNER-UP

Victory Collision, Victoria

AUTO REPAIR WINNER

VALLEJO MOTORS FIRST RUNNER-UP

Slick’s Oil Change SECOND RUNNER-UP

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Slick’s Oil Change SECOND RUNNER-UP

Big Ed’s Automotive THIRD RUNNER-UP

Custom Car Care

WINNER

COURTESY CAR WASH FIRST RUNNER-UP

Speedy Stop

SECOND RUNNER-UP

L A Detailing

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Flores Tile & Flooring

ELECTRICIANS WINNER

HALL ELECTRIC FIRST RUNNER-UP

Goyen Electric

SECOND RUNNER-UP

S & S Contracting & Electrical

BUILDERS (HOMES, BUSINESS, METAL, CARPETS, RUGS & Skookum Electric BARNDOMINIUMS) FLOOR COVERINGS EVENT PLANNER WINNER WINNER Scrub A Dub Car Wash, Cuero

RCR HOMES

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Helping Hands Handyman & Renovations

Darrell Smith, Atzenhoffer Chevrolet

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Custom Car Care

CAR WASHES & DETAILING

NTEX Construction Steve Klein Custom Builder

CROSSROADS FLOORING & DESIGN FIRST RUNNER-UP

Cathy’s Carpet & Interiors SECOND RUNNER-UP

Helping Hands Handyman & Renovations

THIRD RUNNER-UP

WINNER

ELEGANT CREATIONS BY MAGGIE FIRST RUNNER-UP

Avi Jade Event Balloons SECOND RUNNER-UP

Sweet Occasions

BEST AUTO REPAIR AND BEST AUTO SERVICE

VALLEJO MOTORS

Vallejo Motors’ success comes from their customer experi- more likely to come back and be repeat customers, Mario Valence and the quality of their service. lego said.

This is the fifth year Vallejo Motors has won best auto repair, Vallejo Motors provides the following services complete but the first time it has won best auto services. vehicle maintenance, repair and service, fleet service main“We usually win for best auto repair, but it was a very nice tenance for commercial trucks and cars, check engine light surprise to win for best auto service,” said Vallejo Motors diagnostics and repair and high performance services for co-owner Mario Vallejo. “We’re a full blown auto-repair and building and maintaining high performance vehicles. the servicing is on the side that’s just icing on the cake.”

What makes Vallejo Motors unique in winning is that they don’t advertise. All of their success is word of mouth for the service they provide to their customers and the atmosphere the provide, Vallejo said.

“The vibe that we have here separates us from other shops,” he said.

The space they have for customers looks almost like a Tattoo parlor, with neon lights, psychedelic posters and older vehicle memorabilia including 50100 metal diecast cars, Vallejo Motors co-owner Cristal Vallejo said.

“We want it be an experience on top of the service we provide,” she said. “We get great feedback for the space.”

Having that customer space along with quality service, especially for the short turnaround jobs, makes for a memorable experience and makes customers Vallejo Motors Advocate File Photo www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 43

FRIENDLIEST CAR DEALERSHIP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

VICTORY BUICK GMC

INTERNET SERVICE WINNER BUGMOBILES PEST & PROVIDER TERMITE

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Atzenhoffer Chevrolet

Frio A/C & Mechanical THIRD RUNNER-UP

Victoria Air Conditioning

TISD

THIRD RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Port Lavaca Ford

Suddenlink

GLASS COMPANY

SECOND RUNNER-UP

WINNER

GLASS DOCTOR OF VICTORIA FIRST RUNNER-UP

Mitchell Glass

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Texas Glass and Tinting

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Garcia’s Lawn & Tree Services

PEST CONTROL

WINNER

Weber Motor Company

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Infinium

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Sparklight

LANDSCAPING, LAWN SERVICE, TREE TRIMMING WINNER

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Pest Solutions

PET BOARDING AND GROOMING WINNER

PET RESORT ON MAIN

SECOND RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

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Miori Plumbing Co. SECOND RUNNER-UP

Caraway Plumbing

ROOFING

Oscar’s Pest & Termite Control

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Edge Landscaping

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

ARMER AIR Aire Serv

ARMER AIR

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Citi Cash Pest & Termite

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Call Albert Landscaping

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SCOTT BAUER LAWN SERVICE

WINNER

PLUMBER

K-9 Kuts Grooming at Northside Ranch Pet & Garden Center Bark and Bubbles Local Pet

Vic’s Plumbing

WINNER

RCR HOMES FIRST RUNNER-UP

Cox Brothers Roofing SECOND RUNNER-UP

A V Cruz Roofing THIRD RUNNER-UP

American Shield Roofing and Construction

TAX SERVICES AND PREPARATION WINNER

EXPRESS TAX-HOMER ESCALANTE

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2022

The Automotive Repair & High Performance Pros SELL • BUY • TRADE Thank you for the continued support & voting us the Automotive Repair & Automotive Service leader in the Crossroads Area!

# # # # # #

Modern Muscle Conversions A/C Repair Vehicle State Inspections Engine Repair & Rebuild Tune-Ups Brake Service & Repair

AND MUCH MORE!

www.vallejo-motors.com • 361-649-9611• 303 E. Juan Linn • Victoria, TX 77901 44 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Bumgardner Morrison & Co.

12

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Thank you for voting us

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Paul C. Teinert, CPA THIRD RUNNER-UP

Ilene Gohmert

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(361)576-0577 401-A Hathaway St.

Victoria, Texas • (361)579-0966 www.armerairllc.com

cathyscarpetandinteriors.com

THANKS

FOR VOTING US BEST OF THE BEST - Jimmy & Veronica Matula

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MATULA’S Collision Center

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361.578.6156 11006 N. Navarro | Victoria, Texas 77904

Matula@suddenlinkmail.com

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https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm#inbox/FMfcgzGmvfTvKGGtzXJgtlFJVcFZRsNw?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

1/1

BEST HOME BUILDER/ROOFER

RCR HOMES

That’s become even more important since the COVID-19 RCR Homes owner Roland Rodriguez loves handing over the keys to a beautiful, brand-new home. pandemic began wreaking havoc on the building supply marThat’s because there’s nothing quite like watching a family ket. Prices have increased, and any reasonable time estimates start the next chapter of their lives together in a home that’s for supply availability have utterly evaporated. perfect for them.

“The challenges we face are unprec“You see these families enjoying the edented,” Rodriguez said. same home you helped create. It’s pretty But that’s where the company and its freaking cool,” he said. “It’s such a fulfilling accomplishment.” team’s business principles come into Rodriguez started building homes in play.

2008, and he founded his business in Now more than ever, it’s absolutely 2014. He’s now built so many homes, essential to consistently inform cushe literally cannot remember the exact tomers of what’s happening with their count. soon-to-be home. Transparency and In that time, he has learned not only clear communication are key, he said. the ins and outs of building homes but also how to work with his customers And those principles have once during what is an admittedly complex again won Rodriguez a Best of the Best and often stressful process. award from Victoria Advocate readers.

After all, a new home is a serious inThe company won best home builder vestment. and best roofer.

“That can be a little intimidating and “If you build with RCR, it feels like scary,” he said. “I try to be very transparyou are building with family,” he said. ent about the whole process.”

Voted #1 Builder in The Crossroads

Thank You! THREE YEARS IN A ROW! Best of the Best Builder 10

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1301 N. Liberty Victoria Tx 77901 • 361.408.HOME • rcrhomebuilder.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! 46 | BEST of the BEST 2022

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BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP, USED CAR DEALERSHIP, FRIENDLIEST DEALERSHIP

VICTORY GMC BUICK, KIA

Victory GMC Buick Kia hit the Best of the Best trifecta this year.

They were named best new car dealer, best used car dealer and friendliest car dealer by the Advocate’s readers.

Over the past couple of years, the company has put more emphasis on community involvement and giving back more, said Troy York, general manager. “We have changed direction. We work to have customers buy more than one car from us. If they buy one car, we want them to continue to buy cars from us.”

The used car part of the business is the most active with more used cars available than new cars. The demand for used cars is raising the value of used car as well as increasing the trade-in prices.

York said their goal is to keep 200 used cars on the lot a month and to sell 100 each month.

New cars are experiencing a tight supply. Usually, the new cars they have on the lot are sold before they arrive. “We sell what we get.”

The new car supply is held up by supply chain shortages like what many other businesses are experiencing, he said.

He sees the business slowly coming back to pre-pandemic status over the next few years.

York said the company winning the friendliest car dealership award is not surprising because they work to make sure their 81 employees are happy and want to be there.

“We operate under the belief of if you are happy where you work, you will be happy to be here and will treat people right.

We are very happy.”

Thank You for Voting Us Best of the Best!

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361-582-4806

Thank You Victoria for voting us Best Plumbing!

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Victory GMC Buick, Kia

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

Contributed photo

Victoria, Texas • (361)579-0966 www.armerairllc.com BEST of the BEST 2022 | 47

BEST GLASS COMPANY

GLASS DOCTOR OF VICTORIA

Glass Doctor of Victoria is a first-time winner of a new category in the Victoria Advocate’s Best of the Best competition.

“It is an honor to be chosen as the best Glass Company. As glass is in everyone’s life, we are happy to provide this service to our hometown of Victoria and the Crossroads,” said Sara Newman, vice president of administration for Glass Doctor of Victoria.

She believes their customer service is why readers voted for them. “Above and beyond service is the foundation of our core values that we try to follow every day.”

Glass Doctor repairs and replaces glass in all vehicles, machinery, homes, and businesses. One of its specialties is custom showers and mirrors for new builds and remodels. Its Six Flags Glass group provides aluminum storefront and doors for all new commercial construction. The G12 guarantee provides free chip repair services to a new windshield that is replaced by the team on vehicles for one year from work done. They also offer window replacements for any insulated window unit or replace with a new frame window.

An example of the type of work they do is their office which they remodeled in 2018. They used a variety of storefront and glass to show their customers some options. The business’ range includes hospitals, schools and colleges to custom home builders, apartments, housing developments to luxury and everyday vehicles as well as farm and ranch equipment.

The company, which has been in business since 1963, is

owned by Rick Schulte. In addition to the Victoria store, 108 E. Airline Road, they have four other locations in Seguin, New Braunfels, San Antonio and Corpus Christi.

“We want to thank all of you who voted for us. We will continue to strive to provide the best service and products possible,” Newman said

Staff of Glass Doctor-Victoria

Contributed photo

Thank you to all of you that have voted

the Best Glass Company Home • Shower Doors• Tabletops • Patio Doors - Window Repair/Replacement Auto • Windshield Repair • Mobile Service • 12 Month Breakage Guarantee Commercial Doors - Repair/ Replacement 12

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Our team offers services that benefit your home, business and vehicle.

Locally owned since 1963 361.573.9712 | glassdoctor.com/victoria

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! 48 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

TISD

TISD has been in business for over 27 years, offering broadband wireless internet across the Texas Gulf Coast region at an affordable rate.

The company has a coverage area that stretches over 3,000 square miles and a subscriber base of more than 10,000 customers.

“The entire TISD team works hard each day to make every customer a priority.

Our goal is to provide quality service and an excellent customer experience. We provide our employees with the tools to be successful and in turn they are able to assist customers in the best possible way,” said Donna Castor, TISD’s CEO.

Their great talent and happy workforce is what sets TISD apart from its competition and earned it the award of best internet service provider in the region, she said.

“2022 is a huge year for TISD. We have several longterm projects that will be coming to completion this year, including expanding our footprint. We are implementing new technology to give our customers faster speeds than ever before, “ Castor said.

Its new streaming service,

Vidgo launched on April 1. It is a live TV streaming service that offers thousands of movies and TV shows on demand.

The channels range from local and national news, to sports, to Discovery and Hallmark. Castor believes TISD’s customers will love it.

“After 27 years of service to the community, it is truly an honor and a privilege to be the first internet service provider to have won this award.

This company was built on serving our community and we appreciate our customers for voting for us,” she said.

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• Wifi • Broadband • Fiber • Phone • IT Solutions (361) 573-1102 3001 N. Cameron St. Victoria, Texas 77901

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO NOMINATED & VOTED FOR YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESSES & PEOPLE! www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 49

BEST PEST CONTROL

BUGMOBILES PEST & TERMITE

For decades, Bugmobiles has served the Crossroads call for further details and provide a rough cost estimate. The pest-control needs and has once again won best pest control. technician will then come and conduct a free inspection and As to why they’ve won numerous times? It’s because they then adjust the estimate accordingly. The customer will then put in the work. select the service that best fits their needs and the company Bugmobiles’ owner Jim Kiening said he has lost count of the number of times his company has won the award for best pest will schedule service with an appointment time.

“We are the best,” Kiening said. “But you have to work at control.

However, being the best isn’t something you are, it is some- being the best every day, not just once a week, and I think our thing you continually work at being, Kiening said. customers see that work.”

From 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. there is always someone at Bugmobiles putting in the work to provide the best service possible to its customers, he said.

Bugmobiles provide pest control service for ants, bed bugs, bees, earwigs, fleas and ticks, flies, mosquitos, rats and mice, roaches, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, termites and wasps.

One of the more common things they are called to handle are wood-based bugs such as termites, Kiening said.

The one thing that sets Bugmobiles apart from other businesses is that there will always be someone from the community available to answer the phone, he said.

“You’re not going to get a machine. You’re not going to get an answering service, you are going to get someone in your area ready to help you,” Kiening said.

Kiening said this is why they have so many loyal customers and why they vote for Bugmobiles every year The service process for Bugmobiles starts with that first phone call where the customer tells the company their needs. Within a day a company technician will Bugmobiles Pest & Termite Contributed photo

Thank you for your votes Victoria!

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2304 E Mockingbird Ln · Victoria, TX 77904 || Phone: (361) 575-6401· bugs@bugmobiles.com 50 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST TAX SERVICES

EXPRESS TAX For the third year in a row, Crossroads voters named Express Tax the best tax preparation service in the region.

“We’ve been super, super blessed,” said owner Homer Escalante. “We’re looking forward to the years that are coming and seeing how many people we can help.”

The company moved into a brand new location two years ago, which has helped them reach a new set of clients. Escalante, who was raised in Victoria, said that while the company may have started small, it has grown into

an operation that worked on 2,200 tax returns in the last year.

Escalante said his knowledge of taxes and accounting comes from his experience owning businesses—more than 10 over the course of his lifetime.

Escalante’s company shares a building with State Farm insurance agency and agent Diana Escalante, his wife, and Realtor Brianna Escalante, his daughter.

“In our building now,” he said, “We can do pretty much everything real estate now.”

Homer Escalante

Contributed photo

THANK YOU SOUTH TEXAS! Best Electrician Best Home Décor

HallElectric.com

First Runner Up in Furniture First Runner Up in Gifts

HallLightingAndDesign.com

7001 N. Navarro Victoria • Texas

361.578.6221 Like Us On Facebook

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES AND WINNERS! www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 51

BEST of the BEST 2022

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RETAIL

CONVENIENCE STORE

FLORIST

FURNITURE

GROCERY STORE

THE TEXAN NO. 6

BLISSFULLY YOURS FLORAL

CHESNICK FURNITURE CO.

H-E-B PLUS!

FIRST RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Cimarron Junction SECOND RUNNER-UP

5 Points Stop

THIRD RUNNER-UP

The Texan No. 8

FEED STORE/PET SUPPLY STORE WINNER

NORTHSIDE RANCH PET & GARDEN CENTER FIRST RUNNER-UP

Dierlam Feed Store SECOND RUNNER-UP

Local Pet

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Goliad Flower Company

Hall Lighting & Design Center SECOND RUNNER-UP

WINNER

Dick’s Food Store SECOND RUNNER-UP

McAdams Floral

Ashley Furniture HomeStore - Victoria

ALDI

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

H-E-B

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Kurt & Company Event Design

FORMAL/BRIDAL WEAR WINNER

ALL ABOUT THE DRESS

Habitat For Humanity ReStore

GIFTS

HOME DÉCOR WINNER

FOSTER CREEK STATION FIRST RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Hall Lighting & Design Center

SECOND RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Jade & Madalynn

THIRD RUNNER-UP

HALL LIGHTING & DESIGN CENTER

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Then & Now Antiques Gifts and Collectibles

Bliss Formals

Peaches and Tortilla Mercantile

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Ful-O-Pep Ranch & Garden Center

WINNER

Encore Resale Shop

Then & Now Antiques

Friends

Santa Rita Market

BEST CONVENIENCE STORE

THE TEXAN NO. 6

Running the chain of Texan convenience stores is a busy customers to stop at any time of the day or night. job, but when one of the stores is voted best convenience store The store recently won the Keep Victoria Beautiful beautifiin the Crossroads, all that work is worthwhile. cation award, Schulz said.

The Texan No. 6 on Main Street in Victoria, which opened in The Texan has a much larger sister store across town at 2019, has won that honor for the third year.

U.S. 59 and SH 185. Two more stores are under construction “The team in Victoria gets to know the customers. They also in Port Aransas and Schulenburg. When those are complete have worked hard to keep the store clean and well stocked,” there will be 11 stores in the chain, she said. said Melissa Schulz, operations lead for the chain.

During the 2021 winter storm, the store never closed and was able to stay open to provide milk and other supplies to customers, she said. “The employees came and served the customers.”

The store provides a full restaurant and gas pumps.

“We like to say we are a restaurant that offers fuel,” Schulz said.

The restaurant offers a daily plate special such as pork chops, meat loaf and barbecue.

“We have the best hamburger in south Texas.”

The huge store also offers a novelty gift area and the standard convenience store fare of chips, snacks and a large variety of drinks, including a beer cave.

They sell a dried sausage made from the owner’s mother’s recipe, which is popular with travelers, Schulz said.

Another selling point is the fact that the store and parking lot are well lit 24/7, making it a safe place for The Texan No. 6 Contributed Photo

52 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

JEWELRY & WATCHES

WINNER

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Habitat For Humanity ReStore

MERAKI THE BOUTIQUE

Texas State Optical

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Seifert Optical

GREEN BROTHERS JEWELERS

Dance Showcase

FIRST RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Jess Boutique

Eichhorn Gonzales & Miller

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Nat and Jack Boutique

THIRD RUNNER-UP

James N. Tisdale, O.D.

PLANT NURSERY WINNER

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Then & Now Antiques Gifts and Collectibles THIRD RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

WEST FARMS LOCALLY OWNED HARDWARE STORE Renken’s Nursery

Restoration House Ministries Gleanings Resale Shop

LIQUOR STORE

LENTZ TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

WESTERN WEAR

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Deutsch & Deutsch Victoria Encore Resale Shop

WINNER

SPEC’S WINES, SPIRITS & FINER FOODS FIRST RUNNER-UP

Texas Liquor

FIRST RUNNER-UP

WINNER

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Zarsky Lumber Co. SECOND RUNNER-UP

Wagner Hardware & Machinery THIRD RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Habitat For Humanity ReStore

Twin Liquors

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Ranch House Spirits & Gifts

LOCALLY OWNED CLOTHING STORE 12

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Four Seasons Garden Center

POOLS, SPAS & SAUNAS WINNER

VICTORIA POOL SERVICES & SUPPLY FIRST RUNNER-UP

Platinum Pools

OPTICAL STORE WINNER

RESALE SHOP WINNER

VICTORIA FAMILY EYE CARE ENCORE RESALE SHOPPE

WINNER

CAVENDER’S BOOT CITY FIRST RUNNER-UP

High-Brehm Hats & Western SECOND RUNNER-UP

Beran Agri Center & Western Wear THIRD RUNNER-UP

Ful-O-Pep Ranch & Garden Center 12

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Best Convenience Store

Winner The Texan #6 7503 N Main Runner-Up The Texan #8 3402 State Hwy 185

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

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BEST FORMAL/BRIDAL WEAR

ALL ABOUT THE DRESS

Tisdale said she simply loves what she does. These days, she All About the Dress is in the business of making its customers shine. loves seeing long-time customers return with their daughters “Our biggest goal is to make sure our clients are beautiful,” and girls who once came in for prom dresses return for wedsaid Christina Tisdale, owner. “It’s their big day. We want them ding gowns. to shine.”

Those are joys that go beyond business, said Tisdale, adding Whether it be a wedding, prom, party or another important she feels blessed to continue her work. event, looking your best on the big day is a priority at the boutique. But at All About the Dress, it’s also about making that experience as stressfree as possible.

“It’s fun. It’s upbeat. Everything is always happy,” Tisdale said.

Ensuring that stress-free atmosphere is a team effort, she said.

“If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t be here,” Tisdale said. “I’ve got to thank my staff and employees ... They are my rock. They deserve a huge thank you.”

Staff at the boutique dedicate a tremendous amount of attention on the client’s experience.

They project positivity. They follow up after purchases, and they’re always sure never to pile any stress, no matter how small, on a client’s plate.

Nearing its 10th year, the business has weathered all kinds of challenges from the pandemic to Hurricane Harvey, and through it all, the business has continued its work.

Cody Baird | cbaird@vicad.com “We are still here, and we are still thriving,” A group gathers to look at All About the Dress’ selection of wedding dresses. she said.

Thank You

For Voting us Best of the Best!

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13955 US 77-Victoria | 361-572-0438 | allaboutthedress.com 54 | BEST of the BEST 2022

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

BEST FURNITURE

CHESNICK FURNITURE For Bobby Leon, being a part of the furniture store business has been ingrained in his family since 1920 when his grandfather Ed Chesnick immigrated to the United States from Russia.

In 1944, Chesnick purchased the then Holland & Adur and officially changed the name to Chesnick Furniture Co. Today, Leon is the third-generation in the furniture company’s legacy.

On Jan. 14, 2021, the store celebrated its 100th year in business in Victoria. This year, the furniture store is adding another award as Chesnick Furniture was named best furniture store by Advocate readers.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Leon, who is owner and president of the company. “I’d like to think that we give our customers the best white glove service that we can do.”

Leon described Chesnick Furniture as a residential home furnishing store carrying items from medium- to high-end price points, offering items such as upholstery merchandise, sectionals and reclining sofas, sleepers and gliders. Beside the plethora of furniture the store offers, Leon attributes the continuous success of the business to the customers and the dedicated employees on staff.

“My vision is just to continue on for as long as we can,” Leon said. “My next goal will be 125 years.”

www.VictoriaAdvocate.com

Advocate File Photo

Bobby Leon, owner of Chesnick Furniture, talks about the history of his business during the 100th Anniversary Celebration in January 2021 in Victoria.

BEST of the BEST 2022 | 55

BEST GIFTS

FOSTER CREEK STATION BOUTIQUE

The goal to grow their gift selections has paid off for Foster Creek Station Boutique.

It has been named the best place to buy gifts for the first time.

“We are very excited to win the best place to buy gifts. We have been very focused in getting a lot more gifts in the store,” said Susan Foster-Teinert, who co-owns the store with her mother, Joyce Foster.

The store’s No. 1 selling product is Tyler laundry detergent.

They also sell Tyler candles, lotion and handwash.

“It makes your clothes and house smell awesome,” she said.

They have carried the Tyler products for 13 years.

The store also sells Makeup Junkee bags, a Texas-made makeup bag that comes in four sizes and many colors.

Other gifts include Conseula totes, Crossbody bags, makeup cases, clothes, shoes and belts.

Several of the clothing brands are exclusive to Foster Creek, some for as long as 20 years. Also available are Brighton jewelry, charms, rings, perfume, leather handbags, wallets picture frames, ring holders and shoes.

Another popular gift item is a new line of handbags that has interchangeable straps.

As of November 2021, Foster Creek has been in business for 22 years. The product offering has grown over that time from pewter crosses, bowls and platters to rustic furniture, dining tables and tables sofa tables. Then came rod iron furniture and barnwood furniture.

“Within two years of carrying wood and metal furniture, we added clothes, shoes handbags. Everything we carried was a good timing because nobody in Victoria was carrying these

items,” Foster-Teinert said.

“We would like to thank all our customers that have helped us stay in business for 22 years and counting. We have been very blessed to have such a great business. We are grateful for our customers, our friends.”

Consuela Hand Bag, Earrings, Lunch Bag

Contributed Photos

Thanks to all our friends & family for voting us Best Gift Store!

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Foster Creek Station Boutique (361) 576-0100 | 504 E Crestwood

56 | BEST of the BEST 2022

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BEST JEWELERS

GREEN BROTHERS JEWELERS

For Allen Green, 72, and his brother Gary Green, 69, run- the Gemological Institute of America and became a graduate ning a jewelry store is continuing on a long family business. geologist,” Green said. “So I took that side of the business Their store, Green Brothers Jewelers has been named best while my brother undertook learning jewelry repair, jewelry jewelers by Advocate readers. making and diamond and stone setting. So he undertook the “We worked very hard to take care of our customers and of- service end of our business.” fer great services for the people in Victoria and the surroundThe original jewelry store is at 2121 Avenue G in Bay City. ing areas,” Green said. “We’re very happy that the public and The Victoria store is at 6802 N. Navarro St. The Victoria store our customers feel like we’re doing a good job.” hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays to Friday, from The business was founded in 1946 by their father Felton 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays and Mondays.

Green and his brother Shelby Green. In 1976, Green took over the family business with his brother Gary to continue the tradition.

“We took it over 30 years later and we’re still going strong by trying to stay cutting edge and in front of the curve,” Green said.

A plethora of products are offered at their jewelry stores, with one based in Bay City and another location in Victoria. Some top products include diamond jewelry, diamond wedding rings, and loose diamonds. The stores also specialize in custom design and repairs, Green said.

Learning the family trade took work and dedication, Green said. The brothers graduated from Texas A&M University with Green earning a degree in zoology and his master’s degree in biology. Gary earned a degree in industrial distribution.

“When we entered the jewelry business we Duy Vu | dvu@vicad.com had to start on display at Green Brothers Jewelers in Victoria.

3/25/22, 11:28 AMover in our education. I went to Diamond ringsGreenBrosJewelersBestAd.png

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BEST of the BEST 2022 | 57

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WEST FARMS

ARTISANAL GROWERS AND NURSERY

Thanks For Voting us

THE BEST! 12

Thank You for voting us the Favorite Nursery in the Crossroads!

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(361)575.5821

4801 North Navarro Victoria, Texas 77904

Tuesday to Saturday 9am - 6pm Westfarms@tisd.net | 361-649-7999 346 Winding Way Drive East, Victoria, TX 77905

Thank your for voting us

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361-570-2010 • Amy D. Henry, O.D. • Tyler Kvinta, O.D. victoriafamilyeyecare.com • 6380 N. Navarro • Victoria, TX

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Home of KVLJ Radio For You FM 99.5

2022

Thank You for voting for us 10

Eichhorn 6605 N. Navarro | Victoria Gonzales 361-573-0647 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5:30pm & Miller egmjewelers.com Sat: 10am - 2pm fine jewelry

Thank you for voting us the Best Music store for 2022

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906 E Red River - Victoria

361-575-0204

6605 N. Navarro St., Victoria 361-573-0647 • egmjewelers.com

TOP PICK

Best of

2016

V I C T O R I A A D V O C AT E

BEST of the BEST 2022

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THE ARTS

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES WINNER

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM FIRST RUNNER-UP

Five Points Museum of Contemporary Art

SECOND RUNNER-UP

FIRST RUNNER-UP

SECOND RUNNER-UP

THIRD RUNNER-UP

MUSICIAN & BAND

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Presidio La Bahia

Museum of the Coastal Bend

MUSIC STORE WINNER

TEE’S MUSIC HOUSE

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Collins Music Center

WINNER

The Texas Continentals Southern Drive

NEAL TOLBERT FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Hot Attacks

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4702 N Navarro St, Victoria 361-572-8425 | victorybuickgmc.com

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