2026 Readers Choice Special Section

August 6, 2026

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

August 6 – 12, 2026

Reader’s Choice Awards 2026 Your guide to local favorites

The St. Louis American launched our first Reader’s Choice Awards in March, opening nominations for businesses in the St. Louis area that welcome, serve and employ African Americans. As a trusted source of information in the community, we hope our support of these local businesses helps to fortify and grow them.

The response to the awards has been tremendous. We received more

Lead Sponsor

than 5,000 nominations and about 60,000 online votes across approximately 150 categories. We are overjoyed to showcase and celebrate the inaugural honorees in this special edition.

Whether you are searching for a reputable local service or interested in the businesses favored by African Americans throughout the region, the Reader’s Choice Awards offer a

Category Sponsor

Ballot Box Sponsors

Best Actor

valuable guide.

We invite you to explore these pages and discover what’s popular and popping in St. Louis. The list will remain live at stlamerican.com/readerschoice/ until nominations open for Reader’s Choice Awards 2027.

Thank you to the voters, our sponsors and The St. Louis American Reader’s Choice Awards 2026 team: Courtney Thompson, Reba Smith,

Dawn Suggs Reader’s Choice Awards Program Director

Sub-category Sponsor

Best African Restaurant

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

Jenifer Lewis

Sterling K. Brown

Best Athlete, Pro Baseball

Best Athlete, Pro Football

Jordan Walker Design Aire Heating and Cooling

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Sub-category Sponsor

Best Actress

Best Airconditioning/HVAC

Lawrence Bryant, Melvin Moore, Apryl Pilolli, The St. Louis American Digital and Editorial Departments, Publisher Donald M. Suggs and The St. Louis American Sales team.

Best Athlete, Pro Soccer

Hakeem Butler

Mykhi Joyner

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Architect

Best Aromatherapy

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Asian Cuisine

Kaelo Architecture

Mai Lee Restuarant

Founder: Kevin Logan

Best Assistant Principal

Best Art Gallery

Griot Museum of Black History Owner: Lois D. Conley

African Naturals

Ke-La Harris

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Auto Dealership

Best Auto Body Repair & Best Auto Service Center

5 Best Bakery/Baker

Shanti’s Specialty Sweets

Collier Brothers Auto Body

Owner: Afshanti Hunter

Best Bar/Bartender

Best Bank

Midwest BankCentre

KJ’s Bar and Grill O’Fallon Buick GMC

Owner: Kenneth C. Martin

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Local Bank. Local Beneets.

MidwestBankCentre.com Member FDIC | NMLS #685869

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Barbecue

August 6 – 12, 2026

Best Barber

Bandana’s Bar-B-Q

Best Barbershop

Jerrod Harris

Best Botox

Best Boutique Arts & Culture

Evolutions MedSpa

Lady Tee’s Blinged Boutique

First Class Barbershop

Owner: Dr. William Allen Gray

Best Boutique - Shopping

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Best Brunch/Breakfast

Latté Lounge and HG Eatery Owners: Nyshaun Harvey and Larry Green

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

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Best Car Detailing

Best Burger

Bus Loop Burgers Elite Detailing Owners: Gabrielle and Mark Cooley

Best Car Sales Person

Best Caribbean Restaurant

Best Casino

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa

Mike Frazier

Mi Hungry BBQ & Jamaican Cuisine

Best Caterer

Cathy’s Kitchen

Best Charter School

Lift for Life Academy

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Childcare/Preschool

Best Choir

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Church (Large Congregation)

Shalom Church (City of Peace)

Best Church (Medium Congregation)

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Open Door Christian Center

Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church Best Cleaning Service

Best Church (Small Congregation)

Haven House - City of Refuge Church

Best Club/Afterhours

Best College

Clean Green Carpet Cleaner

Best Coach

Ash Cigar & Bar Lounge

Earnest Cheatham St. Louis Community College Forest Park

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best College Basketball Athlete

Best College Baseball Athlete

9 Best College Football Athlete

Tashaun Coleman

Ke’Andre McClendon

Best College Soccer Athlete

Best College Track Athlete

Sarai Brown

Kennedi Hooks Hannah Wallace Best Comedian

Best Contractor

Best Consultant

Darlene Davis

Deidre Lewis

Best Credit Union (Tied)

Cedric the Entertainer

First Community Credit Union

St. Louis Community Credit Union

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

August 6 – 12, 2026

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Cultural Event

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Curator

11 Best Dance Studio

The Diva University

Morgan Casey

Best Deacon

Best Dancer

Redd Williams

John Hayden

Frizz Fest Owner: Leslie Hughes

Best Dentist

Best Dermatologist

Best Designer

Brandin Vaughn

Dr. Candace Wakefield

Best Dispensary

Best Dry Cleaner

Luxury Leaf & Weed Dispensary

Marquard’s Cleaners Dr. Eric W. Pitts

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Dental Practice

August 6 – 12, 2026

Best Elementary School

Children’s Dental Zone

Best Ethnic Cuisine

Best Esthetician

City Academy

Best Event Planner

King of Soul

Morgan Casey Kii Lux Beauty

www.stlafricanartsfest.com

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

August 6 – 12, 2026

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Event Space

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Exhibition

15 Best Fashion

Mill Creek: Black Metropolis

Best Fashion Show

Infinite Occasions Banquet and Conference Center

Brandin Vaughn

Best Festival

“I Don’t Give A Fashion” showcase at The Fox Theater

Frizz Fest Owner: Leslie Hughes

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Best Financial Planner

August 6 – 12, 2026

Best Fine Dining

801 Chophouse

Cathey Williamson

Best Fusion of Non-Traditional Cuisine

Best Fitness Trainer

Best Food Truck

Pop Pop Hurray!

Gourmet Popcorn

Pure Catering STL Monica Campbell

Best Fraternity Graduate Chapter (tied)

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity St. Louis Alumnae Chapter

Alpha Phi Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter Best Funeral Home

Best Full Service Car Wash

Best Florist

Reliable Funeral Homes

Schnucks

Club Car Wash

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Best Graphic Designer

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Best Gym

BKM Fitness Boot Camp

Media By Reaghan

Best Hair Salon

Best Hair Braider

Best Hair Stylist

Locs Of Glory

Tee Thomas Uniquely Bamm

Best Health Center

Best High School

Best High School Basketball Athlete

Holistik Wellness Center

Jamison White

High School Football & Track Athlete

Best High School Volleyball Athlete

Bryce Clayborn

Bailey Hensgens Cardinal Ritter College Prep

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Home Caregiver

August 6 – 12, 2026

Best Home Construction/Improvement

Best Influencer

Breakthrough Healthcare LLC Owner: Nikki Lindsay

Best Ice Cream

Clementine’s Ice Cream

Kwame Building Group

(construction management firm)

Morgan Casey

Owner: Tony Thompson

Best Journalist/Creator

Best Jewelry Store/Jeweler

$1 Blingz Jewelry & Blingtique

Best Lash Technician

Best Landscaping

Rene Knott

Best Latin American Restaurant

iStyleustare

El Maguey Mexican Restaurant Barnes Landscaping

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Lawyer

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Local DJ

19 Best Loctician

Damara Kelly

TreHitz

Best Makeup Artist

Best Mail Carrier

Pamela Echols

Slay Queen

Shonte Byrd Best Massage Therapist

Best MC

Sandra Roberts

Best Mens Clothing Store/Designer

Milano Mens Wear Queen Mochalatte

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Middle School

Best News Anchor

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Music Ministry

Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church

Rene Knott

Best Nail Tech/Salon

Best Nonprofit (Local)

Little Bit Foundation

Monet’s Touch Marian Middle School

Best Nonprofit (National)

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Best Nonprofit (Regional)

Best Nurse

Kayla A. Ross, LPN Rung for Women

Voted Best Middle School in St. Louis!

Join us for a Meet Marian Day to tour our campus, meet our faculty, and discover what makes us the best.

October 13 | November 17 | December 10

RSVP at MarianMiddleSchool.org

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Best OB-GYN

Best Oncologist

21 Best Pediatrician

Dr. Andrea Sample

Dr. Amal Antoun

Best Pest Control

Best Pet Services

Rottler Pest Solutions Dr. Lannis E. Hall

Every great story...

Begins with a dream, a belief in what’s possible, and a community that chooses to show up. HANK OU, t. ouis, for being an important part of our year story and supporting the potential that’s in every student we serve!

Scan to learn more about all the ways you can support the Little Bit mission AND register for our upcoming Join the Journey Gala!

Humane Society of Missouri

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Pharmacy

Best Physician

Best Photographer

Greater Health Pharmacy & Wellness

Best Podcast

Church Pinkston

Best Poet/Spoken Word

The Rundown with Rene Knott

Best Pop-up

August 6 – 12, 2026

Kristen “KMoney the Poet” Harris

Dr. Janiece N. Stewart

Best Principal

Best PR Professional or Promoter

Dr. Craige Edwards, Mason Clark Middle School

Asia Mobley

Best Radio Personality

Best Radio Station

BJ “The DJ” Holiday Pharaohs Donuts

100.3 The Beat

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Rapper

Best Realtor

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Recording

Jesse Williams and Total Praise

Janelle Stowers

Best Restaurant

Nelly Best Senior Pastor, Best Minister, Best Songwriter

Best Seafood

Vails Brothers Shrimp Chicken & Fish Best Singer

Big Jay’s Chicken and Shrimp

Best Skin Care Products

Sweethead Naturals

Best Sorority Graduate Chapter

Pastor Shaun Williams

Be.Be The Neosoul

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gamma Omega Chapter

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Best Soul Food Restaurant

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Best St. Louis Act and House Band

Best Stylist

Cathy’s Kitchen

7/24/26, 5:59 AM

Yoro Newson

Best Tattoo Artist

Best Tailor store resized smaller copy.jpg

Tailored Gents at Savile Row

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fKa_7fmw8yJZZQTkyBt3hROXyXtKr-dP/view

Black Pearl Tattoo Dirty Muggs

Founder: Roland Page (center)

1/1

Best Tax Professional

Best Therapist

Best Teacher

Jameca Woody Cooper

Leigh Cleggett

Darlene Davis

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Thrift Store

August 6 – 12, 2026

Best University

Best Usher

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Sherwin Zenon

Best Vegan/Vegetarian

Best Venue

SweetArt Bakeshop + Café

Best Videographer

Harris-Stowe State University

Sophie’s Artist Lounge

Best Visual Artist

Church Pinkston (Church Productions)

Best Youth Pastor

Best Women’s Clothing

Lauren Younge

Most Popular Athlete from St. Louis

Pastor Marvin Blake

Jayson Tatum $1 Blingz Jewelry & Blingtique

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

When women have access to training, coaching, and community, amazing things happen. Thank you for recognizing Rung for Women as Best Nonprofit (Regional).

We’re honored to continue empowering women to climb higher and build abundant lives.

“I am extremely proud of myself.

With Rung in my life I’ve been able to achieve so much in so little time.”

Briston Ashe, Rung alumna

To learn more about us and our mission, scan the QR code or visit us online at rungforwomen.org @rungforwomen

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

August 6 – 12, 2026

St. Louis Louis American American Reader’ Reader’ss Choice Choice Awards St. Awards listing listing ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT Best Actor Sterling Brown: Winner Zion Thomas: Finalist Joe Torry: Finalist Best Actress Jenifer Lewis: Winner Ricki Franklin: Finalist Raevyn Ferguson: Finalist Best Art Gallery Griot Museum of Black History: Winner Saint Louis Art Museum: Finalist MIssouri History Museum: Finalist Best Boutique (Arts & Culture) Lady Tee’s Blinged Boutique: Winner 2 Bald Chicks Boutique: Finalist Afro World Hair and Fashion Company: Finalist Best Comedian Cedric the Entertainer: Winner Darius Bradford: Finalist Jason Jenkins: Finalist Best Creators / Journalists Rene Knott: Winner Travis Cummings: Finalist Carol Daniel: Finalist Best Cultural Event Frizz Fest: Winner African Arts Festival: Finalist Black Creatives in the Lou @ Neiman Marcus: Finalist Best Curator Morgan Casey: Winner Remrod: Finalist Alonzo Townsend: Finalist Best Dance & Talent Center The Diva University: Winner Best Dance & Talent Center: Finalist COCA – Center of Creative Arts: Finalist Best Dancer Redd Williams: Winner Gheremi Clay: Finalist MJ Imani: Finalist

Best Designer Brandin Vaughn: Winner Yoro Newson - Yoro Creations: Finalist Young Addy: Finalist Best Event Planner Morgan Casey: Winner Brainchild Next: Finalist Personal Touches by Jeanetta, Inc.: Finalist Best Event Space Infinite Occasions Banquet and Conference Center: Winner The Jade event center: Finalist 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis: Finalist Best Exhibition Mill Creek: Black Metropolis: Winner Griot Museum of Black History: Finalist To STL With Love at Sophie Artist Lounge: Finalist Best Fashion Brandin Vaughn: Winner The Woke Brand: Finalist Redd Williams: Finalist

Best Local DJ TreHitz: Winner Infamous DJ Quinn: Finalist Shorty Da Prince: Finalist Best MC Queen Mochalatte: Winner Carol Daniel: Finalist Michael McMillan: Finalist Best News Anchor Rene Knott: Winner Travis Cummings: Finalist Kelly Jackson: Finalist Best Photographer Church Pinkston (Church Production): Winner Media by Reaghan: Finalist Wiley Price: Finalist Best Podcast The Rundown With Rene Knott: Winner Chat & Chew: Finalist Fashion is Cool Podcast: Finalist

Best Fashion Show “I Don’t Give a Fashion” showcase at The Fox Theatre: Winner STL Black Fashion Week: Finalist Black Creatives in the Lou @ Neiman Marcus: Finalist

Best Poet / Spoken Word Kristen “KMoney the poet” Harris: Winner Tef Poe: Finalist Branden Lewis: Finalist (tied) Louis Conphliction: Finalist (tied) Tracy Stanton “T-Spirit”: Finalist (tied)

Best Festival Frizz Fest: Winner African Arts Festival: Finalist Music at the Intersection (MATI), Kranzberg Arts Foundation: Finalist

Best Event Planner Morgan Casey: Winner Brainchild Next: Finalist Personal Touches by Jeanetta, Inc.: Finalist

Best Graphic Designer Media by Reaghan: Winner Amanda S. Andrew: Finalist Emmanual Mooty: Finalist

Best PR Professional or Promoter Asia Mobley: Winner Donielle Elizabeth: Finalist Morgan Casey: Finalist

Best House Band Dirty Muggs: Winner Drew Project: Finalist Flirt no ID: Finalist

Best Radio Personality BJ The DJ: Winner Tony Scott: Finalist Shorty Da Prince: Finalist

Best Influencer Morgan Casey: Winner Remrod: Finalist Church Pinkston: Finalist

Best Radio Station 100.3 the beat: Winner 96.3 The Lou - WFUN - FM: Finalist WSIE 88.7 “The Sound”: Finalist

BOOST Radio: Finalist Best Rapper Nelly: Winner Tef Poe: Finalist KVtheWriter: Finalist Best Reporter Rene Knott: Winner Travis Cummings: Finalist Melanie Johnson: Finalist Best Singer Be.Be the Neo-Soul: Winner Denise Thimes: Finalist Tish Haynes: Finalist Best St. Louis Act Dirty Muggs: Winner St. Lunatics: Finalist Morgan Taylor: Finalist Best Stylist Yoro Newson: Yoro Creations - Winner Ambra Graham: Finalist Brandin Vaughn: Finalist Best Venue Sophie’s Artist Lounge: Winner Infinite Occaions Banquet and Conference Center: Finalist Jazz St. Louis: Finalist Best Videographer Church Pinkston (Church Productions): Winner Remrod: Finalist Joe JLR Richardson: Finalist Best Visual Lauren Younge: Winner Borck Seals: Finalist Cbabi Bayoc: Finalist

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Best Bank Midwest BankCentre: Winner St. Johns Bank (8924 Saint Charles Rock Road St.): Finalist Commerce Bank (8000 Forsyth Boulevard): Finalist

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Car Sales Person Mike Frazier: Winner Ricky Whittington: Finalist Carplug JB: Finalist Best Consultant Darlene Davis: Winner Lynette Watson: Finalist Liv Group / Andrew Turnage: Finalist Best Credit Union First Community Credit Union: Winner (tied) St. Louis Community Credit Union: Winner (tied) Navy Federal Credit Union: Finalist Neighbors Credit Union: Finalist Best Financial Planner Cathey Williamson: Winner Ayana (Ana) Stringfellow: Finalist Artis Keith Turner: Finalist Best Lawyer Shonte Byrd: Winner Jerryl Christmas: Finalist Kenneth Powell: Finalist Best Mail Carrier/Mail person Pamela Echols: Winner Adam Arnold: Finalist Michelle Simmons: Finalist Best Realtor Janelle Stowers: Winner Ebony Ingram: Finalist Rhonda Liddell-Davis: Finalist Best Tax Professional Darlene Davis: Winner Francine Cody: Finalist Steven Harris: Finalist

CHURCH

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: Finalist Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church: Finalist Best Church (Smaller Congregation) Haven House - City of Refuge Church: Winner Unity Chapel Church: Finalist Washington Tabernacle MBC: Finalist Best Deacon John Hayden: Winner William Joseph: Finalist Sylvester Dunn: Finalist Best Minister Pastor Shaun Williams (Christian Believers Ministries): Winner Minister Aaron Letcher (Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church): Finalist Bishop Lawrence Wooten (Williams Temple Church of God in Christ): Finalist Best Music Ministry Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church: Winner Living The Word Church: Finalist Jesse Williams and Total Praise: Finalist Best Recording Jesse Williams and Total Praise: Winner Shalom Church (City of Peace): Finalist Levi “Too” King: Finalist Best Senior Pastor Pastor Shaun Williams (Christian Believers Ministries): Winner Reverend Freddy J. Clark (Shalom Church (City of Peace): Finalist Dr. Anthony L. Riley (Central Baptist Church): Finalist

Best Choir Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church: Winner Shalom Church (City of Peace): Finalist Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: Finalist

Best Songwriter Pastor Shaun Williams (Christian Believers Ministries): Winner Corn Robinson Jr.: Finalist Levi “Too” King: Finalist

Best Church (Larger Congregation) Shalom Church (City of Peace): Winner Living The Word Church: Finalist Friendly Temple Church: Finalist

Best Usher Sherwin Zenon: Winner Christine Allen: Finalist Glenn Bond: Finalist

Best Church (Medium Size Congregation) Open Door Christian Center: Winner

Best Youth Pastor Pastor Marvin Blake: Winner Minister Preston Williams (Shalom

Church (City of Peace)): Finalist Dr. Michael Jones, Jr (Friendly Temple): Finalist

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS Best Asst. Principal Ke-La Harris: Winner Dr. Rapheal Rogers: Finalist Pamela Hamilton: Finalist Best Charter School Lift for Life Academy High School: Winner Momentum Academy: Fox Park: Finalist KIPP: Finalist Best Coach Earnest Cheatham: Winner LaTesha Alexander: Finalist LaQuita and Jarrett Campbell: Finalist Best College St. Louis Community College - Forest Park: Winner Ranken Technical College: Finalist Columbia College-St Louis: Finalist Best Elementary School City Academy - Winner Adams Community School: Finalist Gateway Elementary School: Finalist Best Fraternity Graduate Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha - Epsilon Lambda Chapter - St. Louis, MO: Winner (Tied) Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity St. Louis Alumnae Chapter: Winner (Tied) Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Sigma Chapter: Finalist Best High School Cardinal Ritter College Prep High Schoo: Winner St. Louis University High School: Finalist University City High School: Finalist Best Middle School Marian Middle School: Winner Gateway Science Academy of St. Louis (GSA): Finalist Storman-Lyons Leadership Academy: Finalist

29 Best Principal Dr. Craige Edwards: Winner Tavonda Palmer Harvey: Finalist Felicia Miller: Finalist Best Sorority Graduate Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gamma Omega Chapter, St. Louis, Mo.: Winner Saint Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.: Finalist Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. - Zeta Sigma Chapter: Finalist Best Teacher Leigh Cleggett: Winner Wilma Higgins: Finalist Shaniya Gilmore: Finalist Best University Harris-Stowe State University: Winner Washington University in St. Louis: Finalist University of Missouri-St. Louis: Finalist

FOOD & BEVERAGE Best African Restaurant Levels: Winner Fufu n’ Sauce: Finalist African Palace: Finalist Best Asian Restaurant Mai Lee: Winner Corner 17: Finalist The Rice House: Finalist Best Bakery/Baker Shanti’s Specialty Sweets: Winner SweetArt Bakeshop + Café: Finalist Mia’s Treats Delight: Finalist Best Bar/Bartender KJ’s Bar and Gril: Winner Renee’s Restaurant & Bar: Finalist Terminal 3 Bar & Grill: Finalist Best Barbeque Bandana’s Bar-B-Q: Winner BobaQue: Finalist Red’s The One And Only BBQ: Finalist Best Brunch/Breakfast Latté Lounge + HG Eatery: Winner Elicious Soul: Finalist First Watch: Finalist

30 Best Burger Bus Loop Burgers: Winner Wine Down Cafe: Finalist Cathy’s Kitchen: Finalist Best Caribbean Restaurant Mi Hungry BBQ & Jamaican Cuisine: Winner De Palm Tree Restaurant: Finalist Jerk Unlimited: Finalist Best Caterer Cathy’s Kitchen: Winner Blessed Occasion Catering & Event Planning: Finalist Gourmet Soul Restaurant and Catering: Finalist Best Club/Afterhours Ash Cigar & Bar Lounge: Winner After Hours Bar and Grill: Finalist TopShelf Bar and Grill: Finalist Best Ethnic Cuisine King Of Soul: Winner Mi Ranchito: Finalist Africana Restaurant & Adinkra Lounge on Delmar: Finalist Best Fine Dining 801 Chophouse: Winner Ferguson Chophouse: Finalist Ramsay’s Kitchen St. Louis: Finalist Best Food Truck Pure Catering STL: Winner A’Deans Kitchen & Catering: Finalist Ron Ron’s Fried Rice: Finalist Best Fusion of Non-Traditional Pop Pop Hurray! Gourmet Popcorn: Winner Lefty’s Fried Rice: Finalist French Frie Factory: Finalist Best Ice Cream Clementine’s Ice Cream: Winner Crown Candy Kitchen: Finalist Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: Finalist Best Latin American Restaurant El Maguey Mexican Restaurant: Winner Mi Ranchito: Finalist Las Fuentes Mexican Restaurant: Finalist Best Pop-up Pharoah’s Donuts: Winner WillieAnn’s Snack Shop: Finalist Crispy Sips: Finalist

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Best Restaurant Vails Brothers Shrimp Chicken & Fish: Winner Wine Down Cafe: Finalist Tucker’s Place: Finalist Best Seafood Big Jay’s Chicken And Shrimp: Winner Broadway Oyster Bar: Finalist The Kickin’ Crab: Finalist Best Soul Food Cathy’s Kitchen: Winner King of OfSoul: Soul:Finalist Finalist Diner’s Delight: Finalist Best Vegan/Vegetarian SweetArt Bakeshop + Café: Winner Bougie Bites STL: Finalist Adina’s Vegan Cuisine: Finalist

GENERAL SERVICES Best Aromatherapy African Naturals: Winner BJ’s Everlasting Oils Inc.: Finalist Cassie’s: Finalist Best Casino Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles: Winner Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis: Finalist DraftKings at Casino Queen: Finalist Best Childcare/Preschool/Daycare Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis,Inc.: Winner University City Children’s Center: Finalist Stix ECC Elementary School: Finalist Best Dispensary Luxury Leaf Dispensary & Weed Delivery: Winner Greenlight Dispensary Ferguson: Finalist Feel State Weed Dispensary Florissant: Finalist Best Florist Schnucks: Winner Trader Joe’s: Finalist Dierbergs Markets - Brentwood Pointe: Finalist Best Funeral Home Reliable Funeral Home: Winner William C. Harris Funeral Directors and

Cremation: Finalist Granberry Mortuary: Finalist Best Nonprofit Organization (Local) The Little Bit Foundation: Winner Better Family Life Inc.: Finalist Action St. Louis: Finalist Best Nonprofit Organization (National or International) Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.: Winner Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis - Mathews-Dickey Club: Finalist United Way of Greater Saint Louis: Finalist Best Nonprofit Organization (Regional) Rung for Women: Winner Annie Malone Children and Family Services: Finalist Affinia Healthcare: Finalist Best Pet Service Humane Society of Missouri: Winner Williamsburg Pet Hotel & Suites: Finalist Four Muddy Paws: Finalist

HEALTH Best Dental Practice Children’s Dental Zone: Winner Affinia Healthcare: Finalist A.T. Still University - Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health: Finalist Best Dentist Dr. Candace Wakefield: Winner Dr. Michele Abidin: Finalist Dr. Anne M. Steward: Finalist Best Dermatologist Dr. Eric W. Pitts: Winner Dr. Osamuede Osemwota: Finalist Dr. Madhavi Kandula: Finalist Best Health Center Holistik Wellness Center: Winner Affinia Healthcare: Finalist Trinity Healthcare Practice: Finalist Best Home Caregiver Breakthrough Healthcare LLC: Winner Deer Valley Home Health Services: Finalist At Home: Finalist

August 6 – 12, 2026 Best Nurse Kayla A. Ross, LPN: Winner Leonora Muhammad, DNP: Finalist Torri Taylor-Spencer, APRN: Finalist Best OB/GYN Dr. Andrea Sample: Winner Dr. Eboni January: Finalist Dr. Carolyn J. Pryor: Finalist Best Oncologist Dr. Lannis E. Hall: Winner Dr. Jovita Oruwari: Finalist Dr. Mia Weiss: Finalist Best Pediatrician Dr. Amal Antoun: Winner Dr. Alison C. Nash:Finalist Dr. Felicia L. Harvey: Finalist Best Pharmacy GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness at Delmar DivINe: Winner Affinia Healthcare: Finalist CVS (Clayton Road): Finalist Best Physician Dr. Janiece N Stewart: Winner Tracy Norfleet, MD: Finalist Jacqueline Hayes, MD: Finalist Best Therapist Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper: Winner Emme Harms, LCSW: Finalist Brianne Overton: Finalist

HOME & GARDEN Best Air Conditioning/HVAC Service Design Aire Heating and Cooling: Winner Hoffmann Brothers: Finalist (Tied) Duane’s Heating & Air Conditioning:Finalist (Tied) Evans Heating and Cooling: Finalist (Tied) Best Architect Kaelo Architecture LLC: Winner Kwame Building Group Inc.: Finalist KAI Enterprises: Finalist Best Cleaning Service Clean Green Carpet Cleaning: Winner Hardworking Mae’s Cleaning Company: Finalist Paul Johnson - New image Cleaning:Finalist

August 6 – 12, 2026

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Best Contractor Deidre Lewis: Winner Walter Neely: Finalist We Improve: Finalist

Best Hair Braider Uniquely Bamm: Winner BraidedbyBri: Finalist Be.You.tiful By Veda: Finalist

Best Home Construction | Home Improvement Kwame Building Group, Inc.: Winner Keely Construction Group: Finalist We Improve: Finalist

Best Hair Salon Locs Of Glory: Winner Formation Salon and Spa: Finalist SafeHaven Salon: Finalist

Best Landscaping Barnes Landscaping: Winner Fletcher’s Creations: Finalist BlackBerry Landscaping: Finalist Best Pest Control Rottler Pest Solutions: Winner St. Louis Pest Control: Finalist Midwestern Termite & Pest Control: Finalist

LIFESTYLE & BEAUTY Best Barber Jerrod Harris- Winner Wiz The Barber - Finalist Art Green Sr - Finalist Best Barbershop First Class Barber Shop: Winner Shack’s Barber Shop: Finalist Dees Cutz Barber Salon: Finalist Best Botox Evolutions MedSpa: Winner Racquel Aesthetics & Wellness: Finalist Metro Medspa: Finalist Best Dry Cleaner Marquard’s Cleaners: Winner Apple Cleaners: Finalist Family Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services: Finalist Best Esthetician Kii Lux Beauty: Winner Emily Bradley: Finalist Tennille McClain: Finalist Best Fitness Trainer Monica Campbell: Winner Corey Tate:Finalist Donna Yates: Finalist Best Gym BKM Fitness Boot Camp: Winner Planet Fitness: Finalist The GEM Factory: Finalist

Best Hair Stylist Tee Thomas: Winner Charity Pikes: Finalist Ambra Graham: Finalist (Tied) Whitney Marie: Finalist (Tied) Best Lash Technician iStyleustare: Winner Ebonee Eyes: Finalist Stefani Ellis: Finalist Best Loctician Damara Kelly: Winner Bossette Stylez: Finalist Locs by Tara E.: Finalist Best Make-up Artist Slay Queen: Winner Aignee’ LaShay: Finalist Khadijah Amirah: Finalist Best Massage Therapist Sandra Roberts: Winner BodybyQue LLC - Finalist (Tied) Erika Sharp Massage Therapy: Finalist (Tied) Stefani Ellis (LMT): Finalist (Tied) Best Nail Tech / Nail Salon Monet’s Touch: Winner Aignee’ LaShay: Finalist Sonder Lush Nail Studio: Finalist Best Skin Care Products Sweethead Naturals: Winner Skin Pretty Esthetics: Finalist Oil On Me: Finalist Best Tailor Tailored Gents at Savile Row: Winner Heavenly Stitches Alterations:- Finalist Nordstrom Rack: Finalist Best Tattoo Artist Black Pearl Tattoo: Winner Shawn Smith: Finalist of Art The House Of ArtDoll: Doll:Finalist Finalist

SHOPPING Best Boutique Style-Taneous Styles: Winner Lady Tee’s Blinged Boutique: Finalist Sugaz Kouture Boutique LLC: Finalist Best Jewelry Store/Jeweler BlingzJewelry Jewelry&&Blingtique: Blingtique:Winner Winner 1$1Blingz Mulatto Designs Jewelry: Finalist LUXE Department Store: Finalist Best Men’s Clothing Store/Designer Milano Mens Wear: Winner LUXE Department Store: Finalist Tailored Gents at Savile Row: Finalist Best Thrift Store Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store - Creve Coeur: Winner The Vault Luxury Resale:Finalist NCJW The Resale Shop: Finalist Best Women’s Clothing Store/ Designer 1Blingz Jewelry:Winner $1 Blingz Jewelry: Winner Nordstrom Rack: Finalist Epiphany Boutique: Finalist

SPORTS Best College Baseball Athlete Tashaun Coleman: Winner Jordan Bradley: Finalist Kevin Stephens: Finalist

31 Bryce Clayborn: Winner Keenan Harris: Finalist Manny Ellis: Finalist Best High School Track Athlete Bryce Clayborn: Winner Gabrielle Campbell: Finalist Sydney Lanton: Finalist Best High School Volleyball Athlete Bailey Hensgens: Winner Jordan Brown: Finalist Moriyah Douglass: Finalist Best Pro Baseball Athlete Jordan Walker: Winner Masyn Winn: Finalist Victor Scott II: Finalist Best Pro Football Athlete Hakeem Butler: Winner Jarveon Howard: Finalist Daniel Isom: Finalist Best Pro Soccer Athlete Mykhi Joyner: Winner Miguel Perez: Finalist Rafael Santos: Finalist Most Popular Athlete from St. Louis Jayson Tatum: Winner Jeremiyah Love: Finalist Luther Burden III: Finalist

VEHICLE & SERVICES

Best College Basketball Athlete Hannah Wallace: Winner Kellen Thames: Finalist Demetris Phillips:Finalist

Best Auto Body Repair Collier Brothers Auto Body: Winner Stepney Bros Auto Body Inc.: Finalist Schaefer Autobody Centers: Finalist

Best College Football Athlete Ke’Andre McClendon: Winner Luther Burden III: Finalist La’Revious Woods:- Finalist

Best Auto Dealership O’Fallon Buick GMC: Winner Johnny Londoff Chevrolet: Finalist Honda of Frontenac - Finalist

Best College Soccer Athlete Kennedi Hooks: Winner Mikai Neal: Finalist Olivia Clemons: Finalist

Best Auto Service Center Collier Brothers Auto Body: Winner Schaefer Autobody Centers: Finalist I-70 Performance: Finalist

Best College Track Athlete Sarai Brown: Winner Sherrod Tate: Finalist Giovanni Jones: Finalist

Best Car Detailing Elite Detailing: Winner Touch of class, woodson road: Finalist Michael L. Gerdine, DC: Finalist (tied) Showroom Finish Detailing: Finalist (tied)

Best High School Basketball Athlete Jamison White: Winner Moriyah Douglass:Finalist Lauren Lanton - Finalist Best High School Football Athlete

Best Full Service Car Wash Club Car Wash: Winner Waterway Carwash: Finalist Elite Detailing: Finalista

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

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August 6 – 12, 2026