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
BUYING & SELLING
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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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