Best OF 318
BEST APPETIZERS
GIBBONS FINE GRILL
BEST BBQ
BODACIOUS BAR & Q
BEST CATFISH
JAN’S RIVER RESTAURANT
BEST CHIPS AND SALSA
SUPERIOR BAR & GRILL
BEST CRAFT BEER
FLYING HEART
BEST CRAWFISH
RUBBA BOOT CRAWFISH COMPANY
BEST DESSERTS AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT
JULIE ANNE’S BAKERY
BEST DONUTS
SOUTHERN MAID DONUTS
BEST FRIED CHICKEN
SOUTHERN CLASSIC
BEST FRIES AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT
MCDONALD’S
BEST GUMBO
ORLANDEAUX’S
CROSS LAKE CAFE
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
MONJUNI’S
BEST KING CAKES
LILAH’S BAKERY
BEST LOCAL SANDWICH
FAT TUESDAY’S
SANDWICH SHOP
BEST MARGARITA
SUPERIOR BAR & GRILL
BEST MARTINI
2 JOHN’S
STEAK & SEAFOOD
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
KI’ MEXICO
BEST OYSTERS
OYSTER BAR
BEST PIZZA
JOHNNY’S PIZZA
BEST RIBS
SILVER STAR SMOKEHOUSE
BEST SEAFOOD
RALPH & KACOO’S
BEST STEAK
2 JOHN’S
STEAK AND SEAFOOD
BEST STUFFED SHRIMP
ORLANDEAUX’S
CROSS LAKE CAFE
BEST SUSHI
SUSHI GEN
BEST TACOS
HOODBACHI
BEST BAKERY
JULIE ANNE’S BAKERY
BEAR’S COLTON JOHNSON, OWNER NO. 1: BEST OF 318 | BEST BAR
Bear’s is the local go-to for food, entertainment and drinks in Shreveport. Operating since the 1990s, there’s no denying it has only skyrocketed in popularity under its fifth and youngest owner yet, Colton Johnson. “Bear’s was a spot that had history, and I had to jump on the chance to keep a Shreveport staple alive,” said Johnson, who bought the business in 2017.
Part of his strategy is hiring staff that strives to create a welcoming environment. One employee, Dacoda Montana, who has worked at Bear’s on and off since the 2010s, said, “This is the best it’s ever been!” Johnson emphasized what the place means to him and so many others, “Bear’s has some of the best atmosphere, food, drinks, music and people in town.”
The burger menu often features creative and playful naming shenanigans, such as their current special, “If-You-Like-It-Then-You-Shoulda-Put-a-Ring-on-It Burger,” which comes with jalapeno shallot jam, Muenster cheese, bacon, onion rings and pink peppercorn aioli.
To learn more about upcoming shows and new burger specials, visit Bear’s at facebook.com/BearsShreveport or BearsFairfield.com.
BEST BAR
BEAR’S
BEST BRUNCH
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG
BEST BURGER
PAPA AND COMPANY
BEST CASINO RESTAURANT
JACK BINION’S
STEAKHOUSE AT HORSESHOE
BEST CHINESE
IMPERIAL CATHAY
BEST COFFEE SHOP
RHINO COFFEE
BEST FOOD TRUCK
CAJUN ASIAN
BEST HAPPY HOUR
SUPERIOR BAR & GRILL
BEST HEALTHY EATING RESTAURANT
GIBBONS FINE GRILL
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
FLYING HEART
BEST MEDITERRANEAN
YEERO YEERO
VALERIE AND TANEIA BENN, OWNERS NO. 1: BEST OF 318 | BEST NEW RESTAURANT
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s the philosophy of Valerie and Taneia Benn, who recently bought The Magnolia Pit. However, that doesn’t mean the restaurant won’t evolve. “We want to honor the flavors, spirit and charm that people already love while continuing to elevate the experience in subtle, meaningful ways.” The restaurant’s new owners recognize the efforts of the previous owner, John Strand. “We are incredibly proud to carry on this legacy, and we’re thankful to everyone in the community who has supported and celebrated us.” As for how Valerie and Taneia will run The Magnolia Pit? “Our approach is all about connection. Connecting with the team, with our guests and with the community. We believe if you lead with authenticity, consistency and care, people feel that, and they keep coming back, not just for the food but for how it makes them feel.”
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
MAGNOLIA PIT
BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT
GIBBONS FINE GRILL
BEST PATIO/OUTDOOR SEATING
HURRICANE ALLEY
BEST PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT
GIBBONS FINE GRILL
BEST RESTAURANT FOR BREAKFAST
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG
JOHN AND KIM HOLLAND, OWNERS
TOP 5: BEST OF 318 | BEST SANDWICH SHOP
John Holland doesn’t take anything for granted. So, he was taken aback when he was told that his five-year-old Shreveport establishment had been voted the best sandwich shop. “It humbles me. I never expected something like that when I opened up. It makes me proud of my team. We strive to put out a quality product that’s consistent. It sounds like we’re achieving that.” Bayou Deli & Casserole Shop offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, as well as take-and-bake casseroles. Regardless of what you order, you are likely to enjoy something made from an original recipe. “All of our sandwich spreads — we have four that I make — are unique to us.” Bayou Deli & Casserole’s secret to success? “My approach from Day One was to give the people exactly what I want when I go into a restaurant, which is a quality product, an ample amount of food and a unique taste.”
BEST SANDWICH SHOP
DOC’S
BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
ORLANDEAUX’S
CROSS LAKE CAFE
BEST SOUL FOOD
ORLANDEAUX’S
CROSS LAKE CAFE
BEST STEAKHOUSE
2 JOHN’S
STEAK AND SEAFOOD
BEST THAI
THAI JAPANESE KITCHEN
BEST VIETNAMESE
PHO LAMOUR
BEST WINE SELECTION
LUCKY PALACE
BEST REALTY COMPANY
KELLER WILLIAMS NWLA
BEST RETIREMENT LIVING
THE GLEN
BEST VETERINARY PRACTICE
UNIVERSITY
VETERINARY HOSPITAL
BEST WEDDING DESIGNER
DELIA JEFFCOAT
BEST WEDDING PLANNER
DELIA JEFFCOAT
BEST CHILDREN’S SHOP
THE MOPPET SHOPPE
NO. 1: BEST OF 318 | BEST FACIAL
NO. 1: BEST OF 318 | BEST PLACE TO GET A FACIAL AND NO. 1: BEST OF 318 | BEST SKIN CARE
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but according to voters in the Best of 318, beautiful skin is in the eye of Ark-La-Tex Dermatology. “To be recognized means our hard work, dedication and strive to provide excellent skin care to our patients is seen throughout the community,” said Erin Spears, Gwen Peka and Taylor Harris, Ark-La-Tex Dermatology’s three aestheticians. The aestheticians’ approach to skin care begins with educating you, the patient. “Listen and communicate. We understand that most people can get easily overwhelmed when it comes to taking care of their skin with so much information out there. We sincerely want them to understand why we are selecting specific products for them and how to use them properly.” The aestheticians (Ark-La-Tex Dermatology also has four doctors) stress the importance of not waiting too late to care for your skin. “The more severe the damage, the harder it is to fix. That’s why it’s important to start early to avoid photoaging and skin cancer.
BEST FACIAL
ARKLATEX DERMATOLOGY
BEST HAIR SALON
CHEMISTRY HAIR SALON
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
JOHN PICKENS
BEST NAIL SALON
SPA CONCEPTS
BEST PLACE TO GET A FACIAL
ARKLATEX DERMATOLOGY
BEST SKIN CARE
ARKLATEX DERMATOLOGY
BEST SPA
SPA CONCEPTS
BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
SIMPLY CHIC
BEST ATTORNEY
RON MICIOTTO
BEST BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYES)
PAIGE BUNDRICK
BEST BODY SCULPTING
PAIGE BUNDRICK
BEST BREAST ENHANCEMENT
PAIGE BUNDRICK
NO. 1 BEST OF 318 BEST COSMETIC SURGEON
TOP 5 BEST RHINOPLASTY
TOP 5 BEST BLEPHAROPLASTY
TOP 5 BEST BODY SCULPTING
TOP 5 BEST BREAST ENHANCEMENT
TOP 5 BEST FACE LIFT
Dr. Paige Bundrick of Bundrick Facial Plastic Surgery has been in business for 10 years. “I think what sets me apart is that I am a real person, not just a plastic surgeon. I treat my patients as family and genuinely care about them. I listen intently to their desires and expectations and do everything in my power to deliver. We are a small and cozy office where our patients know us and know they are loved and appreciated. Thank you for this honor!” You can reach Dr. Bundrick at brundrickplasticsurgery.com, 318-221-9671, and on social media. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 2210 Line Ave., Shreveport.
BEST COSMETIC SURGEON
PAIGE BUNDRICK
BEST COUNSELING SERVICES
SHREVEPORT FAMILY COUNSELING
BEST CPA
TODD MUSLOW
BEST CREDIT UNION
BARKSDALE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
BEST FACE LIFT
PAIGE BUNDRICK
BEST FAMILY LAW
RON MICIOTTO
BEST FERTILITY AND BIRTH SPECIALISTS
DR. KERRY TYNES
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER
JERRY LOREY, THE LOREY GROUP
BEST INSURANCE AGENCY
TAG ROME, STATE FARM
BEST INVESTMENT FIRM
SUMMIT GROUP (THE LOREY GROUP)
BEST NON-SURGICAL ENHANCEMENTS
8445 MED SPA
BEST REALTOR
JODI HUTTO
BEST REGIONAL BANK
RED RIVER
BEST RHINOPLASTY (NOSE)
PAIGE BUNDRICK
BEST TRAVEL AGENCY
MANDI GORDON
BEST WEIGHT LOSS
SHED IT
BEST LOCAL COLLEGE
LSUS
BEST LOCAL THEATER (TIE)
SHREVEPORT LITTLE THEATRE STRAND THEATRE
BEST MUSEUM
R.W. NORTON ART GALLERY
BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP
SHREVEPORT LITTLE THEATRE
BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL
LOYOLA COLLEGE PREP
BEST SUMMER CAMP
SCI-PORT
IVY B PHOTOGRAPHY AND CREATIVE IVY B. FRENCH NO. 1 BEST OF 318 | BEST PHOTOGRAPHY
“I really wanted to create a business that is a welcoming and safe space to all, that also empowers people of every gender, culture and ethnicity to love themselves and their bodies exactly as we are. It’s hard enough to love ourselves in our culture as it is, but helping others see themselves as beautiful as they are to everyone else is a truly beautiful moment. It’s even helped me learn how to love myself and my body more,” says Ivy B. French of her 11 years as a professional photographer. “I also wanted to make sure that everyone feels like family when they work with us, since that is my heart and my team’s hearts. I could do none of this without my amazing clients continuing to support me throughout the years. I’m beyond honored that they’ve allowed me to play a small part in their lives. I couldn’t do anything without all of them and my fantastic team.” You can reach Ivy at ivybphotographyandcreative.com, 318-771-7053, and on social media. The studio is located at 3829 Gilbert Drive, Shreveport.
BEST THEATER GROUP
SHREVEPORT LITTLE THEATRE
DONESA WALKER, OWNER NO. 1 BEST OF 318 | BEST TUTORING SERVICE
After 17 years in business in the area, LearningRx Shreveport has established itself as the premier provider of one-on-one brain training, targeting the underlying skills essential to how you learn and perform. “We do brain training, which is completely different from tutoring as we train all ages of brains from 4-104! says Donesa Walker, M. Ed., master reading/dyslexia specialist, board-certified cognitive specialist and CEO of LearningRx Shreveport and top franchisee in the world. “It is an honor to have been chosen.” You can reach LearningRx at Learningrx.com/Shreveport, 8856 Youree Drive, Suite D, Shreveport, 318-797-8523 and on social media. They are open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and on Saturday by appointment.
BEST TUTORING SERVICE
LEARNING RX
BEST ANTIQUE SHOP
CABOOSE ANTIQUES ON LINE
BEST APPLIANCES
LOWE’S
BEST CARPET
HENSON’S CARPET AND LIGHTING
BEST CLEANING SERVICE
JOLLY SERVICES
BEST COUNTERTOPS / MARBLE
STONE DESIGN COUNTERTOPS, LLC
BEST FLOORING
HENSON’S CARPET AND LIGHTING
BEST FURNITURE
IVAN SMITH FURNITURE
BEST HOME DECOR
HOBBY LOBBY
BEST HOME DESIGN SERVICES
HOBBY LOBBY
BEST HOMEBUILDER
BAYOU CONSTRUCTION
BEST HVAC SERVICE & REPAIR
BOBBY L. GREENE
PRESIDENT AND LEAD DESIGNER: JOHN HOOGLAND NO. 1: BEST OF 318 | BEST LANDSCAPING
Since 1962, Hoogland’s Landscape has been manicuring residential and commercial space through-out Shreveport-Bossier. That experience paid off, with Hoogland’s being named the best landscaping provider. “Our clients are the heartbeat of our business,” said Carlyle Hoogland, director of marketing, brand and business development. “Many of them have trusted us with their homes and businesses for years, and we don’t take that lightly.” A beautifully landscaped space doesn’t happen by accident. “It starts with intentional design. It’s not just about choosing pretty plants. It’s about understanding the flow of the land, the climate and how people will use the space. From there, it takes skilled installation, proper materials and ongoing care.” Hoogland’s prides itself on not being a cookie-cutter landscaper. “We believe every property has unique potential. …Whether it’s a sprawling estate or a high-profile commercial development, we tailor each design to the space, the client’s vision and the environment.”
BEST LANDSCAPING
HOOGLAND’S LANDSCAPING
BEST LIGHTING
HOUSE OF CARPETS AND LIGHTING
BEST NURSERY / GARDEN STORE
AKIN’S NURSERY & LANDSCAPING
BEST PEST CONTROL
J&J PEST CONTROL
BEST PLUMBER
BOBBY L. GREENE PLUMBING
BEST POOL DESIGN
MOREHEAD POOLS
BEST REMODELER
BAYOU CONSTRUCTION
BEST BAR OR RESTAURANT TO WATCH SPORTS
WALK ON’S
BEST BARTENDER
CAT OWENS, ELKS LODGE #122
BEST CASINO LOUNGE
HENSON’S CARPET AND LIGHTING
BEST CATERER
GULLO’S
BEST CHEF
JOLLY SERVICES
BEST FESTIVAL
RED RIVER REVEL
ARTS FESTIVAL
BEST FUNDRAISING EVENT
ST JUDE DREAM HOME
BEST GOLF COURSE
QUERBES
BEST LIQUOR STORE
THRIFTY LIQUOR
BEST LOCAL ARTIST
LAUREN ROSS
ROBIN E. VOSBURY NO. 1: BEST OF 318 | BEST LOCAL BAND TOP 5 BEST LOCAL SINGER
Robin Vosbury, a local musician, has entertained audiences with several successful acts, including Crawdads and Loosey Anna, as well as performing solo in Shreveport-Bossier for almost five decades.
He is a one-man band in the recording studio, however. “I make all my tracks … so everything you hear is me. It’s like a full band,” he said.
Vosbury took his first steady, five-nights-weekly performing gig at The Riverboat Lounge in 1975. “Up until the mid-’80s, there were 20 places a musician could make a decent living five or six nights a week,” he said. Despite being a long-time resident of a local music scene that has undergone significant changes, Vosbury said he is humbled to have been voted Best Local Singer and Best Local Band.
“I appreciate it more than I have words to tell.”
Vosbury’s talent and passion for performing are often a family affair, particularly with his brother, Keith, and son, Cole. When asked if there were any other musicians in the family, he replied, “Everyone,” with a laugh.
BEST LOCAL BAND
ROBIN VOSBURY
CO-HOST: THE RYAN RADIO PROGRAM (KLKL-FM 95.7) NO. 1: BEST OF 318 | BEST RADIO PERSONALITY
We all need a purpose in life. Thankfully for us, Larry Ryan still has one. “I’ve thought about retiring, but I still need a reason to get up, take a shower, and a purpose to begin the day.” For decades, Larry has been one of the first voices — if not the first voice — we hear each weekday morning. He is the co-host of “The Ryan Radio Program.” “I spend an hour and a half preparing for the show and am on the air three hours a day, five days a week. However, I live on a golf course, so I can golf or fish anytime I wish. But I need a reason to get up in the morning.” Larry’s show features music, jokes, storytelling and banter with his long-time sidekick, Mr. Weather. “Sometimes he plays the boob, but he is really very sharp and has a great sense of humor.” With Larry soon to be 87 years old, we may not wake up to that familiar voice much longer, so enjoy it while you can. “Even though I’ve been in the radio broadcasting business a long time, it always humbles me to receive an award for something I’ve done. … I’m honored to be voted Best Radio Personality. I thank everyone very much.”
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
LARRY RYAN
BEST LOCAL SINGER
ROBIN VOSBURY
BEST LOCAL TV NEWS PERSONALITY
RICK ROWE
BEST MARDI GRAS BAL
KREWE OF GEMINI
BEST MARDI GRAS KREWE
KREWE OF HIGHLAND
BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
HURRICANE ALLEY
BEST PLACE TO EAT DOWNTOWN
BLIND TIGER
BEST RADIO STATION
93.7 FM
BEST TATTOO ARTISTS
MICAH HAROLD
RED HANDED TATTOO
CORRECTION: IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION, WE SPELLED DR.
BRYAN VEKOVIUS’ NAME INCORRECTLY. OUR APOLOGIES TO DR. VEKOVIUS.
BEST OF 318 | TOP 5
BEST COUNSELING SERVICE
(THIS CATEGORY WAS OMITTED LAST ISSUE)
CLINT DAVIS
HEALING MINDS
SHREVEPORT FAMILY COUNSELING
THOMAS PENNELL COUNSELING CENTER
UNBROKEN COUNSELING
