BEST Food & Drink

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 Restaurant & Bars

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

MAGNOLIA PIT

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

BAYOU DELI & CASSEROLE SHOP

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 Services

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

BEST Professional Services

ARK-LA-TEX DERMATOLOGY

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

DR. 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 Education & Arts

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

LEARNING RX

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 Services & Products

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

HOOGLAND’S LANDSCAPE

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 People & Entertainment

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

LARRY RYAN

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

BEST OF 318 TOP 5: REWIND

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