- Senior account Executive Lyn McElhaney with Best of winner Damon Pine of Dockside Juicery. CRAIG GARRETT
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- Lyn McElhaney with Best of winner Victor Cerna of Monarcas showing off a pair of wins. CRAIG GARRETT
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- Photographer Suzie Thompson of Lady in Pink Photography takes photos of Best of Cape Coral winners with their recognition plaques. CRAIG GARRETT
Photographer Suzie Thompson of Lady in Pink Photography takes photos of Best of Cape Coral winners with their recognition plaques. CRAIG GARRETT
Ray Eckenrode best summarized Wednesday’s Best of Cape Coral, the annual celebration honoring the city’s best businesses and their staff as decided by voters.
Eckenrode recalled that merchants and locals in this growing enclave had first survived the pandemic and its toll, then took another punch to the nose with Hurricane Ian, the super storm that devastated much of Southwest Florida. Nearly everyone at Wednesday’s event, which had about 300 winners and several new categories, had a story on how Ian had touched them, many still picking up the pieces.
While talk would circle back to Ian, things at Best of Cape Coral celebration were joyful, the place fairly humming with hope that life is back on track.
“It almost feels normal,” said Eckenrode, publisher of Breeze Newspapers, Best of Cape Coral sponsor and business host of Wednesday’s luncheon and awards event at the Torched Bar & Grill, which itself was chosen by voters for the Best Vibe award and other accolades. “Next year will feel more normal. I’m just thrilled (The Breeze) could reflect the Cape’s business community.”
The Breeze, for a generation, has asked readers to nominate businesses they felt did the best job at making ribs, seafood, burgers or pizza, the best cocktail or appliance store, the best doctors or pool services, real estate people, chiropractors, massage therapists and boat rentals, electricians or salons, the best ice cream or the most dog-friendly, for instance.
Lyn McElhaney with Best of winner Victor Cerna of Monarcas showing off a pair of wins. CRAIG GARRETT
Communities served by the Breeze Newspapers each year recognize these businesses with a plaque and an event like the one Wednesday.
The winners gather to pause, take a breath and start fresh.
These Breeze awards find prominent spots on social media and website platforms, certainly at storefront entryways, said Pete Della Porta, owner of Cape Collision Center, voted best in his category. It is, in fact, what draws new business, he added of the award.
“It’s a big deal, tells us that we’re doing something right,” said Della Porta, whose wife Sara was selected in the Best of Cape Coral contest for her AR Workshop, a DIY craft store that relocated after Ian swept through town.
A couple of new Best Of categories this year included the city’s best bookkeeper and the best title agency, for example, as again decided by voters.
Senior account Executive Lyn McElhaney with Best of winner Damon Pine of Dockside Juicery. CRAIG GARRETT
“To get recognized, it’s great,” said Crystal Reyes, owner and general partner at Realty Title Solutions, adding that in her office people “walk in my door and we know their name, very hometown, very mom and pop.”
“A blue ribbon attached to any business is great for marketing … it’s amazing,” said Caroline Passmore, owner of CRP Specialists Inc., the bookkeeping firm, adding that in her profession, or any business, for that matter, “building relationships is how I gain clients.”
Freedom Boat Club manager Roger Hoyt said it was “nice to be acknowledged” by Best Of voters in Cape Coral. In the member-driven business, he added, “we always knew we were the best…now everyone else does.”
Torched Bar & Grill owner Jeremiah Kusloc said hosting Wednesday’s event gave the participants a “chance to forget about (Ian) for a day. And, man, that’s a great feeling.”
And then there was Dr. Mel Youngs, a Best Of winner for 22-plus years in her Chiropractic Physicians & Associates firm along Cape Coral Parkway, the same structure once occupied by her father Rich and his ice cream shop, Yums, also a Best Of winner.
“Same building, same phone (number), good juju,” Mel Youngs said of her location, a string of metal butterflies in her hair and a bright grin on her face recounting that family story.
Here is a list of the winners of the Breeze’s readers’ poll for the Best Of Cape Coral 2023:
Bar | The Dek Bar
Bartender | Kristen Wingenfeld, Back Streets Sports Bar
Bartending Staff | Back Streets Sports Bar
Bloody Mary | Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood
Brewery | Scotty’s Bierwerks
Cigar Bar | The World Famous Cigar Bar
Coffee Shop (local) | Urban Buzz Coffee
Craft Cocktails | Jungle Bird
Happy Hour | Back Streets Sports Bar
Irish Pub | Paddy Wagon
Juice Bar | Dockside Juicery
Late Night Happy Hour | Back Streets Sports Bar
Margarita | Monarcas Authentic Mexican Cuisine Bar & Grill
Mimosa | Gather
New Bar | Front Porch Social
Sports Bar | Back Streets Sports Bar
Wine Selection | Prime 239 Steakhouse
Best Vibe | Torched Bar & Grill
Casual Fine Dining | Rumrunners
Dog Friendly | Torched Bar & Grill
Family Dining | Overtime Pizzeria & Sports Pub
Outdoor Dining | Fathom’s
Waterfront Dining | Rumrunners
Axe Throwing | Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill – Cape Coral
Banquet Hall | Personal Touch Catering
Billiards / Pool Hall | Diamond Billiards Sports Bar & Grill
Boat Club | Freedom Boat Club – Cape Coral
Charter Boat | Cruisin’ Tikis Cape Coral
Country Music Venue | Dixie Roadhouse
Craft & Art Classes | Karma & Coconuts
DIY Craft Store | AR Workshop
Fishing Charter | All Waters Fishing Charters
Fishing Charter | Captain Captain Enzo Cerqua, Enzo Outdoors
Golf Course | Cape Royal Golf Club
Kayak Rental | Venture Out Bait Shop
Ladies Night | Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar
Live Entertainment | Torched Bar & Grill
Live Music Venue | Back Streets Sports Bar
Live Performance Theater | Cultural Park Theatre
Night Life | The Loft
Nightclub | Dixie Roadhouse
Outdoor Entertainment | Tropical Breeze Fun Park
Pottery Classes | The Bent Brush
Sailing & Cruising School | Southwest Florida Yachts
Social Club | German-American Social Club
Summer Camp | Studio 8 Dance
Tribute Band Venue | Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill – Cape Coral
Appetizers | Rumrunners
Authentic British Food | Pete’s Fish & Chips
Bagel Shop | Stuff A Bagel
Barbecue | Big8 BBQ
Breakfast | House of Omelettes
Catering | Harbour Catering
Charcuterie Board | Grazing Haus
Chicago Beef | Chicago Pizza
Chicago Dog | Chicago Pizza
Chicago Pizza | East of Chicago Pizza
Chinese Restaurant | J&P Asian Fusion
Chowder | Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood
Coney Dog | Cape Harbour Oyster Bar & Grill
Crab Cakes | FINS Seafood & Dive Bar
Deli | Paradise Deli & Grill
Diner | Mel’s American Diners
Farmers Market | Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Fish & Chips | Pinchers
Food Truck | The Greek Spot
Fried Rice | J&P Asian Fusion
Fusion | J&P Asian Fusion
Gourmet Takeout | Ceno Grille
Greek Restaurant | The Greek Spot
Grocery Store | ALDI
Gyro | The Greek Spot
Hamburger | Lehne Burger American Eatery Cape Coral
Italian Restaurant | Maria’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Mac & Cheese | Torched Bar & Grill
Meat Market | Farmer Joe’s
Mediterranean Restaurant | Ceno Grille
Mexican Restaurant | Monarca’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine Bar & Grill
Nachos | Big 10 Tavern
New Restaurant | High Tide Social House
Omelet | The Omelet Shop
Oysters | Cape Harbour Oyster Bar & Grill
Pasta Dishes | Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant
Philly Cheesesteak | Double Dee’s Munchies
Pizza (local) | Chicago Pizza
Prime Rib | Ralph’s Place
Quiche | Perk & Brew
Raw Bar | Lobster Lady Seafood and Market Bistro
Restaurant | Torched Bar & Grill
Ribs | Texas Tonys Rib & Brewhouse
Salads | Ralph’s Place
Seafood Market | Merrick Seafood Company
Seafood Restaurant | Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood
Shrimp Tacos | FINS Seafood & Dive Bar
Soup | Perk & Brew
Specialty Market | Amore Italian Market & Bakery
Steak | Ceno Grille
Sub & Sandwich Shop | Lennys Grill & Subs
Sunday Brunch | Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood
Sushi | J&P Asian Fusion
Tacos | Taco Works
Tater Tots | Big 10 Tavern
Wings | The Dek Bar
Wraps | FINS Seafood & Dive Bar
Assisted Living Community | Atrium at Liberty Park
Chiropractor | Dr. Mel Youngs DC, PA Chiropractic Physicians and Wellness
Dental Office | Chiquita Dental Care
Dermatologist | Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery – Cape Coral
Facials | Let’s Face It
Family Practice | Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL Cape Family Practice
Family Practitioner | Dr. William A. Hayes, DO
Gym | Planet Fitness
Health Food Market | Mercola Market
Hearing Aids | Nobile Hearing Aid Center
Massage Therapy | Dr. Mel Youngs DC, PA Chiropractic Physicians and Wellness
Memory Care Community | Atrium at Liberty Park
Optical/Ophthalmology Center | Snead Eye Care
Pediatric Care Center | Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL Cape Peds Too
Pediatrician | PPC Dr. Angela D’alessandro, DO
Pharmacy (local) | Center Pharmacy
Physical Therapy | Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL Physical Therapy
Physician | Dr. William A. Hayes, DO
Senior Retirement Community | The Gallery at Cape Coral
Spa | Dr. Mel Youngs DC, PA Chiropractic Physicians and Wellness
Vein Center | Lumiere Cosmetic Vein Center, P.A.
Yoga/Pilates | HOTWORX North Cape Coral, FL
A/C Dealer | Deep Blue Air Inc.
A/C Service & Repair | Ocean Breeze Heating & Cooling
Appliance Repair | Baxter Appliance
Appliance Store | Good Deals Appliances of Cape Coral
Blinds and Shutters | Blinds Plus Interiors
Cabinetry | Academy Home Kitchen & Bath, Inc.
Carpet | Direct Flooring
Countertops | Academy Home Kitchen & Bath Inc
Disaster Remediation | Remediation 911
Drywall/Restoration | iMold Water Damage & Mold Restoration of Cape Coral
Electrician | Always Affordable Electric
Fences & Gates | Quality Fencing of SWFL
Home and Garden Decor | Pottery in Paradise
Home Renovation | Academy Home Developments, Inc.
House Cleaning | Trifecta Home Solutions LLC
Hurricane Shutters | Wild West Security Shutters
Interior Design | Lori Manning Designs
Landscaping | Hodges Landscaping & More, LLC
Lawn Care Company | J and D Lawn Service
LED Lighting | Sign On, llc. LED Signs & Graphics. Total Sign Solutions
LVT Flooring | Trebing Tile & Carpet
Marble/Granite Dealer | Affordable Marble & Granite
Mold Remediation | Remediation 911
Outdoor Kitchens | Academy Home Developments, Inc.
Paver Company | Next Level
Pest Control | Precision Pest Control
Plumbing Company | Plumbing MD, LLC
Pool Cage Repair | Eternal
Pool Cage/Lanai Screening | Dr Screen
Pool Contractor | Custom Pools by Design
Pool Refinishing | Academy Home Development
Pool Service Company | Pool Doctor
Pressure Washing | All American Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing
Residential House Painter | Capital Painting, LLC
Roofing Contractor | Nastar
Solar Panels | Jason the Solar Pro
Tile & Grout Cleaning / Repair | Trebing Tile & Carpet
Tile Flooring | Trebing Tile & Carpet
Tree Trimming | K.E. Beal Co. Tree Service
Upholstery & Drapery | Discover Interiors
Window Treatment | Blinds Plus Interiors
Wood/Laminate Flooring | Trebing Tile & Carpet
Antique Store | Cape Coral re:MADE
Art Gallery | Karma & Coconuts
Bait & Tackle | Venture Out Bait Shop
Bicycle Rental | Cape Coral Cycling
Bicycle Repair | Cape Coral Cycling
Bicycle Shop | Cape Coral Cycling
Boat Dealer | WMF Watercraft & Marine
CBD Store | Your CBD Store
Cigar Store | The World Famous Cigar Bar
Computer Sales | Genius Computer Repair & Service
Custom Jewelry | Zak’s Jewelry
Florist | Cape Coral Floral Designs
Furniture Store | FOS Furniture
Gift Shop | Sip and Send
Golf Cart Sales & Service | Carts of the Cape
Guns & Ammo | Cape Guns
Jewelry Store | Travis Jewelers
Local Hardware Store | Family Hardware
Mattress Store | Cape Coral Mattress
New Car Dealer | Roger Dean Chevrolet
Pawn Shop | Larry’s Estate Jewelry & Pawn, Inc. Cape Coral
Pet Food Store | Touch of Class Pet Grooming LLC
Pottery Store | Pottery in Paradise
Rock Shop | Karma & Coconuts
Sign Shop | Sign On, llc. LED Signs & Graphics. Total Sign Solutions
Thrift Shop | Kiwanis Club Thrift Store
Used Car Dealer | Auto Advantage USA
Women’s Apparel (local) | Razzle Dazzle
Accounting Firm | Feichthaler Tax Services
Airport Shuttle | Surfside Airport Shuttle
Apartment Complex | Aspire Cape Coral
Association & Condominium Management Services | Compass Rose Management
Attorney | Eric P. Feichthaler, Attorney-At-Law
Auto Body Shop | Cape Collision Center
Auto Detailing | SWFL Auto Detail
Auto Service & Repair Shop | Ken’s Auto Repair
Bank | Bank OZK
Barber Shop | Limitless Barbershop Cape Coral
Boat Lift Repair | Hickcox Brothers Marine Inc.
Boat Lift/Canopies | Hickcox Brothers Marine Inc.
Boat Rental | Cape Coral Boat Rentals
Boat Service Shop | Leith Marine Specialties, Inc
Bookkeeper | CRP Specialists, Inc.
Builder-Commercial | Compass Construction, Inc.
Builder-Home | Carney Quality Construction
Car Wash | Mister Car Wash
Cell Phone Repair | Genius Computer Repair & Service
Commercial Painting | Greenwell Painting, Inc.
Computer & Laptop Repair | Genius Computer Repair & Service
CPA | Feichthaler Tax Services
Crating & Cargo Delivery | Craters & Freighters Southwest Florida
Credit Union | Suncoast Credit Union
Cremation | Fuller Metz Cremation & Funeral Services
Dance Studio | Studio 8 Dance
Daycare | All Superstars Preschool
Dock Builder | BMI Marine Construction
Doggie Daycare | Tiki Tails
Dry Cleaners | Cape Cleaners
Financial Advisor | Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Hector Gomez
Funeral Home | Fuller Metz Cremation & Funeral Services
Hair Extensions | Vogue Hair Studio
Hair Salon | Vogue Hair Salon
Home Watch | Valor Real Estate Services, Inc.
Hotel | The Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village
Insurance Agency | Pete Look, PhD
Insurance Agent | Edwin Pickett-Allstate Insurance
Law Firm | Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A.
Low-Cost Animal Clinic | Cape Coral Animal Shelter & Veterinary Clinic
Manicures | Pinque Nail Bar
Nonprofit Organization | Family Initiative, Inc
Pedicures | Xpo Nails & Spa
Permanent Makeup | Vogue Hair Studio
Pet Boarding | Tiki Tails
Pet Grooming Salon | Touch of Class Pet Grooming LLC
Preschool | All Superstars Preschool
Property Management | Valor Real Estate Services, Inc.
Psychic/Medium | Tracy Turner
Real Estate Agency-Local | Royal Palm Realty of SWFL, LLC
Real Estate Agency-National | Remax Nautical Realty
Real Estate Agent | Amy Keen
Real Estate Brokerage | Royal Palm Realty of SWFL, LLC
Real Estate Rental Mgmt Team | Cole Coastal Management, LLC
Real Estate Team | Wright Way Home Team
Service Organization | Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Title Agency | Realty Title Solutions
Vacation Rental Agency | Royal Shell Vacations
Veterinarian | Dr. Nicole Nichols, DVM at Islandside Animal Hospital
Veterinary Hospital | Kindness Animal Hospital
Vocational School | Southwestern Vocational Training
Wigs | Hair Fx Studio & Spa
Adult Milkshakes | Sidecar Treats
Bakery (local) | LadyCakes Bakery
Cakes | LadyCakes Bakery
Crepes | Perk & Brew
Cupcakes | LadyCakes Bakery
Desserts | Sage on 47th
Frozen Yogurt | IceScreammmm
Gelato | The French Press
Homemade Ice Cream | Cape Creamery
Ice Cream Shop | Gazoops Ice Cream & Waffle Bar
Italian Bakery | Amore Italian Market & Bakery
Italian Ice | Zirilli’s Chilly Treats
Pastries | Amore Italian Market & Bakery
Pies | Amore Italian Market & Bakery
Popcorn Store | Wild About Popcorn
Sorbet | Cape Creamery
