Razor close races found in ‘Best of the R-C’ Contest

Published 2:20 pm Thursday, October 10, 2024

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As it is within the political arena, each and every vote counts.

The votes are in for the “Best of the Roanoke-Chowan” contest for 2024. The results showed some extremely close races.

It was so close in the voting for Best Auto Repair that there was a tie for first place while the runner-up was only two votes shy of making it a three-way tie.

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The difference between first and second place in the Best Athletic Trainer category was two votes. Ditto for the Best Chef category. Ditto for Best Mattress Store. Ditto for Best Oil Change. Ditto for the Best Tire Store.

In the Best Hair Salon category, three votes were the difference between the winner and runner-up.

Only four votes separated first and second place in the Best Eye Care/Optometrist category. Ditto for the Best Peanut Company.

The top two voter-getters in the Best Attorney category were separated by six votes. Ditto for the Best Roofing Contractor.

First and second place were within seven votes of each other for Best Barbecue in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

There were numerous other categories where the difference between first and second place was less than 15 votes.

And what makes these close races all that more amazing is the fact that there was a total of 30,240 votes cast.

Those taking part in the voting process cast ballots for their favorite establishments, service providers, and professionals in the Roanoke-Chowan area. From your favorite auto repair shop…to the best hot dog….to the best cup of coffee, to the best French fries, votes were received and tabulated in 147 categories.

Other categories that attracted a large number of votes (more than 250) included Best Home Care Agency, Best Accountant, Best Attorney, Best Coach, Best Customer Service, Best Doctor, Best Electrical Contractor, Best Elementary School, Best Elementary School Principal, Best Elementary School Teacher, Best Employees, Best Ice Cream, Best Italian Food, Best Law Firm, Best Medical Facility, Best Mexican Food, Best Industrial Business, Best Middle School, Best Nurse, Best Pizza, Best Private School, Best Propane Company, Best Real Estate Agency, Best Real Estate Agent, and Best Restaurant.

Formally known as the Reader’s Choice Awards, “Best of the Roanoke-Chowan” allows the readers of our printed products and visitors to our website to select the “best of the best” businesses and professionals all across the broad landscape of our region: Bertie, Gates, Hertford, and Northampton counties.

Balloting was done online throughout the month of August, which dramatically increased participation as well as allowing us to increase the number of categories.

Roanoke-Chowan Publications offers its thanks to the contest’s Presenting Sponsor: Nucor Steel of Hertford County. Nucor is one of our local area’s top employers. At its mill near Cofield, Nucor manufactures high-quality steel plates that are used in various projects all across the United States. Nucor Steel of Hertford County takes pride in not only their products, but also of being part of the local community and a promoter of a green and clean environment.

We also say thanks to those who took the time to cast ballots on our website. We strongly encourage everyone who took part to “back up your vote” by supporting local businesses.

Congratulations to the winners who are listed as follows:

 

Best Auto Body Repair

Winner: Ahoskie Body Shop & Collision Center

Runner-up: Rich Square Auto Services

 

Best Auto Dealer (New)

Winner: Strickland Auto Group

Runner-up: Feyer Ford of Ahoskie

 

Best Auto Dealer (Used)

Winner: Strickland Auto Group

Runner-up: Feyer Ford of Ahoskie

 

Best Auto Parts Store

Winner: NAPA Auto Parts – Morris Auto Parts

Runner-up: Dixie Auto Parts – Sunbury

 

Best Auto Repair

Co-Winner: Casper Sale & Services

Co-Winner: Morris Auto Service

Runner-up: Strickland Auto

 

Best Auto Salesperson

Winner: Billy Little

Runner-up: Brandon Casper

 

Best Car Wash/Detailing   

Winner: Pro Sparkle

Runner-up: Crystal Clean

 

Best Oil Change

Winner: Casper Sale & Services

Runner-up: Chowan Tire Services LLC

 

Best Tire Store

Winner: Colony Tire and Service

Runner-up: Ahoskie Tire Sales Inc.

 

Best Towing

Winner: Freeman Sales Inc.

Runner-up: Ahoskie Body Shop & Collision Center

 

Best Child Care Provider

Winner: Ahoskie Christian Center

Runner-up: New Beginnings Day Care Center

 

Best Coach

Winner: Michael Vaughan

Runner-up: Jonathan Jones

 

Best Community College

Winner: Roanoke-Chowan Community College

Runner-up: Pitt Community College

 

Best Elementary School

Winner: Bearfield Primary School

Runner-up: Ridgecroft School

 

Best Elementary School Principal

Winner: Julie Shields

Runner-up: Don Gregory

 

Best Elementary School Teacher

Winner: Jennifer Rose

Runner-up: Amanda Little

 

Best High School

Winner: Hertford County Early College High School

Runner-up: Hertford County High School

 

Best High School Athletic Program

Winner: Gates County High School

Runner-up: Hertford County High School

 

Best High School Principal

Winner: Lyndsay Britt

Runner-up: Wesley Dudley

 

Best High School Teacher

Winner: Sarah Davis

Runner-up: Lori Barnes

 

Best Middle School

Winner: Ridgecroft School

Runner-up: Hertford County Middle School

 

Best Middle School Principal

Winner: Terrell Deloatch

 

Best Middle School Teacher

Winner: Lori Barnes

Runner-up: Brandon Young

 

Best Private School

Winner: Ridgecroft School

Runner-up: Ahoskie Christian School

 

Best Teacher’s Assistant

Winner: Brenda Langford

 

Best Asian Food

Winner: China Garden Restaurant

Runner-up: E9 Grill and Par 3 Course

 

Best Bakery

Winner: The Table Spoon

Runner-up: Sugar Shack at Black Mingle Farms

 

Best Barbecue

Winner: Otto BBQ & Grill

Runner-up: Tarheel Bar-B-Q

 

Best Breakfast

Winner: Duck Thru Food Stores

Runner-up: The Table Spoon

 

Best Catering

Winner: Southern Delights

Runner-up: Sugar Shack at Black Mingle Farms

 

Best Cheese Biscuit

Winner: Bojangles

Runner-up: Duck Thru

 

Best Coffee

Winner: Mug Shotz Cafe & Quick Trigger Brewing Co.

Runner-up: Duck Thru Food Stores

 

Best Deli

Winner: Piggly Wiggly – Ahoskie

Runner-up: Food Lion

 

Best Dessert

Winner: Sugar Shack at Black Mingle Farms

Runner-up: Kurbside Bar & Grill

 

Best Drive-Thru

Winner: Golden Skillet

Runner-up: Burger King

 

Best Food Truck

Winner: Yall Eat Yet

Runner-up: Latin Soul

 

Best French Fries

Winner: Napoli Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Runner-up: Otto BBQ & Grill

 

Best Fried Chicken

Winner: Golden Skillet

Runner-up: Park N Shop # 9

 

Best Grocery Store Hot Bar

Winner: Piggly Wiggly – Ahoskie

Runner-up: Food Lion

 

Best Hamburger

Winner: Otto BBQ & Grill

Runner-up: Tavern 125

 

Best Home Cooking

Winner: Ella’s Cafe

Runner-up: Golden Skillet

 

Best Hot Dog

Winner: Duck Thru Food Stores

Runner-up: Kurbside Bar & Grill

 

Best Ice Cream

Winner: Murfreesboro Creamery

Runner-up: Duck Thru Food Stores

 

Best Iced Tea

Winner: Bojangles

Runner-up: Golden Skillet

 

Best Italian Food

Winner: Napoli Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Runner-up: Vito & Sons Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria

 

Best Kids Meal

Winner: Golden Skillet

Runner-up: Latin Soul

 

Best Meal Deal

Winner: Duck Thru Food Stores

Runner-up: Latin Soul

 

Best Menu

Winner: Tavern 125

Runner-up: Otto BBQ & Grill

 

Best Mexican Food

Winner: El Ranchero Cantina y Mas

Runner-up: Los Amigos Mexican

 

Best Outdoor Dining

Winner: Tavern 125

Runner-up: E9 Grill and Par 3 Course

 

Best Peanut Company

Winner: Bertie County Peanuts /Powell & Stokes Inc.

Runner-up: Hampton Farms

 

Best Pizza

Winner: Napoli Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Runner-up: Vito & Sons Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria

 

Best Restaurant

Winner: Napoli Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Runner-up: Tavern 125

 

Best Sandwich

Winner: Napoli Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Runner-up: Otto BBQ & Grill

 

Best Steak

Winner: Deadwood

Runner-up: Tavern 125

 

Best Taco

Winner: El Ranchero Cantina y Mas

Runner-up: Latin Soul

 

Best Home Care Agency

Winner: Quality Home Staffing Inc.

Runner-up: Home Life Care

 

Best Assisted Living Facility

Winner: Ahoskie Assisted Living

Runner-up: Gates House Assisted Living

 

Best Athletic Trainer

Winner: ECU Health Wellness Center – Ahoskie

Runner-up: Swing Angry

 

Best Chiropractor

Winner: Larabee Chiropractic & Rehab

Runner-up: Dr. Katie, Gaston N.C.

 

Best Dental Clinic

Winner: Thomas W. Vinson DDS

Runner-up: East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine – Ahoskie

 

Best Doctor

Winner: Christina Griffiths FNP

Runner-up: Berry Personalized Primary Care

 

Best Eye Care/Optometrist

Winner: Edwards Eye Care

Runner-up: Ahoskie Eye Care OD PA

 

Best Fitness Facility

Winner: ECU Health Wellness Center – Ahoskie

Runner-up: Swing Angry

 

Best Massage Therapist

Winner: DLuxe Beauty Bar LLC

Runner-up: De-Vinity Massage

 

Best Medical Facility

Winner: Aulander Medical Practice

Runner-up: Ahoskie Medical Practice, Penny L Brown MSNFNP-BC

 

Best Medical Transport Service

Winner: Bertie Ambulance Services

Runner-up: Bertie County Emergency Services

 

Best Nurse

Winner: Angela Futrell, Conway N.C.

Runner-up: Berry Personalized Primary Care

 

Best Nursing/Rehab Facility

Winner: Three Rivers Health & Rehabilitation Center

Runner-up: Gates Health and Rehab

 

Best Pediatrician

Winner: Jamande Jones MD

Runner-up: Susan Hoggard/RCCHC

 

Best Pharmacy

Winner: Mizelle’s Discount Drug

Runner-up: Todd’s Pharmacy of Gates County

 

Best Physical Therapy

Winner: ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital

Runner-up: ECU Health Bertie Hospital

 

Best Urgent Care

Runner-up: ECU Health Immediate Care – Ahoskie

 

Best College Athletic Program

Winner: Chowan University

Runner-up: East Carolina University

 

Best Customer Service

Winner: Sharp Energy

Runner-up: Ace Hardware

 

Best Date Night Spot

Winner: Insert Coin Arcade + Bar

Runner-up: The Hotel

 

Best Day Trip

Winner: Merchants Millpond State Park

Runner-up: Livermon Park & Mini Zoo

 

Best Elected Public Official

Winner: David L. Shields

Runner-up: Donald Trump

 

Best Employees

Winner: Sharp Energy

Runner-up: Insert Coin Arcade + Bar

 

Best Employer/Place To Work

Winner: Sharp Energy

Runner-up: Nucor Steel Hertford County

 

Best Golf Course

Winner: Beechwood Country Club

Runner-up: Occano

 

Best Local Event/Festival

Winner: Watermelon Festival – Murfreesboro

Runner-up: Northampton County July 4th Celebration

 

Best Museum/Gallery

Winner: Historic Hope

Runner-up: Ahoskie Museum

 

Best Musical Artist/Band

Winner: Lucas Ireland

Runner-up: The Fletcher White Band

 

Best Park For A Picnic

Winner: Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex

Runner-up: Livermon Park & Mini Zoo

 

Best Place To Take A Vacation

Winner: Outer Banks

Runner-up: Cashie River Treehouse Village

 

Best Walking Trail

Winner: Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex

Runner-up: Livermon Park & Mini Zoo

 

Best Wedding Venue

Winner: Historic Hope

Runner-up: Jubilant Fields

 

Cleanest Public Restroom

Winner: Insert Coin Arcade + Bar

Runner-up: State Employees Credit Union

 

Best Accountant

Winner: Hunter T. Bracy CPA

Runner-up: Jon Edwards CPA

 

Best Attorney

Winner: Cecelia Jones

Runner-up: Tom Jones

 

Best Auctioneer

Winner: Rich & Rich Bonded Auctioneers

Runner-up: Country Boys Auction & Realty

 

Best Bank Teller

Winner: Carla Ambrose

Runner-up: Nicole Eure

 

Best Bank/Credit Union

Winner: State Employees Credit Union

Runner-up: Southern Bank – Ahoskie

 

Best Banker

Winner: Jonathan Jones

Runner-up: Nicole Eure

 

Best Barber

Winner: Jason’s

Runner-up: Bruce Pittman

 

Best Barber Shop

Winner: Jason’s

Runner-up: Barnes Barber Shop

 

Best Bartender

Winner: Joni Saner

Runner-up: Kay Parker

 

Best Chef

Winner: Carolyn Lewis

Runner-up: Kay Parker

 

Best Church/Place of Worship

Winner: Murfreesboro Baptist Church

Co-Runner-up: Church At The Crossroads

Co-Runner-up: First Baptist Church

 

Best Cleaning Service

Winner: Dixons Quality Drycleaning

Runner-up: Keep N Kleen LLC

 

Best Dance Studio

Winner: Hope’s School of Dance

Runner-up: Susan’s Encore Dance Academy

 

Best Electrical Contractor

Winner: Harrell Electric Company

Runner-up: Bland’s Electrical Service LLC

 

Best Financial Advisor

Winner: State Employees Credit Union

Runner-up: Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Sara J Crowder CEPA

 

Best Funeral Service Provider

Winner: Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service

Runner-up: Miller Funeral Home

 

Best Hair Salon

Winner: The Cuttin Edge

Runner-up: Southern Roots Salon

 

Best Hair Stylist

Winner: Carla Odom

Runner-up: Sonya Chamblee

 

Best Home Builder

Winner: John Bradley/Bradley Construction

Runner-up: Saw Dust Life/Danny Jatko Home Improvement

 

Best HVAC Company

Winner: Tommy White

Runner-up: Masters Heating & Air Conditioning

 

Best Insurance Agency

Winner: Boyette & Robertson Insurance Agency Inc.

Runner-up: Lee Insurance & Financial Services

 

Best Insurance Agent

Winner: Walt Pierce

Runner-up: Brad Lee

 

Best Internet Service

Winner: Spectrum

Runner-up: Fybe

 

Best Landscaper

Winner: Roberts Landscapes and Nursery

Runner-up: Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services

 

Best Law Enforcement Officer

Winner: Stephen White

Runner-up: Braden Lucas

 

Best Law Firm

Winner: Jones & Carter P.A. Attorneys at Law

Runner-up: Jones Law

 

Best Mfg./Industrial Business

Winner: Nucor Steel Hertford County

Runner-up: Benchmark Buildings and Irrigation

 

Best Pastor

Winner: Mark Gaskins

Runner-up: Sandy Outlaw

 

Best Pest Control Service

Winner: Vaughan’s Pest Control

Runner-up: Albemarle Termite & Pest Control Inc.

 

Best Pet Groomer

Winner: Bed and Biscuits Pet Resort LLC – Ahoskie

Runner-up: Canine Style

 

Best Photographer

Winner: Alexis Leigh Photography

Runner-up: Ridgecroft School

 

Best Plumbing Service

Winner: Vaughan’s Plumbing

Runner-up: Logan Mizelle

 

Best Propane Gas Company

Winner: Sharp Energy

Runner-up: Jernigan Oil & Propane

 

Best Real Estate Agency

Winner: Freeman Realty

Runner-up: Hill Realty Co

 

Best Real Estate Agent

Winner: Ann Bennett

Runner-up: Nancy Freeman

 

Best Restaurant Server

Winner: Kelly Keel

Runner-up: Kay Parker

 

Best Roofing Contractor

Winner: Edwards Roofing Inc.

Runner-up: Saw Dust Life/Danny Jatko Home Improvement

 

Best Staffing Agency

Winner: Professional Staffing Solutions

Runner-up: Bertie Staffing LLC

 

Best Utility/Electric Provider

Winner: Dominion Energy Virginia

Runner-up: Roanoke Cooperative

 

Best Vet Clinic

Winner: Vinson Mobile Clinic, Murfreesboro

Runner-up: Powellsville Pet Clinic

 

Best Veterinarian

Winner: Cola Vinson, Murfreesboro

Runner-up: Dr. Cheryl Powell

 

Best Antique Store

Winner: My Deer Watson

Runner-up: Riverside Mill

 

Best Appliance Store

Winner: Eddie Harrell’s Auto and Sports Store

Runner-up: Lowes Home Improvement

 

Best Bait and Tackle

Winner: Eddie Harrell’s Auto and Sports Store

Co-Runner-up: D G White Services Center

Co-Runner-up: Duck Thru Food Stores

 

Best Carpet/Flooring Store

Winner: Sherwin-Williams Paint Store

Runner-up: United Floor Coverings

 

Best Cell Phone Service Provider

Winner: UScellular Authorized Agent – EZ Page

Runner-up: UScellular Authorized Agent – Eastern Carolina Communications Inc.

 

Best Consignment/Thrift Shop

Winner: My Deer Watson

Runner-up: Ahoskie Thrift Store

 

Best Furniture Store

Winner: Murfreesboro Furniture

Runner-up: Sawyers House of Furniture

 

Best Gas Station/Convenience Store

Winner: Duck Thru Food Stores

Runner-up: Murphy USA

 

Best Gift Shop

Winner: A Home Garden Shop

Runner-up: My Deer Watson

 

Best Grocery Store

Winner: Piggly Wiggly – Ahoskie

Runner-up: Food Lion

 

Best Hardware Store

Winner: Ace Hardware

Runner-up: Farmers Feed & Supply Co.

 

Best Jewelry Store

Winner: A Home Garden Shop

Runner-up: My Deer Watson

 

Best Mattress Store

Winner: Schewels Home

Runner-up: Ashley Store

 

Best Nail Salon

Winner: Glossed up Nail Salon and Boutique

Runner-up: A-Nails

 

Best Sporting/Marine Goods Store

Winner: Eddie Harrell’s Auto and Sports Store

Runner-up: Brabble Guns

 

Best Women’s Boutique/Clothing

Winner: A Home Garden Shop

Runner-up: My Deer Watson

About Cal Bryant

Cal Bryant, a 40-year veteran of the newspaper industry, serves as the Editor at Roanoke-Chowan Publications, publishers of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, Gates County Index, and Front Porch Living magazine.

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