A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
For the last seven years, BayouLife Magazine has published the Bayou Buzz Awards, or “Buzzys” as we like to call them. Nominations were open to the public, where the top ten were selected to be voted on. We acknowledge that there are so many amazing businesses in our area, but our Bayou Buzz awards focus on those businesses that are locally owned and operated. We know that this list is not all encompassing, and we hope to continue to grow this special acknowledgement in the coming years.
The Bayou Buzz awards is our way of celebrating those business owners who took risks and were successful at developing businesses that have made an impact in our community. In the following pages, you will find the top 3 finalists in each category with the winner listed at the top. We hope that our readers will use this insert as a resource for finding some of the most endeared businesses in our region.
Thank you to all those that participated in this year’s Bayou Buzz awards and congratulations to our nominees, finalists and winners.
CASSIE LIVINGSTON Publisher, BayouLife Magazine
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN
Whether you are looking for a personal trainer to help reach your fitness goals or a stylist to fix your “do,” we’ve got the best of the best listed below. This group of finalists encompass our readers’ choices for body, beauty and brawn.
HAIR STYLIST/COLORIST
WINNER: MAKAYLA LITTLETON
FINALISTS: RUSSELL MOORE, ASHLEY ALES BAILES
HAIR SALON
WINNER: RUMO’S
FINALISTS: MERAKI STUDIO, RAIN THE SALON AND DAY SPA
EYEBROW SERVICES
WINNER: BRITTANY DYE
FINALISTS: SPA BELLA, RAIN THE SALON AND DAY SPA
EYELASH SERVICES
WINNER: BRITTANY DYE
FINALISTS: DEFINE LASH CO., KALLIE BIBLE (SPA BELLA)
SUNLESS TANNING
WINNER: KEY WEST TAN
FINALISTS: BRITTNEY SULLIVAN, KALLIE BIBLE (SPA BELLA)
MANI/PEDI
WINNER: VIP NAIL BAR
FINALISTS: SPA BELLA/ALEXIS MCCOY, TC NAILS
WAXING
WINNER: BRITTANY DYE
FINALISTS: KALLIE BIBLE (SPA BELLA), RAIN THE SALON AND DAY SPA
DAY SPA
WINNER: SPA BELLA
FINALISTS: SPA NOUVELLE, NEW BEGINNINGS
MEDISPA
WINNER: SPA BELLA
FINALISTS: NEW BEGINNINGS, THE WOMAN’S CLINIC
MASSAGE THERAPIST
WINNER: DAWN MILLER (SPA BELLA)
FINALISTS: MARY BETH DICKERSON, CANDI BROOKS/ANA LOPEZ HALE
FACIAL
WINNER: KALLIE BIBLE (SPA BELLA)
FINALISTS: BRITTNEY SULLIVAN, EMILY LANE
YOGA STUDIO
WINNER: BLUE SKY YOGA
FINALISTS: THE WELLNESS CENTER, PURE DRIP WELLNESS
PILATES STUDIO
WINNER: THE WELLNESS CENTER
FINALISTS: BLUE SKY YOGA, THE PILATES ROOM
FITNESS TRAINER
WINNER: BONNIE FARMER HAY
FINALISTS: CESAR CAMACHO, TAYLOR JOPLING
ATHLETIC CENTER/GYM
WINNER: THE WELLNESS CENTER
FINALISTS: TRIBE31 TRAINING, MONROE ATHLETIC CLUB
BAYOU BUNGALOW
Home is where the heart is and the finalists in these categories definitely have our love. From the very best in furniture options, to the guys with the green thumbs, our Bayou Bungalow winners celebrate the best in home décor and more.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES
WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART
FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW, REVIVAL DESIGN & CONSIGN
HOME ACCESSORIES
WINNER: WALSWORTH & COMPANY
FINALISTS: GYPSY SOUL, LAUREN ROEBUCK DESIGNS
HARDWARE & DESIGN
MATERIAL STORE
WINNER: TP OUTDOORS
FINALISTS: BASTROP FEED & SEED, TOM SANDERS BUILDING MART
FURNITURE STORE
WINNER: IVAN SMITH FURNITURE
FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW, WALSWORTH & COMPANY
HOME BUILDER
WINNER: 318 CONSTRUCTION
FINALISTS: HOLYFIELD CONSTRUCTION, RAFAEL LARA CONSTRUCTION
PLUMBER
WINNER: KELLY PLUMBING
FINALISTS: ALL PLUMBING, ROY WIGGINS PLUMBING
HVAC - HEATING & AIR
WINNER: GILLEY’S HEATING & COOLING
FINALISTS: 318 HEATING & AIR, JEREMY PRUITT
YARD CARE
WINNER: PRECISION LANDSCAPE & DESIGN
FINALISTS: NORTH PRO LANDSCAPING, SAL MORA
GARDEN SHOP
WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART
FINALISTS: SAMMY’S PLANT WORLD, O’NEALS FARM & GARDEN
CUSTOM CABINETS
WINNER: WEST OUACHITA CABINETS
FINALISTS: MAYO’S CUSTOM CABINETS, KEY MILLWORKS & SUPPLY CO.
COUTNERTOPS
WINNER: TWIN CITY GRANITE
FINALISTS: OTWELL FLOORING, DELTA GRANITE
PEST CONTROL
WINNER: REDD’S PEST CONTROL
FINALISTS: FLIPPIN’BUGS PEST MANAGEMENT, ANDERSON PEST CONTROL
INTERIOR DESIGNER / DECORATOR
WINNER: TAYLOR BENNETT
FINALISTS: LAUREN ROEBUCK, STRICKLAND INTERIOR BY JAN STRICKLAND
PAINTER
WINNER: BROWN’S PAINTING
FINALISTS: A-1 PAINTING, WAYNE MOORE PAINTING
HOME CLEANING
WINNER: FARMHOUSE FAIRIES
FINALISTS: KELSEY KLEAN, DELTA DEEP CLEAN
ELECTRICIAN
WINNER: COPELAND ELECTRIC
FINALISTS: TWIN CITY ELECTRIC, EMS ELECTRIC
BEST FLOORING
WINNER: FLOORWORKS
FINALISTS: KIM’S FLOOR DÉCOR, OTWELL FLOORING CO
FAVORITE FARE
Louisiana is known for delicious food, and our Favorite Fare category recognizes the best in the industry. From your favorite mixologist to the best burger in town – we’ve got you covered when it comes to these nom, nom, nominees.
BAR TO WATCH A GAME
WINNER: FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL
FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY, DAWGHOUSE SPORTS GRILL
PLACE FOR A CRAFT COCKTAIL
WINNER: PARISH RESTAURANT
FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY. CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR
BAR FOR BEER
WINNER: FLYING TIGER BREWERY
FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB
BEST BARTENDER
WINNER: MADDIE EMMONS
FINALISTS: JOE SOMMERSCALES, JOSH COLSON
STEAK
WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE
FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO 1, GENUSA’S
CRAWFISH
WINNER: CRAWFISH CITY
FINALISTS: CORMIER’S CAJUN CATERING, CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR
GUMBO
WINNER: TRAPP’S
FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO 1, MOHAWK TAVERN
POBOY
WINNER: RAY’S PEGE
FINALISTS: MAGIC GRILL MONROE, TRAPP’S
WINE SELECTION
WINNER: LANDRY’S VINEYARD
FINALISTS: THIRSTY FARMER, TONORE’S WINE CELLAR
PIZZA
WINNER: JOHNNY’S PIZZA
FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWERY, REVIVAL PIZZA CO
TACO JOINT
WINNER: IRON CACTUS
FINALISTS: TACO BANDIDO, DON CHUY MEXICAN GRILL
MARGARITA
WINNER: IRON CACTUS
FINALISTS: DON CHUY MEXICAN GRILL, EL PASO MEXICAN GRILL
FRENCH FRIES
WINNER: MAGIC GRILL
FINALISTS: OKALOOSA, JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE
AWARDS
FRIED CHICKEN
WINNER: SOUTHERN CLASSIC CHICKEN
FINALISTS: BIG MOMMA’S FINE FOODS
DELTA BISCUIT CO.
ASIAN
WINNER: RAWZ CAFÉ
FINALISTS: RONIN HIBACHI, BASIL OF MONROE
BURGER
WINNER: BURGER GRIND
FINALISTS: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB, FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL
BREAKFAST
WINNER: DELTA BISCUIT CO.
FINALISTS: BELLE’S OLE SOUTH DINER, LEA’S OF LECOMPTE
BBQ JOINT
WINNER: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE
FINALISTS: DANKEN TRAIL, PODNUH BAR-B-Q /BBQ PIT
COFFEE
WINNER: CORNER COFFEEHOUSE
FINALISTS: STANDARD COFFEE, ALEX LATIN RESTAURANT AND CAFETERIA
ITALIAN
WINNER: GENUSA’S RESTAURANT
FINALISTS: MILANO’S ITALIAN GRILL, ROMA’S RUSTON
BRUNCH
WINNER: DETLA BISCUIT CO.
FINALISTS: LEA’S OF LECOMPTE, RESTAURANT COTTON
SEAFOOD
WINNER: WAREHOUSE NO. 1
FINALISTS: TRAPP’S, CATFISH CHARLIES
SANDWICHES
WINNER: DAILY PRESS
FINALISTS: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE, RAY’S PEGE
BAKERY FOR SWEETS
WINNER: BUTTER - A LOUISIANA BAKERY
FINALISTS: CAKE, ALLBRITTON’S CAKE HOUSE
VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY
WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLY FAMILY FOODS
FINALISTS: DAILY HARVEST, FIESTA ON EIGHTEENTH/GOOD EARTH
GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS
WINNER: BUTTER - A LOUISIANA BAKERY
FINALISTS: DELTA BISCUIT CO., FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
WINNER: FIESTA ON EIGHTEENTH/ GOOD EARTH
FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, DAILY HARVEST
BEST FOOD TRUCK
WINNER: THE BLUE TACO
FINALISTS: FAY’S FAT BURGER & GRILL, BAD WOLF BBQ
BEST DONUTS
WINNER: BESTZ DONUTS
FINALISTS: HASKELL’S, DAYLIGHT DONUTS
2023 BAYOU BUZZ
FARE (CONT.)
FAVORITE
LOCAL STORES & SHOPS
Our local retailers are top notch, offering Northeast Louisiana represents the best shopping around. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or something outdoors, these local stores and shops have it all.
EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE
WINNER: HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER
FINALISTS: DILLINGHAM CHAPMAN FAMILY EYECARE, FAMILY EYE CARE
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
WINNER: THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE
FINALISTS: LITTLE BLUE KIDS BOUTIQUE, FIRST GLIMPSE
GIFT SHOP
WINNER: THE MUFFIN TIN
FINALISTS: TRENTON HOUSE, WOODSTOCK MONROE
JEWELRY STORE
WINNER: RANDY SMITH JEWELERS
FINALISTS: STEVE’S JEWELRY, MARTY & MARK’S, HOLLIS & COMPANY
ATHLETIC WEAR
WINNER: FLEET FEET
FINALISTS: RIVER OUTFITTERS, BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE
WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
WINNER: CARA’S
FINALISTS: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE, HERRINGSTONE’S
MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
WINNER: RIVER OUTFITTERS
FINALISTS: TP OUTDOORS, HONEY HOLE
SHOE STORE
WINNER: FLEET FEET
FINALISTS: CARA’S, HERRINGSTONE’S
ANTIQUE STORE
WINNER: TRENTON STREET ANTIQUES
FINALISTS: A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING, COTTON PORT
SPORTING GOODS
WINNER: TP OUTDOORS MONROE
FINALISTS: SIMMONS SPORTING GOODS, HONEY HOLE
LOCAL LIVING
Our Local Living nominees offer the best services in Northeast Louisiana. Whether you’re looking for a bank or need a caterer for your next big party, these businesses are the cream of the crop.
DAYCARE/CHILDCARE
WINNER: CLAIBORNE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
FINALISTS: PLAYHOWSE STERLINGTON, FIRST METHODIST MONROE
FLORAL SHOP
WINNER: PETALS & PEARLS
FINALISTS: VEE’S FLOWERS, ALL OCCASIONS FLOWERS & GIFTS
TAILOR /ALTERATIONS
WINNER: CAROLYN SEWING
FINALISTS: SHIRLEY’S ALTERATIONS, JOSE’S TAILOR SHOP
CATERER
WINNER: THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY
FINALISTS: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE, UPTOWN DOWNTOWN, THE PLATTER
CAR WASH
WINNER: ROCKETFAST
FINALISTS: TOMMY’S EXPRESS CAR WASH, CAR WASH WEST
PET GROOMER
WINNER: DKS GROOMING
FINALISTS: DOGGY STYLE, TAILS OF THE TWIN CITIES
DRY CLEANER
WINNER: D&D CLEANERS
FINALISTS: THURMANIZE CLEANERS, CLEANERS OF RUSTON
VET CLINIC
WINNER: THE CORNER VET
FINALISTS: COOPER VETERINARY, ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST MONROE
AUTO DEALER
WINNER: JIM TAYLOR AUTO GROUP
FINALISTS: SPARKS NISSAN, RYAN CHEVROLET
BANK
WINNER: ORIGIN BANK
FINALISTS: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
PHARMACY
WINNER: ARON’S PHARMACY
FINALISTS: COMMUNITY PHARMACY, MR. DISCOUNT DRUGS
ACCOUNTANT/CPA
WINNER: TASHIA HINES - CAMERON, HINES & COMPANY,
FINALISTS: DEBBIE TAKEWELL - TAKEWELL AND HANNA, APAC; AULDS, DUCHESNE & GRIGGS
LAWYER
WINNER: CUMMINS & FITTS
FINALISTS: CREED & CREED BRUSCATO LAW FIRM
INSURANCE AGENT
WINNER: BLAKE WHEELIS
FINALISTS: PEGGY SULLIVAN, STATE FARM, LAURA WOODS, STATE FARM
FINANCIAL PLANNER
WINNER: DARREN OGLESBY, OGLESBY FINANCIAL GROUP
FINALISTS: ANDY YARBROUGH, KEN FLETCHER
REAL ESTATE AGENT
WINNER: HARRISON LILLY
FINALISTS: HANNAH GIVENS, CHRIS RUX, ANNA ROMERO
DANCE STUDIO
WINNER: LINDA LAVENDER SCHOOL OF DANCE
FINALISTS: MISSY CRAIN DANCE STUDIOS, DBK DANCE AND PERFORMING ARTS
PET BOARDER
WINNER: SIT, STAY, PLAY
FINALISTS: CURLY’S TOP DOG, DOGGY DAYS LLC
TREE REMOVAL SERVICE
WINNER: CAJUN TREE CUTTER
FINALISTS: KIRKLAND KUTTERS, MUNHOLLAND TREE SERVICE
PHOTOGRAPHER
WINNER: ALBRITTONS PHOTOGRAPHY
FINALISTS: DESIRAE GOODING, UNVEILED RADIANCE - ANGELA SHOEMAKER
PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC
WINNER: MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY
FINALISTS: NELA REHABILITATION, GLORY THERAPY
YOUTH SUMMER CAMP / PROGRAM
WINNER: MEDCAMPS
FINALISTS: CAMP CH-YO-CA, SEEKER SPRINGS
MECHANIC
WINNER: FRANK NETTLES AUTOMOTIVE
FINALISTS: CULPS AUTOMOTIVE MARK’S AUTOMOTIVE
BEST PLACE TO ENTERTAIN KIDS
WINNER: KIROLI PARK
FINALISTS: LA PURCHASE GARDENS & ZOO, INDIAN VILLAGE HARVEST FARM
BEST CREDIT UNION
WINNER: OUACHITA VALLEY FCU
FINALISTS: CENTRIC FCU, KRAFTMAN FCU
BEST DENTIST
WINNER: NELA DENTAL
FINALISTS: PEACH TREE DENTAL, MATT TURPIN
BEST ORTHODONTIST
WINNER: CAPLES AND ROBINSON
FINALISTS: TURPIN ORTHODONTICS, WILLIAMS ORTHODONTICS
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
WINNER: GG GRANT (SHELL CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH SERVICES)
FINALISTS: MONROE CHIROPRACTIC, MAYFIELD CHIROPRACTIC
BEST LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND
WINNER: MIKE MCKENZIE BAND
FINALISTS: CODE BLUE AND THE FLATLINERS, CLARA MCBROOM
BEST TITLE COMPANY
WINNER: NORTH DELTA TITLE COMPANY
FINALISTS: BAYOU DESIARD TITLE COMPANY, DURRETT LAW & TITLE
BEST MORTGAGE LENDER
WINNER: ORIGIN BANK
FINALISTS: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
LAGNIAPPE
These categories represent some of the best products and people in the area. We love following our finalists on Instagram and always look forward to visiting our local art galleries.
LOCAL INSTAGRAMMER
WINNER: SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF @LEGITSADIEROB
FINALISTS: JO & KEMP @JOANDKEMP TAYLOR BENNETT @TAYLOR.A.BENNETT
ART GALLERY
WINNER: MASUR MUSEUM OF ART
FINALISTS: NORTHEAST LOUISIANA ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY, NEVILLE HOUSE
PUBLIC OFFICIAL
WINNER: MAYOR FRIDAY ELLIS
FINALISTS: US CONGRESSWOMAN JULIA LETLOW, SENATOR JOHN KENNEDY, MAYOR STACI MITCHELL
BEST LOCAL PRODUCT
WINNER: MR. P’S TEES
FINALISTS: LANDRY’S VINEYARD WINE, INDIAN VILLAGE HARVEST FARM
BEST LOCALLY OWNED CHAIN/ FRANCHISE
WINNER: CHICK-FIL-A
FINALISTS: JOHNNY’S PIZZA, CHICKEN SALAD CHICK
2023 BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS
LOCAL LIVING (CONT.)