BOTW 2025 SERVICES & PEOPLE WINNERS

Having a great community doesn’t just happen on its own—it takes a village.

In these categories, you’ll find some of our most precious relationships. Ron Swanson says, “The three most important people in a man’s life are his barber, his butcher, and his lover,” and that could just as easily extend to your tattoo artist, your masseuse and your dog’s barber. 

It’s not surprising to see some of these returning champs, as spots like Sovereign Arms and Fido & Stitch remain community favorites—but with so much competition, we find it particularly impressive that Jenna Arcidiacono of Amore Trattoria Italiana has won Best Chef every single year we’ve run Best of the West. 

Considering she opened the beloved eatery just 15 years ago, that means Chef Jenna came out swinging and has stayed a favorite ever since. This is in no small part thanks to her nonprofit Food Hugs, which spreads love with free food and donated money. But it’s also thanks to her immense passion, infectious joy, and of course, that iconic pink coif.

STAFF PICKS

Grocery Store - Kingma’s Market

Go here any day of the week, and you’re likely to run into me or my mister—or, often, both of us. They carry all kinds of specialty items that are hard to find anywhere else, including paneer for making Indian simmer, Ukrainian crepes, and local-ish tortillas. They have an exceptional wine selection with interesting picks on the endcaps, plus pre-made salads and sandwiches and pastries from local bakeries. Let’s not forget the big wall-o-bulk foods, from nuts to candies, dried fruits and more. – Allison Kay Bannister

*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed alphabetically below.

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BARBER SHOP
Henchmen House Barbershop

Foremost Barbershop

Punch Up Barber Shop

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BARTENDER
Drip Drop Cocktail Room - Nick Adams

Maggie's - Vito Fraccaroli

Nightwatch Lounge - Rob Hanks

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CATERING
Martha's Catering

Kangaroo Kitchen

Two Scotts Barbecue

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CHEF
Amore - Jenna Arcidiacono

Littlebird - Dave VanderLaan

MIZIZI - Kirel Shaw

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DOG GROOMER
Fido & Stitch

Cats Vs. Dogs

North Bark Groomers

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EVENT PLANNER
Luxe Events

All Buttoned Up Events

Shoreline Event Design

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FITNESS/GYM
MVP Athletic Club

Lunar Cycle

IMPACT Fitness + Wellness

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INTERIOR DESIGN
Delight In Designs

Deidre Interiors

Kathryn Chaplow

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LAW FIRM
Warner Norcross + Judd

Mika Meyers PLC

Varnum LLP

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PHOTOGRAPHER
Leigh Ann Cobb

Holladay Photography

NissaJ Photography

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REALTOR
Pete Bruinsma

Dan Farkas

Garrett Senters

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SALON
Echo Salon

Jeffrey Richard Salon

The Hair Lab

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SPA
Woodhouse Day Spa

Ethos Day Spa

Wanderlux

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TATTOO SHOP
Sovereign Arms Tattoo Co.

Balm Tattooing

High Point Tattoo

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VET/ANIMAL CLINIC
Eastown Veterinary Clinic

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital

Plymouth Road Animal Clinic

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WELLNESS CENTER
Grand Rapids Wellness

Salus Wellness Center

Sandbar Esthetics and Spa

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YOGA
Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse

Kula Yoga

Twisted Hot Yoga