None of the other categories would exist if it weren’t for the people behind them.
The bartenders, barbers, chefs, tattoo artists, veterinarians—these are the people who don’t just provide a service, but we form a connection with them, whether it’s face to face or through their work. We grow to trust them, and that’s what these votes represent; who does West Michigan trust?
West Michiganders continue to trust local credit unions over banks, which couldn’t be more perfectly symbolized than by LMCU’s takeover of the former Fifth Third Ballpark. West Michigan also loves Henchmen House, winning once again this year. And Dan Dixon remains a favorite bartender, though Cassie Heuton of Pursuit of Happiness Co. received a groundswell of support—including “Vote for Cassie” shirts—that shot her to the top this year.
Meanwhile, people continue to love Chef Jenna Arcidiacano, not only thanks to her delicious cooking at Amore Trattoria, but due to the way she constantly is giving back to the community.
It’s also exciting to have cannabis and CBD categories in Best of the West now, especially as the industry shifts and more fully local spots begin to open. Pharmhouse Wellness, owned and funded entirely by owner and former caretaker Casey Kornoelje, continues to impress. Their production facility opening up and offering truly high-quality product at an affordable price certainly helps.
There could be 1,000 Services & People categories, and we still wouldn’t be able to reward everyone in West Michigan who makes our community special.
*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed alphabetically below.
BANK/CREDIT UNION
Lake Michigan Credit Union | lmcu.org
Adventure Credit Union
Consumers Credit Union
BARBER SHOP
Henchmen House Barbershop | thehenchmenhouse.com
Foremost Barbershop
Outlook Barbershop
BARTENDER
Pursuit of Happiness Co. - Cassie Heuton | pursuitofhappines.co
3 Gatos Brewery - Alivia Legg
Founders Brewing Co. - Dan Dixon
BED & BREAKFAST
Peaches Bed & Breakfast | peachesinn.com
The Leonard at Logan House
The Lilley Mansion
CANNABIS
Pharmhouse Wellness | pharmhousewellness.com
JARS Cannabis
Lume Cannabis
CATERING
Two Scotts Barbecue | twoscottsbbq.com
Kangaroo Kitchen & Catering
Martha’s Catering
CBD RETAILER
Pharmhouse Wellness | pharmhousewellness.com
CBD Store of Michigan
The Grassy Knoll
CHEF
Amore Trattoria Italiana - Jenna Arcidiacono
Rockford Brewing Co. - Alex Luther
Essence Restaurant Group - Jeremy Paquin
DOG GROOMER
Fido & Stitch | fidoandstitch.com
Cascade Hospital for Animals
Splash and Dash
EVENT PLANNER
Long Road Distillers - Nicole Finch
CityFlatsHotel - Morgan Fisher
Destination Consultants
FITNESS CLUB/GYM
MVP Sports Clubs | mvpsportsclubs.com
8th Day Gym
Lunar Cycle
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Delight in Designs - Jessica Crosby | delightindesigns.com
Jean Stoffer Design - Jean Stoffer
Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design - Kathryn Chaplow
LAW FIRM
Miller Johnson Attorneys | millerjohnson.com
Varnum LLP
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
PHOTOGRAPHER
Madison Kristine Photography | madisonkristinephotography.com
Katy Batdorff Photography
Rebecca Dexter Visuals
REALTOR
B Home & Co. - Emily Brougham | bhomegr.com
Cheryl Grant Real Estate Team - Cheryl Grant
Grand River Realty - Pete Bruinsma
SALON
Lilith’s Lair | lilithslairgr.com
Chasing Vanity Salon & Medi Spa
Seven & Mane Salon
SPA
Design 1 Salon Spa | design1.com
Ethos Day Spa
Salus Wellness Spa
TATTOO SHOP
Mos Eisleys Tattoo Studio | moseisleys.com
Balm Tattooing
Sovereign Arms Tattoo Co.
VET/ANIMAL CLINIC
Cascade Hospital for Animals | chfa.net
Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
Plymouth Road Animal Clinic
WELLNESS CENTER
Grand Rapids Wellness | grwell.com
Salus Wellness Spa
The Vitalist Institute of Psychospiritual Transformation
YOGA
Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse | yogahothouse.com
AM Yoga
Twisted Hot Yoga