Out of our five broader surveys, Services & People was by far the most voted in, and perhaps it’s because we consider the categories to be so personal.
We trust our stylists with our entire self-esteem and our tattoo artists even more so. We develop relationships with our bartenders, our yoga instructors, even our auto-repair shops. They directly impact our lives, so finding true quality is a must.
For this first ever Best of the West contest, some of the winners could be considered local celebs — Best Artist Erica Lang of Woosah fame, Best Filmmaker Joel Potrykus and Best Local Chef Jenna Arcidiacono (of Amore Trattoria), all of whom Revue has given ink to before. Best Photographer Katy Batdorff has made a name for herself shooting for events and publications all over Grand Rapids, including countless shoots for Revue. Climate change denier and WOOD TV8’s meteorologist Bill Steffen’s amiable personality and 40 years of airtime have made him something of a household name – hence his win for Best TV Personality.
Everyone knows the dude-bro charm that is The Free Beer & Hot Wings Show, an FM talk show now airing on more than 30 radio stations around the country. Interestingly enough, Eric Zane came in at second place, less than a year after being fired from Free Beer and Hot Wings. I get the feeling people love an underdog.
As for Best Barber Shop (Jude’s), Day Spa (Design 1), Nail Salon (Chasing Vanity) and Salon (Cheeky Strut), I’ve happily hit up the same place for my hair needs three years running *cough* Genesis Salon & Day Spa *cough*. And I can’t afford spa days, so overall I just don’t have a lot of insight here. I’m sure you also know who’s best, so be sure to vote for your spot next year! But this year’s Best Hair Stylist went to the innovative Katie Lynn “KL” Christoffersen at Cheeky Strut.
Here’s a fun fact though: Local Hair Stylist received 163 nominations, more than any other category in the contest. I guess stylists are generally surrounded by a supportive community friends and family. And the Photographer, Bartender and Artist categories all weren’t far behind in terms of total nominations.
All in all, these personable winners in the People & Services arena, they’ve developed a strong, unique brand and actively engage in the community. Getting out there and shaking hands pays off every once in a while. Congrats to the winners!
People & Services Readers Picks
Auto Repair
1. Community Auto Repair, 846 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids
2. Spaanstra Bros Automotive
3. Westside Garage
Bank/Credit Union
1. Lake Michigan Credit Union (Multiple locations)
2. Huntington
3. Fifth Third
Barber Shop
1. Jude’s Barbershop (Multiple locations)
2. Foremost Barbershop
3. Ace of Fades
Bicycle Shop
1. Freewheeler Bike Shop, 915 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
2. Spoke Folks
3. Village Bike & Fitness
Car Wash/Detailing
1. Southland Auto Wash (Multiple locations)
2. Water Works Car Wash
3. Breton Auto Wash
Day Spa
1. Design One (Multiple locations)
2. Chasing Vanity
3. Vasaio Life Spa
Fitness Club/Gym
1. MVP Sportsplex, 4035 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids
2. Allegro Coaching
3. Family Fitness
Local Artist
1. Erica Lang, Woosah Outfitters, 131 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids
2. Hugo Claudin
3. Tony Putt
Local Bartender
1. Roach, Stella’s, 53 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
2. Alex Calley, Winchester
3. Brian, Harmony Brewing Co.
Local Chef
1. Jenna Arcidiacono, Amore Trattoria Italiana, 5080 Alpine Ave. NW, Comstock Park
2. Abigail Therrien, Terra GR
3. Aaron Stek, San Chez
Local Comedian
1. Sarah Jean Anderson
2. Stu McCallister
3. Nolan Graff
Local Filmmaker
1. Joel Potrykus
2. Daniel Falicki
3. Jarred Griffith
Local Hair Stylist
1. KL (Katie Lynn) Christoffersen, Cheeky Strut, 216 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
2. Francie VanHoven, Avantgarde Salon
3. Sara Close, Capelli Salon
Local Instagram Account
1. EatGR (@eatgr1)
2. Experience Grand Rapids (@experiencegrandrapids)
3. Woosah Outfitters (@woosahoutfitters)
Local Photographer
1. Katy Batdorff
2. Brian Kelly
3. Tony Norkus
Local Radio Personality
1. Free Beer and Hot Wings
2. Connie & Curtis
2. Eric Zane
3. John Sinkevics
Local TV News Personality
1. Bill Steffen, WOOD TV 8
2. Rachael Ruiz, WOOD TV 8
3. Lauren Stanton, WZZM 13
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All Best of the West Categories: |
Nail Salon
1. Chasing Vanity, 150 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
2. VIP Nails
3. Asia Nails
Optical
1. Cascade Optical, 6740 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids
2. Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
3. Family and Pediatric Eye Care
Salon
1. Cheeky Strut, 216 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
2. Brindle and Blonde
3. Chasing Vanity
Tattoo/Piercing
1. Mos Eisley’s, 71 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids
2. Honest to Goodness
3. Sovereign Arms
Vet/Animal Clinic
1. Eastown Veterinary Clinic, 1350 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
2. Cascade Hospital for Animals
2. Breton Village Animal Clinic
3. Family Friends Veterinary Clinic
Yoga Studio
1. Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse, 1331 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids (and other locations)
2. AM Yoga
3. PeaceLab
STAFF PICKS
BEST LOCAL ARTIST:
Anna Lisa Schneider, annalisaillustration.com
Graphic designer for New Holland Brewing by day, comic creator by night, Anna Lisa Schneider’s illustrations manage to mix creepiness, cuteness, humor and surrealism in equal measures. In 2014, her tongue-in-cheek Artprize entry Fartprize satirized the experience of the festival in a series of vulgar, cartoon-like illustrations. Since then she’s been self-publishing zines, updating her weekly webcomic Inward Bound (inwardboundcomic.com), and tabling at various events, including the Cherry Capital Comic Con. She also recently opened her own online store where she sells comics, stickers, patches and pins. —Josh Spanninga
BEST BARBERSHOP:
Foremost, 152 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
From the moment you walk into Foremost Barbershop, it’s pretty clear this place is not like other barbershops. There is punk music blaring, a large sign stating “Cash Only” and only the bare bones of what’s needed for a good haircut/shave at each station. Foremost specializes in traditionally masculine cuts, and the barbers are absolute masters at fades, crew cuts, pompadours and the like. Whenever you visit you’re likely to encounter a long line of punks, greasers and businessmen waiting for haircuts and shaves. Luckily they have plenty of comics laid out for your reading pleasure. At $20 a cut and $30 per shave — it’s well worth the wait. —Josh Spanninga
