best of oxford 2015
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Best of oxford2 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
100 Courthouse Square • Oxford, MS • 662.234.0038
Thanks for voting usBest Frozen Yogurt for 2015
Best of Oxford - 2015 winners announcedFor 11 years now, Oxford EAGLE
readers have turned into voters who have been selecting the Best Bakery, the Best Sweet Tea, the Best Florist, the Best Pharmacy, the Best Firefighter, the Best Car Dealer, et cetera for the annual Best of Oxford section you’re holding in your hands or reading online.
For 11 years now, businesses and indi-viduals have been calling The EAGLE almost as soon as balloting ended to see if the votes had been counted and the winners named, and then asking if they could spread the good word before this section came out.
Once again, you have picked the peo-ple, the places and the things that mem-bers of the Lafayette-Oxford-University community like the best. Sure, it’s an unscientific way to pick winners, but we’ve been doing it this way for more than a decade and there is as much, or more, interest each year.
We’ve included, as we do annually,
the winners in each category as selected by online and paper-ballot voters, and we’ve also included the runners-up (in no particular order). You will also find feature stories on several of the winners and photos of several other top finishers.
As for those who have won all 11 years The EAGLE has had a Best of Oxford section, there are 27 — only two from the 10-year club fell short this year.
Again, we congratulate the winners of the Best of Oxford for 2015, and we look forward to doing this again next year.
VOTING WINNERS
Each year, we reward two voters — one from the online ballots and one from the paper ballots — with a $50 gift certificate to one of the winners’ businesses. This year’s winners are Taylor Cruse and Brenda Spencer.
Best of the Best — Family Medicine Group of Oxford ...............................Page 6Best Car Dealer, New and Used — Cannon Motors.....................................Page 8Best New Addition —Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken......................Page 13Best Kept Secret — The Range at TGC Outdoors.......................................Page 17Best Dry Cleaner — Rainbow Cleaners.........................................................Page 24Best Seafood — Snackbar..................................................................................Page 30Best Pest Control — Pickens Pest Control....................................................Page 34Best Radio Station — WQLJ FM 93.7 .............................................................Page 36
INSIDE
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 3
Best of oxford4 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
E A T I N G A N D D R I N K I N GASIAN
KabukiRice and Spice, Noodle Bowl, Toyo, Jinsei, Chow King, Thai Kitchen, H2O,
China Royal, Pick Thai
BARThe Library
City Grocery, Rooster’s, Lamar Lounge, Bouré, The Blind Pig Pub, Proud Larry’s, The Rib Cage, Burgundy Room, Round Table, Funky’s
BBQHandy Andy
Rib Cage, Lamar Lounge, Embers Biscuits and Barbecue, The Shak, B’s BBQ, Rebel Barn, Louisiana Rubdown, The Blind Pig
BAKERYBottletree Bakery
Lusa, Honeybee, Sweet T’s, Kelli’s Cakery, Shipley’s, Holli’s, Panera, Kroger
BREAKFASTBig Bad Breakfast
The Beacon, Huddle House, IHOP, Lusa, Bottletree Bakery, Embers Biscuits and Barbecue, Ravine, Honeybee Bakery
CASUAL DININGAjax Diner
Bouré, Newk’s, The Beacon, Oby’s, Rooster’s, Proud Larry’s, Lamar Lounge, South Depot Taco Shop, Soulshine Pizza, Old Venice Pizza, Volta Taverna,
Applebees
CATERINGTaylor Grocery
Newk’s, Oby’s, Main Event, Ole Miss, Party Waitin’ to Happen,Elizabeth Heiskell, My Michelle’s, Panini
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 5
1944 University Ave. • (662) 202-6466www.kelliscakesandconfections.com
Best Desserts 2015!Thank you, for voting us
We appreciate your support and look forward to the opportunity to continue
catering to your sweet tooth.
CATFISHTaylor Grocery
Ajax, Oby’s, St John’s/Knights of Colombus, Sizzler, Laws Hill, Captain D’s Seafood
CHICKENAbner’s
Obys, Zaxbys, Gus’s, Ajax, Popeyes, Taylor Grocery, Chick-fil-a, 4 Corners Chevron, Boure, KFC
COFFEE HOUSEHigh Point Coffee
Starbucks, Cups, The Beacon, Chaney’s, IHOP, Lusa, Bottletree Bakery, Uptown Coffee, Huddle
House
DELINewk’s
McAlister’s, Lenny’s Subs, Oby’s, Panini, Subway, Kroger, Firehouse Subs, Panera, Blind Pig, Larson’s
DESSERTSKelli’s Cakes
Holli’s Sweet Tooth, Sweet T’s, Lusa, Kroger, Newk’s, Oby’s, Honey Bee Bakery, Snackbar, Bouré,
City Grocery
FAST FOODChick-fil-a
Sonic, Backyard Burger, Newk’s, Taco Bell, Abner’s, Zaxbys, McDonald’s, Embers, Panera, Jimmy John’s,
Wendy’s, Oby’s, Subway
FINE DININGCity Grocery
Ravine, Snackbar, Bouré, Oxford Grillhouse, Delta Steak Co., McEwen’s, Ajax, Old Venice Pizza, Jinsei,
Lenoras
FRENCH FRIESMcDonald’s
Snackbar, Irie, Lamar Lounge, Proud Larry’s, Sonic, Phillips Grocery, Bouré, Burger King, Oby’s, Ajax Diner, Embers Biscuits and Barbecue, Chick-fil-a,
Zaxbys, Goose Creek
FROZEN YOGURTYa Ya’s
FrozenYorgurtChaney’s/TCBY, Twisters, Tutti Frutti
HAMBURGERSHandy Andy
Phillips Grocery, Ajax Diner, Lamar Lounge, The Beacon, Bim Bam Burgers, Proud Larry’s, Bouré,
Embers Biscuits and Barbecue, Backyard Burger, Sonic
Best of oxford6 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Family Medicine Group wins Best of the BestBy AlyssA schnugg
City Editor
Being named Best of the Best isn’t something the doctors at Family Medicine Group of Oxford take lightly.
Formerly known as North Mississippi Family Medicine Group under the leadership of then-owner Dr. William Spencer, the practice is now owned by Dr. Shaun Helmhout and Dr. Kecia Kirk, who purchased the practice from Spencer in 2008.
The medical group, located at 1397 Belk Blvd., has been operating as a full-service medical clinic since 1993.
“We are very excited about winning this award. It means so much to us to be acknowledged for our service, especially in a town with such a strong medical community,” Kirk said. “We try hard to be available to our patients, and we have a great team to help us.”
Helmhout, whose mother is a phar-macist, graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in biology and a minor in Spanish. She completed her medical degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and her residency in Family Medicine at St. Francis Hospital. She has been with Family Medicine Group of Oxford since 2004. She previously was a toxicologist at Buckman Laboratories in Memphis before deciding to attend medical school.
When not doctoring Oxonians, her hobbies include cooking, tennis and nee-dlepoint. She lives in Oxford with her husband, Ron. They have a daughter, Wilson, who will be starting her senior year at the University of Mississippi and a son, Ted, who will be attending Ole Miss in the fall.
Kirk is an Ole Miss graduate majoring in music with minors in French and chemistry. She completed her medical degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Family Medicine residency at UMMC. She worked as a physician in Flowood for St Dominic’s Hospital before coming to the medical group in Oxford in 2007.
Her father is a practicing physician in
Iuka and she says she was strongly influ-enced by his love for his patients. She enjoys antiquing and often makes jewel-ry for family and friends. She is married to Alden and they have two sons, Carter, 8, and Breece, 2.
Kirk also won the Best Physician cat-egory.
Kirk said the clinic’s success lies with its competent and loyal staff.
“We have several members who have been with this clinic since the 1990s and
they keep this business running behind the scenes,” she said. “We strive to keep a good team in place. Having our employ-ees and their families support us played a big part in our winning this award.”
Helmhout and Kirk believe that being a good provider means being a good listener and being able to communicate with patients from all walks of life.
“We enjoy the challenges of trying to assess and diagnose many illnesses and to treat or refer our patients to insure they receive the highest level of care, either at our clinic using our in house laboratory and X-ray, or by referral to the hospital or a specialist for further testing or treat-ment,” Kirk said.
All the physicians at the clinic are board certified and up to date in con-tinuing medical education. A “well” entrance walk-in area for immunizations, shots and allergy sufferers is provided for patients to help keep healthy people healthy. Future plans include adding more doctors and nurse practitioners to the practice.
The clinic currently has two nurse practitioners, Jene Smith and Leigh Spencer, who won the award for Best Nurse Practitioner. Spencer has been with the practice for three years, and has been named Best Nurse Practitioner for two of those three years.
“Our two nurse practitioners have years of experience and knowledge,” Kirk said. “Leigh maintains a positive attitude and is very thorough. Her knowledge of her patients helps her to be able to keen-ly evaluate them and treat and/or refer to ensure they receive excellent care.”
Smith has been with the clinic since 2013.
Joining the clinic two years ago was Dr. Jackey Turner, who moved to Oxford from Kosciusko where he practiced med-icine for 27 years. An enthusiastic Ole Miss fan, he is married to his wife, retired Dr. Betty Turner.
“We are happy to have his experience and professionalism added to our clinic. He has been a wonderful doctor to fill the great hole left by Dr. Spencer when he fully retired,” Kirk said.
BRUCE NEWMAN
Dr. Shaun Helmhout (left) and Dr. Kecia Kirk’s Family Medicine Group of Oxford has been named Best of the Best in 2015.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 7
Thank Youfor Voting Us
Best Live Music Line Up 2015!
211 S. Lamar Blvd. • 662-236-0050www.proudlarrys.com
www.proudlarrys.com/eat
Don’t forget Larry’s MenuFamous Pizza, Classic Larry Burger,
Fresh Salads, and Specials
Since 1921Your Local Distributor • 234-2511
WE'RE PUMPED!BEST GAS, BEST FOOD, BEST PEOPLENo Wonder...BEST OF OXFORD ALL eleven YEARS!lindsey's chevron321 N. Lamar • 234-9104
138 Courthouse Square • 662-234-0059 Monday - Thursday 10:00-5:30 Friday - Saturday 10:00-6:00
www.myfavoriteshoesonline.com
To show our appreciation, select stylesare now BOGO 50% off.
We would like to thank our loyal customers for voting My Favorite Shoes
Oxford’s Favorite Shoe Store
HAPPY HOURThe Library
Lamar Lounge, Sonic, Burgundy Room, City Grocery, Rooster’s, Boure, The Blind Pig Pub, Proud Larry’s, Funkys, Tequilas
LIQUOR STOREStar Package
PJ’s Wine & Liquor, Kiamie, W. Jackson Wine and Spirits, Magnolia Wine & Spirits, C&M Package, The Colonel’s Wine & Liquor, Poppa’s Wine & Spirits
LUNCHAjax Diner
Newk’s, Oby’s, Lamar Lounge, Boure, The Beacon, South Depot Taco Shop, Proud Larry’s, Handy Handy, Panera, Larson’s Cashsaver, Kroger,
McAlisters, LBs Meat Market
MEXICAN FOODTequila’s
Papito’s, Casa Mexicana, El Milagro, South Depot Taco Shop, The Taco Shop, Taco Bell, El Mariachi
NEW RESTAURANTPanera
Gus’s Fried Chicken, Fins, Oxford Canteen, Starbucks, The Wine Bar, Jinsea, Delta Steak Co., Wingstop, Pick Thai, Route, Tre Amici, Ming’s Kitchen
PIZZA
Soulshine Pizza FactoryPizza Hut, Papa John’s, Old Venice, Proud Larrys, 6NTubbs, Funky’s, Newk’s,
Domino’s, Little Caesar’s, Pizza Den
SALADSNewk’s
Oby’s, Boure, Proud Larry’s, Ajax, Old Venice, Soulshine, Volta Taverna, Zaxby’s
SEAFOODSnackbar
Oxford Grillhouse, Taylor Grocery, Boure, Irie, Captain D’s, McEwens,FINS Fish & Oyster Co., City Grocery, Ravine, Indianola Fresh Market, Oby’s
Best of oxford8 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
www.pickenspestcontrol.comFamily Owned & Operated.
234-2207Member of: MS
PEST CONTROL
ASSOCIATION
NFIB
Bringing You Oxford’s Most Experienced
Pest Control Professionals Since 2001!
Over 65 Years of Experience!
PICKENS PEST CONTROL, INC.
VOTED BEST PEST CONTROL 11 YEARS IN A ROW. THANKS, OXFORD!
Cannon Motors a double-winner — againBy Reid Posey
Staff Writer
A consistent award-winner in years past, Cannon Motors was named the Best Auto Dealer for both new and used vehicles in the 2015 edition of Oxford EAGLE’s Best of Oxford, win-ning in both categories for the second straight year.
“It’s a great honor to have been selected,” CEO Michael Joe Cannon said. “It’s one of the best awards we could receive as a car dealer.”
Cannon mentioned that the dealership’s tireless devotion to meeting all customers’ needs is not only what sets his business apart from competitors, but also what makes this award so spe-cial, as it signifies they are suc-
cessfully serving the citizens of the Oxford area.
Cannon, however, declined to take complete credit for the award, acknowledging that his employees “do the heavy lift-ing every day” and are the true backbone of Cannon Motors’ consistent success.
One of Cannon’s employ-ees, Chief Operations Officer Andrew Wood, echoed Cannon’s sentiments regarding the dealership’s focus on the customer.
“Our ultimate goal is to pro-vide the best customer service that we can for everybody living in Oxford,” Wood said. “It’s a great honor that they think we’re doing a good job with it.”
Wood noted that the expan-sion of the Oxford community
has helped to bring improve-ments to their business in a market that struggled for a long time in the face of economic downturn.
While their business hopeful-ly continues to improve, Wood said, Cannon Motors must con-tinue to go above and beyond to satisfy their customers.
“We have to pretend like we haven’t won any awards at all,” Wood said. “Our motto is ‘strive for perfection, settle for excel-lence.’”
Cannon reiterated Wood’s determination, saying that it is even more important moving forward that the business stays focused on improvement and continuing its success. Although the business has already built an impressive legacy of excellence,
it appears that Cannon Motors
is not prepared to become com-
placent anytime soon.
BRUCE NEWMAN
Cannon Motors has been named Best New Auto Dealer and Best Used Auto Dealer in this year’s Best of Oxford balloting.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 9
Best of oxford10 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Tires
234-6152 2197 Jackson Ave. W.
Oxford, MS
We Go the Distance For You!
Shocks • TiresBattery • Brakes • Alignment
STEAKSeOxford Grillehouse
Delta Steak Co., Boure, Taylor Grocery, Sizzler, Irie, Ravine, Snackbar, Ajax Diner, City Grocery, Olivia’s, McEwen’s,
Applebees, Oxford Steak Company
SWEET TEAMcAlister’s Deli
Newk’s, Oby’s, The Beacon, Sonic, Ajax Diner, Abner’s
TREATSHOP/CANDY STOREHolli’s Sweet Tooth
YaYa’s Frozen Yogurt, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Twister’s, Kelli’s Cakery
BEST RESTAURANTBoure
Ajax Diner, Oxford Grillhouse, Snackbar, Ravine, Oby’s, City Grocery, Irie, Rice and Spice, Delta Steak Co., McEwen’s, Jinsei,
Volta Taverna, The Beacon, Kabuki, Tequila’s
BRUCE NEWMAN
Holli’s Sweet Tooth was selected as Best Treatshop/Candy Store in this year’s Best of Oxford voting.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 11
Thanks for Voting Us Best Florist and Best Gift Shop in Oxford!
“90 Years and Still Blooming”Floral • Bridal Registry • Fine Gifts • 234.2515 oxfordfl oral.com
CHARITY EVENTTaste of Oxford
St. Jude Heart Ball, Empty Bowls, St. John Drawdown, Paws for Art, JA Charity Ball, Relay for
Life, Square Toast
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENTMalco Theaters
The Range at TGC Outdoors, Double Decker Arts Festival, Ole Miss sports, July 4th activities, Pirate
Adventures, Avent Park, The Grove, Clay Canvas, The Square, Christmas parade
FESTIVAL OR EVENTDouble Decker
Oxford Film Festival, Oxford Craft Beer Festival, Ole Miss football games
LIVE MUSIC LINEUPProud Larry’s
Double Decker Arts Festival, The Lyric, Rooster’s, Thacker Mountain Radio
LOCAL BANDYoung Buffalo
Kudzu Kings, Mustache Band, Echo, Trademark, Bass Drum of Death, Silas Reed, Charlie Mars, The Whiskey Barrels, Tyler Keith, The Cooters, Gutter
Daisies
RADIO STATIONWQLJ - FM 93.7
FM 92.1, Bulls-eye 95.5, SuperTalk 105.5, K-Love, FM 97.5
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
BRUCE NEWMAN
Katy Perry, who picked Ole Miss to beat Alabama, was named on the most ballots for Celebrity Sighting in the annual Best of Oxford balloting.
Best of oxford12 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Mid-town Shopping Center • 662-234-4541
Thank you Oxford for making us your #1 Appliance/
Electronic Store.
The Nail Shop662-234-3488505 Heritage Dr.
9:30-6:00 Mon-Fri • 9:30-3:00 SatWalk Ins Welcome
Gel • Mani • Pedi • Waxing • Spray Tans & Tanning Beds • Hair Cuts & Color
Thank you for voting us Best
of Oxford 2015.
APARTMENT/RENTALThe Hub
Ole Miss Rentals, The Retreat, Highland Square, The Mark, Taylor Bend, Grove Park, Faulkner Flats,
The Links, Cambridge Station, Rental Central
ASSISTED LIVING/RETIREMENTEmeritus
(Brookdale)Hermitage Gardens, Oxford Health and Rehab,
State Veterans Home
ART GALLERY/MUSEUMSouthside Gallery
Mary Buie Museum, Powerhouse Arts Center, S&J, Treehouse Gallery
BED AND BREAKFASTRavine
The Z, Colonel’s Quarters, Puddin Place
DAYCARE/CHILDCAREFirst Baptist Church
North Oxford Baptist Church, ABC Learning Center, Mother Goose, Willie Price, Creative Learning
Center, Little Angels Daycare
LOCATION TO HOST AN EVENTThe Lyric
Powerhouse, Oxford Conference Center, Ole Miss, Oxford University Club, Castlehill, Woodson Ridge
Farms, Oak Hill Stables, The Depot, Plein Air
GOLF COURSEOle Miss
Oxford Country Club, Grand Oaks, Mallard Pointe, The Links
HOTEL/MOTELThe Inn at Ole Miss
Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Marriott
PLACE TO SHOOT POOLBlind Pig
The Library, Frank and Marlee’s, Round Table, Rooster’s, The Levee
P L A C E S
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 13
VOTED OXFORD’S BEST DENTIST
General Dentistry
Thank you for voting Dr. Lee Oxford’s best dentist! We sure are smiling!
1201 Offi ce Park Drive • (662) 513-0055 • www.LeeFamilyAndCosmeticDentistry.com
Dr. Preston Lee III
By RoB SigleR
Managing Editor
Since it opened less than a year ago, folks in Oxford have been flocking to try the world famous fried chicken at one of the newest eateries in town. And their taste buds have spoken.
The readers of The Oxford EAGLE have chosen, as the Best New Addition, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken located at 306 S. Lamar Blvd., in this year’s Best of Oxford voting.
The popular restaurant chain based in Memphis has been a hit with the locals since its debut in September of last year and has fit in nicely with the other outstanding restaurants near the Square.
“We are extremely excited that the people of Oxford have come
out and supported us,” said Chastin Thompson, a manager at the local eatery. “Being in the food business in Oxford is extremely competitive so we’re just real excited. We’ve been open less than a year so to win this honor means a lot to us.”
Thompson said the success of the restaurant in its first year has exceeded expectations.
“Our menu is simple but we’re real good at sticking to the basics, making sure our food is hot and fresh when it comes to the table. And our service is outstanding,” said Thompson.
The Oxford location of Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken has that college town feel with plenty of Ole Miss memorabilia to accompa-ny their fabulous fried chicken.
The company also has locations in Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas.
Best New Addition — Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
BRUCE NEWMAN
The Memphis-based Gus’s World Famous Friday Chicken location in Oxford has been a hit, and was named Best New Addition this year by Best of Oxford voters.
Best of oxford14 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Oxford Paint SupplyFarrell-Calhoun
1116 North Lamar • (662) 513-4565
THANK YOU
From our familyto yours,
for voting us#1.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 15
1 1715 University Avenue236-1199
Oxford Super Tan
Thank You for Choosing Us as Oxford’s Best Tanning
Salon 11 Years in a Row!
OXFORD’S #1 T-SHIRT STOREUNIQUE OXFORD & OLE MISS T-SHIRTS, CAPS & MORE!
THANK YOU FOR VOTING USOXFORD BEST T-SHIRT SHOP!
662.236.2639
ACCOUNTING FIRMDevoe Carr
Kinney & Associates, Denise Woods, Grantham Poole, King, Swetland Cook, Dwight Young, Brian
White, Barfield, Aune, Walters and Balducci
ANTIQUES Mustard Seed
Sugar Magnolia, The Depot, Bird in the Bush, Tommy’s, Tin Pan Alley
ARTS AND CRAFTSClay Canvas
Sugar Magnolia, Mustard Seed, Studio Whimzy, Paint and Pen, Knit 1, The Depot,
Double Decker Arts Festival, Powerhouse
AUTO DEALER - NEWCannon Motors
Belk Ford, Oxford Toyota, Chandler Nissan, Allen Samuels
AUTO DEALER - USEDCannon Motors
Belk Ford, Chandler Nissan, Allen Samuels, Moore Brothers, Oxford Toyota
AUTO REPAIR/SERVICESouthland Body
& Paint ShopDeal’s, Brannon, Cannon, Belk Ford, Oxford Tire, Kenny Warren, Allen Samuels, Graves, University
Tire, Gateway Tire, Ray Brothers, Chandler Nissan, Oxford Muffler, Doc Beamer, Oxford Auto Care
BANK/CREDIT UNIONRegions
Mechanics, FNB, Renasant, Bancorpsouth, Oxford University Bank, Trustmark, MS Federal Credit
Union, Woodforrest
BARBER SHOPDon and Dale’s
Larry’s, The Parlor, Alice and Company, LaRousse, Goolsby’s, King’s Den, Luxe, Avenue West,
StoneWashed, LaMystique
BOOKSTORESquare Books
Square Books, Jr., Off Square Books, Rebel Bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Campus Bookmart
S H O P P I N G A N D S E R V I C E S
Best of oxford16 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
• NEW Navy Seal Watches • And Much More!
HUNTERS’ HOLLOW658 Highway 6 West • 234-5945
Your #1 Huntin’ Store!
Come see our new 35,000 sq. ft. facility!
Thanks for making itEleven in a Row!
We have a great selection of handguns, rifles, shotguns, and
Mathews/Mission bows!
HOME OF
• Indoor Archery Range• NEW GoPro Cameras
9 County Road 1099 • Oxford, MS 38655662.513.5663 • [email protected]
forvoting us
Oxford’s Best Computer Repair for 2015
THANKYOU
CARPET/RUGS/FLOORINGStout’s Carpet &
FlooringHome Depot, Discount Building Supply, J&L
Carpet, Sherwin Williams, Oliphant Flooring
CHILDREN CLOTHINGBelles & Beaus
Belk, Neilson’s, JCPenney, Walmart, Peas and Carrots, PAKK Designs, Amelia
COMPUTER REPAIRCampbell Solutions
Express, Cambino, Kevin Hatfield, Rockette’s
CONSIGNMENT/RESALEHolding Hands
Goodwill, WeeCycle, Sugar Magnolia, Merry Go Round, Mustard Seed, Depot Antique Mall
CONVENIENCE STORE/GAS STATIONLindsey’s Chevron4 Corners Chevron, SkyMart, Brittany Store,
Jimmy Mart, The Junction, Double Quick, Kroger, LittleJohn’s, James Food Center, Exxon, Kangaroo,
BP334, 3 Way Grocery, Shell, Marquis Chevron
COSMETICSZoe
Belk, Amy Head, Epicure, Neilsons, The Parlor, Mary Kay, La Rousse, Merle Norman
DENTAL CLINICOxford Dental
Lee Family Dentistry, Ross Dental Clinic, Collier Dental, Stubblefield, Haney, Farese, Go Orthodontics
DEPARTMENT STORENeilsons
Belk, JCPenney, Hinton and Hinton, Walmart, Kinnucans
DRY CLEANERSRainbow Cleaners
University Cleaners, Star Cleaners
ELECTRICIANJoe Pace
Mize Electric, Omar Ahmed, Todd Miskelly, Rick Henry, Parker Electric, Walker Electric, Cummins
Electric, Frankie Williams
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 17
2015THANK YOUfor voting us Best of Oxford
and allowing us to help make your house a home
for over 48 years.
The Range at TGC Outdoors is Oxford’s Best Kept SecretBy Catherine Boone
Staff Writer
Even though The Range at TGC Outdoors has been in Oxford for five years and in its current location for two and a half, the range’s Abbeville location, superior customer service and wide range of offerings led L-O-U residents to vote the business Oxford’s Best Kept Secret for the 2015 Best of Oxford awards.
“My business model isn’t to make sales but to make friends,” owner Josh Gregory said. “Dealing with people is my favorite part of the business and helping people find what they are looking for.”
Gregory said his staff works with each cus-tomer to help them find what they are looking for in a gun and make sure they have the best experience and service possible.
In addition to offering L-O-U residents an outdoor shooting experience, The Range sells firearms, accessories and ammunition and also manufactures parts for firearms. Group and
private lessons are available for those who would like to learn how to shoot or improve their shooting skills.
Group classes include basic and advanced car-bine, advanced handgun, Closed Quarter Battle training, concealed carry concepts and enhanced concealed carry. Night hog hunts are also given for two to three hunters by appointment.
When asked about the future of his business, Gregory said placing covers, fans and space heat-ers outside and building a shotgun range were coming up.
“I’m a big thinker and I’m always wanting to grow, be bigger, better and offer more services for our customers,” he said.
While Gregory was excited to have won Oxford’s Best Kept Secret, he hopes more people will learn about the business next year.
“Hopefully we won’t be a secret again next year,” he said with a chuckle.
For class schedules or more information, call the Range at 662-281-9933.
BRUCE NEWMAN
The Range at TGC Outdoors was selected as Oxford’s Best Kept Secret for 2015.
Best of oxford18 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Edward J. Bogen, Jr. of counsel • Matthew S. MckenzieJ. Rhea Tannehill, Jr. • Jay P. Carmean
Jacob Jordan (not pictured)
Voted
Oxford
’s
Best Law
Firm
2010-2
015
6 Yea
rs in a R
ow! Our clients and staff make us Oxford’s
best law firm.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve
this great community.
829 North Lamar, Suite 1OXFORD, MS 38655
662-236-9996WWW.TANNEHILLCARMEAN.COM
www.facebook.com/tcmlaw
ELECTRONICS/APPLIANCESSears
Home Depot, Rebel Appliance, WalMart, RadioShack
EYE CARE PROVIDERMayo Eye Clinic
West Oxford Vision Center, Rayner Eye Clinic, Steve Depriest, Oxford Eye, Oxford Family Vision, Oxford Vision
FLORISTOxford Floral
Mimosa, Bette’s, University Florist, Twisted Twig, Kroger
JEWELRYLammons Fine Jewelry
Brooks Collection, Turkoyz, Belk, The Parlor
FUNERAL SERVICEWaller Funeral Home
Coleman Funeral Home, Hodges Funeral Homes
FURNITURE STORE Johnson’s
Furniture World, Stash, Jones at Home, Green Door, Something Southern, Provisions, Mustard Seed, Sugar Magnolia
GIFT SHOP Oxford Floral
Mimosa, Lily Pad, Olive Juice, Katherine Beck, Chaney’s, Sorella, University Florist, DeShea’s, Provisions, Amelia
GROCERYKroger
Larson’s Cashsaver, Oxford City Market, Wal-Mart, N. Lamar Farmer’s Market, Living Foods
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 19
Best of oxford20 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Thanks to all our loyal customers for your support and voting us
#1 Bank!
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 21
Donate online @ www.holdinghandsresaleshop.orgCheck us out on Facebook: holdinghandsresaleshop
2618 West Oxford Loop • Oxford, MS 38655
Holding Hands Resale Shop is an Oxford store that hires persons with special needs and provides for them a safe work environment in hopes of helping them to achieve independence and gain self respect.
Since 2013 Holding Hands has been thriving, and providing meaningful jobs to people in need.Now we need your help! With merchandise donations constantly coming in we at Holding Hands are running low on space.Help be a part of our mission by funding our building expansion project.Donate today and help the lives of people that matter. Anything helps and all donations go directly to benefit Holding Hands and its employees.
265 N. Lamar Blvd • Oxford Square North2311 Jackson Ave. W. • Oxford Galleria
Thank you for Voting High Point Oxford's Best Local Coffee Shop for 12 years in a row.
Proudly Serving Oxford & Lafayette County for 33 Years!
8-5:30 M-F • 662-234-0062 • 1-800-626-77381714 University Ave. Suite B Fax: 662-234-9148 • www.pitneroffi ce.com
Thank You,Oxford!We are proud
to be your
#1 OFFICE SUPPLY STORE!Locally owned. Locally operated.
Office SupplyPitnerP
#1
800 Van Buren • Oxford, MS662-234-3517
“Children are a gift of the Lord.” Psalm 127:3
Thank you for voting us
OXFORD’S BEST CHILD CARE
Rebel Rags would like to say thank you to the Ole Miss Family for voting us Oxford’s
Best Place to Buy Ole Miss Merchandise 5 years in a row.
Celebrating 10 year anniversary this year! Watch for specials at home football games this season.
Owned and Operated by Rebel Fans, for Rebel Fans!
Monday - Saturday 9am - 8pm • Sunday 10am - 6pm
2302 West Jackson AvenueOxford, MS 38655
(877) 281-7327
Best of oxford22 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 23
Oxford in Bloom 1446 S. Lamar Blvd662-236-4686
As a thank you we will be offering
25%-50% Off Bedding Plantsand 15% Off Shrubs
and all inventory inside the store now through June.
Voted Oxford’s Best Nursery/Garden Store
PACKAGESTORE Thank you for voting us
Oxford’s Best Wine & Spirits Store!308 Jackson Ave.
10% OFFWINE
With This Coupon
HAIR SALONThe Parlor
Avenue West, La Rousse, Alice and Company, Emma J, Luxe, LaMystique, Amara, Stone Washed, Paris Nails
HEALTH AND FITNESSYMCA
Snap, ATC, Goose Creek, Oxford Crossfit, Pure Ride, 5 Star Yoga, Pure Barre, Ice Core Fitness, Turner Center, Rebel Body Fitness
HEATING AND AIRWalker Electric
John Reynolds H&C, Comer H&C, Fondren and Vaughn, Lovett H&C, Bruner H&A, Franklin H&A, Studebaker Air, Phillips H&A
HOME DECOR ACCESSORIESSomething Southern
Stash, Discount Building, Jones at Home, Sugar Magnolia, Tuesday Morning, Mustard Seed, Provisions, Unique, Oxford Floral, Katherine Beck, Green Door
HOME BUILDERRamsey Construction
Brian Hill, Marty Daniels, Ronnie Leggett, Grantham Construction,JW McCurdy, Paul Baddor, Bruce Massey, Coleman, Joel Little,
David Vanlandingham, Montgomery, Phillip Morrison, Rhonnie Cummins
HOME IMPROVEMENT/BUILD SUPPLYHome Depot
Sneed’s Ace Hardware, Smith Building Supply, Elliott Lumber
HUNTING/SPORTING GOODSHunters’ Hollow
TGC Outdoors, University Sporting Goods, WalMart, Kinnucans,Hole in the Hide, Hibbets
INSURANCE AGENCYBrown Insurance
Farm Bureau, Oxford Insurance, State Farm, Tom Davis State Farm, Alfa - Freddie Pinion, Jimmy Carr State Farm, American National - Brian Hayden,
Shelter, Marty Stark State Farm, Sharp Insurance, Hub International, Nationwide, Tatum Insurance
Best of oxford24 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Rainbow Cleaners changes with the times, keeps on winningBy Reid Posey
Staff Writer
Serving the Oxford area for 45 years, Rainbow Cleaners has enjoyed a remark-able run as a mainstay in the local business community and, for the 11th straight year, it has been voted Best Dry Cleaner in The Oxford EAGLE’s Best of Oxford contest.
Having seen his business win the award every year since Best of Oxford’s inception in 2005, Herron Rowland, owner since 2003, passes all of the credit to his devoted staff, whose stability he claims helps his business maintain its level of excellence from year to year.
“I give it to my employees,” Rowland said. “People frequently think there’s a good bit of turnover here and we really don’t have that. We know our customers and it sounds a little cliché, but we really do work hard to try to take care and meet the needs (of customers).”
Moving to its new location at 1203 Jackson Ave. has proven to be beneficial for Rainbow Cleaners in multiple ways. The move allowed the expansion of their drive-through component, easing
the flow of customers and resulting in more effective service overall. More importantly, though, the new building is environmentally friendly, using recycled resources for much of the construc-
tion, implementing a boiler system that captures steam output and uses it to heat the facility’s water, and installing dry-cleaning machines that significantly reduce amounts of waste.
The most pressing challenge moving forward, according to Rowland, is to evolve with the growing Oxford and University of Mississippi communities.
“We have a demanding customer base, not only of people here locally, but Ole Miss has a pretty sophisticated student population, and these people know what they want,” Rowland says, adding that he brings in consultants to help his staff keep up to date on the latest services and techniques to help his business continue to serve as effectively as possible.
Committed to excellence in customer service, and armed with a loyal staff, Rowland continues to improve his busi-ness as it continues its run as Oxford’s best.
BRUCE NEWMAN
Rainbow Cleaners has been named Best Dry Cleaner for 11 straight years.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 25
INTERIOR DECORATING FIRMSomething Southern
Curtis Knight, Resa Randal, Julie Montgomery, Stash, Provisions
INTERNET PROVIDERMetrocast/MaxxSouth
AT&T Uverse, Comcast, CSpire
INVESTMENT FIRMEdward Jones
Wells Fargo, John Russell, Addicus, Raymond James, Barfield
LADIES CLOTHINGBelk
Neilsons, Indigo, Loft, Cicada, Sorella, Material Girls, Village Taylor, Misbehavin, 3 Chicks, JCPenney, Nella, Therapy
LANDSCAPE DESIGNSmith Lawn Management
Barefoot Lawn, Matthew’s, Good Earth, The Barn, Red and Blue Lawn, Grasshopper, Oxford in Bloom, Hill Country/Matt Copp
LAW FIRMTannehill, Carmean, McKenzieWalker and Williamson, Daniel Coker Horton Bell, Swayze Alford, Hughes
Brown, Kevin Frye, Freeland Martz, Hiram Eastland, Holcomb Dunbar, Hill Minyard, Dwight Ball, Larry Little, Honey Ussery
LIMO SERVICE/TAXI
Angel TaxiAustin Taxi, Rockstar, Uber, Rebel Taxi, Oxford Taxi, Hotty Toddy, Rebel Ride
MASSAGEEpicure Skin Therapy
Halon’s, Healing Hands, Sputhern Oasis, King’s Touch, Theraputic Bliss, High Cotton Salon, La Rousse
MEDICAL CLINICNorth MS Family Medicine
Urgent Care, Oxford Urgent Care, RedMed, Internal Medicine, Dr. Lovelace, Fowlkes Medical
MEN’S CLOTHINGHinton and Hinton
Belk, Nelisons, Jos A Bank, Cicada, JCPenney, Landrys, WalMart
MORTGAGE/FINANCING INSTITUTIONFNB Oxford
Gumtree Mortgage, Mechanics, Renasant, Bancorpsouth, Homefirst, Regions, Trustmark, Community Trust, OUB
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTSRon’s Music Center
Rebel Music, Austin’s Music
NAIL SALONThe Nail Shop
Paris Nails, Halon’s, Epicure, Pro Nails, Suthern Oasis, La Rousse, All About U, Nailthology, NY Nails, Alice and Company, The Parlor
NURSERY/GARDEN STOREOxford In Bloom
Home Depot, The Barn, The Garden Center, WalMart
OFFICE SUPPLY STOREPitner
Office Depot, Panola Paper, WalMart
PAINT STOREOxford Paint Supply
Sherwin Williams, Sneed’s Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Hue, Paint and Pen, WalMart
PAWN SHOPOxford Pawn
Dash for Cash
PEST CONTROLPickens Pest Control
Drewery, Pass Pest Control, Orkin, Lawn and Pest, Guardian
Best of oxford26 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
We are locally owned & operated.Call to schedule your excursion to Memphis, Tunica or Oxford
Please Don’t Drink & Drive. Call
Thanks for voting us #1 four years in a row. As a thank you, we are giving $10 a couple from home to dinner if they
mention this ad in the EAGLE June 5 - June 12.
• Open 24-7 • Radio Dispatched • Ask about our specials
(662) 715-9382 YOU ARE SAFE IN OUR HANDS
& LIMO SERVICE®
“Innoncence” by Samantha Breeding
I was overwhelmed and humbled to receive this unexpected honor. Thank you all for your support and your votes. I especially want to thank my sister, Elizabeth Hoyt, for instilling a love of art in me, God, for giving me the secret desires of my heart, which was to paint after a lifetime of thinking I couldn’t, my Dad, Les Breeding, for his love and encouragement, my friends for your positive feedback, and Stan O’Dell and Connie Flake, two amazing artists and friends, the Oxford Artists’ Guild, and YAC.
BEST LOCAL ARTIST OF 2015Samantha Breeding
SamanthaBreeding.com
PET SUPPLIESHollywood Feed
PetSmart, WalMart
PHARMACYChaney’s Pharmacy
G&M Pharmacy, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Fred’s, WalMart
PHOTOGRAPHERChad Mills
Scott Burton, Bruce Newman, Pablo Corona, Ole Miss Pix, Josh McCoy, Liddell’s Lens, Joey Brent, Bill Dabney
PLACE TO BUY OLE MISS MERCHANDISERebel Rags
University Sporting Goods, Campus Bookmart, Rebel Shop, Ole Miss Bookstore, WalMart, JCG
BRUCE NEWMAN
Chaney’s Pharmacy was selected as Best Pharmacy in Best of Oxford voting. Chaney’s has claimed the honor every year since the Best of Oxford balloting began.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 27
BRUCE NEWMAN
Paul Janeway sings as St. Paul and the Broken Bones plays at the Double Decker Arts Festival earlier this year. The Double Decker Arts Festival was once again chosen as the Best Festival or Event in Oxdord.
Best of oxford28 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
PLUMBINGBert’s/Bert Melendez
T&T/Tim Traylor, Bishop, Mooney, Rick’s, Jackson and Sons, Emergency Plumbing/David Wilkinson, Mize Electric & Plumbing, Johnny Parker,A&D Plumbing, Bill’s Plumbing, Williams Services, Bonafide, Bundren
PRINTINGCallahan’s Quick Print
Office Depot, Documart, Copytime, Oxford Printwear, University Printing
REAL ESTATE AGENCYRemax Legacy Realty
Kessinger, Marchbanks, Cherie Matthews, NixTann, Sharon Grace, Tommy Morgan, Blake Cannon
SHOE STOREMy Favorite Shoes
Rackroom Shoes, Belk, LuLu’s, Vincent Boot and Shoe, Therapy, Neilsons, Shoe Department
BRUCE NEWMAN
My Favorite Shoes was selected by Best of Oxford voters as the Best Shoe Store in Oxford.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 29
OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP
• OX
FORD
PAW
NSHO
P • O
XFOR
D PA
WNS
HOP •
OXF
ORD
PAW
NSHO
P • O
XFOR
D PA
WNS
HOP
• OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP • OXFORD PAW
NSHOP • OXFORD PAWNSHOP •
OXFORD PAWNSHOP
1350 N. Lamar Blvd.236-1056
Thank you for voting us
Best Pawnshop in 2015!
Proudly serving Oxford for over 30 years
•
Voted Best of Oxford 2011, 2012, & 2013!
Thanks to the LOU community
for letting us serve you
for 20 years!
SPA SERVICEEpicure Skin Therapy
Southern Oasis, Halon’s, Paris Nails, La Rousse
TANNING SALONSuper Tan
Sunsations, Epicure, Hotty Toddy Tan
TIRE STOREGateway Tire Service
Oxford Tire, Dee’s, Goodyear, Deal’s Auto, WalMart, Allen Samuels
T-SHIRT SHOPCat Daddy’s
Oxford Printwear, Oxford T-shirt Company, JCG, Rebel Rags,
University Sporting Goods BRUCE NEWMAN
The Best T-Shirt Shop, as selected by Best of Oxford Voters, is Cat Daddy’s.
Best of oxford30 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
1737 University Avenue 662-281-8004
Monday-Saturday10 am - 6 pm
Voted Oxford’s Best Antiques! We thank you for your support and votes.
Like us onFacebook.
Snackbar takes home Best Seafood awardBy Catherine Boone
Staff Writer
When asked what his secret was in preparing the best seafood, City Grocery Restaurant Group Corporate Chef Vishwesh “Vish” Bhatt said it was all about keeping it simple.
“You want to let the fish do the talking,” Bhatt said. “And don’t over cook it — that’s the trick.”
Bhatt also makes sure anything served is fresh, and offers Gulf sea-food when possible. To ensure menu items are fresh and in season, the restaurant features new items about every six weeks and regularly orders ingredients from local farmers like Native Son, Yokna Bottoms and Woodson Ridge farms.
Bhatt’s favorite seafood items on
the current Snackbar menu include pan-fried flounder with zucchini, tomato tian and remoulade, crab cakes made with chilies, tomatoes and a ajwain spiced black eye pea griddle cake, and the fennel dust-ed tuna with smoked jalapeno-sweet potato puree and fried okra.
Bhatt has been a chef for nearly 20 years and has won “Best Seafood” honors before. During Snackbar’s first year of operation, the restaurant also won the Mississippi Seafood Cook Off.
“It’s exciting to have won ‘Best Seafood’ because there are so many good restaurants in Oxford,” Bhatt said. “It’s always nice when people recognize something you’re doing and something you’re passionate about. It’s a big honor, and I’m hon-ored that people voted for us.”
—[email protected] NEWMAN
Best of Oxford voters selected Snackbar as the Best Seafood winner.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 31
L O C A L P E O P L EBARTENDER
Paul RadiganLisa Jenkins, Chip Moore, Stephen Donning, Taylor Cruse, Chris Burgess, Brian
Dorris, Cass Dodgen, Carter Wilkes, Todd Lynch, Louis Grelling
CHEFJohn Currence
Vishwesh Bhatt, Clint Boutwell, Joel Miller, Dwayne Ingram, Allen Sanders, Michael Northern, John Burge, Jason Bauer, Nick Husbands
DENTISTPreston Lee
Ross Dental, Mike Huggins, Walker Swaney, Hal Haney, Stubblefield, Collier, Farese Family Dental, C. Hayden Perkins, Romero, Steve Wooten
DOCTORKecia Kirk
David Coon, Will Dabbs, Michael Dennis, Jeffrey Dennis, ShaunHelmhout, Mona Castle, Milton Hobbs, Bo Martin, Randy Richardson, Glenn Hunt,
William Henderson, Michael Lovelace
FIREFIGHTER OXFORDBrian Whitten
Keith Edwards, John Cole Tramel, Wes Anderson, Larry Pettis, Joey Gardner, Jody Black, Kenny Tidwell, Brett Thomas, Timmy Dickenson,
Jon Cullen, Jeff Taylor
FIREFIGHTER LAFAYETTEFish Robinson
Wes Anderson, Brett Thomas, Buster Hollowell, Kenny Tidwell
Best of oxford32 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Wow!ThanksOxford!
118 Courthouse Square • 232.8880
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALBuddy East
Joey East, Johnny Sneed, Jody Mayfield, Omar Ahmed, Sumner Rowland, Weaver Cain, Kevin Parker, Joe Bishop, Kevin Houston, Alex Stratton, James Owen, Ken
Whitmore
LOCAL ARTISTSamantha Breeding
Bradley Gordon, Jere Allen, Nicole Lamar, Nicole Gladden, Bill Beckwith, Jennifer Pace, Jason Bouldin, Julia Tatum, Glenray Tutor
LOCAL WRITERMichael Henry
Ace Atkins, Tom Franklin, Lisa Howorth, John Grisham, Jack Pendarvis, Katy Anderson, Mandy Roth, Neil White, Julie Cantrell, Curtis Wilkie
MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELORWalker J Swaney
Logan Turner, Al Bell, Jeremy Goolsby, Levi Crafton, Randy Yates, Collins Smith, Jacob Jordan, Andrew Wood, Lee Pittman, Benjamin Stepp
BRUCE NEWMAN
If you want a cool cup of iced tea, McAlister’s Deli is the place to go. Best of Oxford voters have named it Best Sweet Tea for 11 years in a row.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 33
MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELORETTEAaron Craig
Allyson Duckworth, Brittany Sneed, Kala Waltman, Janet Self, Morgan Turner, Sharon Collier
NURSE/NURSE PRACTITIONERLeigh Spencer
Stephanie Barnett, Rachel Sledge, Michelle Littlefield, Rachel Walker, Michelle Cullen, Amy Tidwell, Sharon
Upton, Jason Melton, Kim Perry
OPTOMETRIST/OPHTHALMOLOGISTWilliam Mayo
Rayner Eye Clinic, Riffe, Farmer, Turner, Steve Depriest, William Strickland, Ryan Wally, Shipp, Richardson
BRUCE NEWMAN
Hollywood Feed is this year’s winner for Best Pet Supplies in Oxford.
Best of oxford34 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
107 N. 13th Street • Oxford, MS 662.236.9798
Thank you for your support! Thanks for voting me
BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL 2015
I’ve enjoyed serving you over the last 40 years and appreciate your continued support.
BUDDY EAST
Pickens puts pride in pest controlBy AlyssA schnugg
City Editor
Mike Pickens has been kill-ing creepy crawlies at people’s homes since 1985 when he got a job with Redd Pest Control.
When Redd sold out to Orkin, Pickens continued to work for the company for only about a year or so when he realized he could start up his own pest control business in Lafayette County.
On Aug. 1, 2001, Pickens Pest Control opened its doors for the first time and a lot of bugs have been very unhappy ever since.
“I just had that itch that I wanted to try running my own business,” Pickens said. “Pest control is really all I’ve ever known.”
Pickens Pest Control was named Best Pest Control Business in this year’s Best of Oxford voting.
The business started with one employee — Pickens — and a truck.
“I did collecting, selling, spraying — everything,” Pickens said. “I was a regional man-ager, a technician and owner and operator. I had phone calls rerouted to my cellphone so I
could keep working. I did every-thing myself.”
About three years into the business, Pickens decided it was time to hire someone else.
“I told my wife I thought it was time she got into the business,” Pickens said with a chuckle.
Today, Pickens fully admits his wife, Donna, is the “real owner.”
“She’s the boss,” he said.Pickens Pest Control has 16
employees that include 11 full-time technicians.
As technology changes, so does the business of pest con-trol, Pickens said. When he first started in the business, cockroaches were the biggest problem in area homes.
“Now it’s ants,” he said. “Over the years the chemicals and technology changed and became more affordable and available so we don’t have the roach problem we used to any more. I remember when I was still working for the other com-pany, I went to a home where there were roaches crawling in a baby’s crib.
“The mother couldn’t afford to pay me, so I decided I was just going to do it for her any-way,” Pickens said.
While ants seem to be the
biggest nuisance right now, all insects can become a nuisance for different people he said, depending on allergies and damage.
“Termites can cause serious damage to a house and some cause health issues,” he said. “We pride ourselves on protect-ing home, health and property.”
Pickens Pest Control is locat-ed at 2613 West Oxford Loop, Suite 3. For more information, call 662-234-2207.
BRUCE NEWMAN
Donna and Mike Pickens have grown Pickens Pest Control steadily since 2001, and the busi-ness has been named Best Pest Control by Best of Oxford voters for 11 years in a row.
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 35
It’s Simple!It’s Effi cient!It’s Flexible!It’s Convenient!
Why Subscribe to the E-edition?
It’s only $5 a month.Go to oxfordeagle.com to get started or renew your current E-subscription.
ONLINE EDITIONONLINE EDITIONONLINE EDITION 1631 W. Jackson Avenue • 662-236-7346
1/2 PRICEMust bring in this coupon to redeem. Offer good June 5 - June 7, 2015.
Second dinner must be of equal or lesser value.
Thank you, Oxford and Ole Miss for voting us
Best Asian Restaurant!Buy 1 Hibachi Dinner
Get Second
TEACHER (PREK-12)Penny Smith
Mary Beth Smith, Laurie Beth Ellis, Kelly Whitten, Betsy Brown, Joanne McGehee, Mary Beth Moore, Hope Gardner, Mandy James, Patches Calhoun
UNIVERSITY PROFESSORLori Williamson
Ethel Minor, Linda Keena, Katie Narron, John O’Haver, Josh Gladden, Donald Cole, Melinda Vallant, Shane Moser, Tony Ammeter, Ken Sufka, Lori Wolfe, Doug Sullivan-Gonzalez, Matt Johnson, Scott Fiene
VETERINARIANLee Payne
Ware Sullivan, Whitney Rayner, Laura Wilson, Apryl Garcia, Hannah Heaton, Harry Fyke, Steven Redding, Katherine Kvam
BRUCE NEWMAN
The many favorite items available at Big Bad Breakfast helped it earn Best Breakfast honors again this year in the Best of Oxford balloting.
Best of oxford36 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
WQLJ continues dominance in Best Radio Station categoryBy RoB SigleR
Managing Editor
WQLJ 93.7 may be going through some changes, but there is one constant in that the listeners have always supported the local radio station which has been chosen the Best Radio Station in this year’s Best Of Oxford voting.
“It never ceases to amaze me how the listeners always seem to respond,” said long-time radio host and station manager Rick Mize. “You sit in a room with four walls and talk and won-der if you’re reaching them. But obviously they are listening by voting us ‘Best Of’ in this catego-ry. It’s humbling and an honor and we hope to continue to earn their respect. The listeners are
the life-blood of our station.”Q93.7 has a Top 40 format
and will be moving on your radio dial to 105.1, and 105.5 to “better service the area and our listeners,” said Mize. WTNM 105.5, which is part of the Super Talk Mississippi radio network, will be moving to 93.7.
“We are hopeful our loyal lis-teners will make the transition with us and follow us over to 105.1 and 105.5,” said Mize.
Currently, WOXF 105.1 services Oxford and Water Valley, while 105.5 is licensed to Batesville and Water Valley, according to Mize.
The radio station has been around for 30 years and Mize said they “hope to be around another 30 years or more.”
BRUCE NEWMAN
Rick Mize does his morning radio show on WQLJ 93.7, which has once again been chosen as the Best Radio Station in Oxford.
BRUCE NEWMAN
Robert Earl Keen plays at The Lyric, which was selected as as the Best Location to Host an Event in this year’s Best of Oxford voting.
Best of oxford37 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
120 South 11th St.
Thanks for voting us
Best Bar and
Best Happy Hour!
Best of oxford38 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com
Open Monday - Friday • 1397 Belk Boulevard • Oxford, MS 38655 • 662.236.4675
Thank you for voting us:
The Best of Oxford 2015 Is Out!
Come see us for all your family medical needs.
Shaun Helmhout, MD Jackey Turner, MDKecia Kirk, MD Leigh Spencer, FNP Jené Smith, ACNP
Best Doctor, Kecia KirkBest Nurse Practitioner, Leigh Spencer
Best Medical Clinic
M I S C E L L A N E O U SCELEBRITY SIGHTING
Katy PerryEli Manning, Morgan Freeman, James Franco, Shepard Smith, Joey Lauren
Adams, Woody Harrelson, Archie Manning, Patton Oswalt, Dolly Parton, Johnny McPhail
BEST NEW ADDITION TO OXFORD Gus’s Fried Chicken
Panera, Allen Samuels, Starbucks, Kelli’s Cakes, FINS Fish & Oyster Co., Goose Creek, Wingstop, Malco Oxford Commons, Oxford Canteen, Pure Barre,
Roundabouts at Old Taylor, Route 6, Cups, Jinsei, Sorella’s, Sweet T’s Bakery, The Growler, Loft, Range at TGC Outdoors, Delta Steak Company
OXFORD’S BEST KEPT SECRETThe Range at TGC Outdoors
Rice and Spice, Ravine, Whirlpool Trails, Allen Samuels, Grilled Cheese at Downstairs Bar, Delta Steak Co., Volta Taverna, Lamar Lounge, Embers Biscuits and Barbecue, Luxe, Mama Jo’s, Taco Shop, Living Foods, Clay Canvas, Brooks
Collection, Epicure, Goose Creek, Handy Andy
OXFORD THEMED WEBSITEHottytoddy.com
Eatingoxford.com, visitoxfordms.com, Chamber of Commerce, City of Oxford, oxfordeagle.com
BEST OF THE BESTFamily MedicineGroup of Oxford
Leigh Spencer, Oxford Dental, The Range at TGC Outdoors, FNB Oxford, Ajax Diner, The Square, Tannehill, Carmean, and McKenzie, BNI Oxford, Allen
Samuels, Hunters’ Hollow, Smith Lawn Management, Lee Family Dentistry, Ravine, Ronnie Leggett Construction, Big Bad Breakfast, Boure, Delta Steak
Company, Snackbar, The Barn, The Grove, The Parlor, Brooks Collection, Epicure, GoOrthodontics, Luxe, Taylor Grocery, The Inn at Ole Miss, La Rousse, Ole Miss,
Square Books
Best of oxfordwww.oxfordeagle.com friday, June 5, 2015 39
114 Courthouse Square • 662-701-8285 • www.oxfordgrillehouse.com • “An Oxford Tradition!”
Thanks to all our loyal customers for another great year and giving us the title of Best Steak!
Best of oxford40 friday, June 5, 2015 www.oxfordeagle.com