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BEST COUNTRY HOTEL RESTAURANT | THE BRIDGE INN PLEASANTVILLE
If you are in search of an affordable, top notch meal and a thirst quenching libation, The Bridge Inn Pleasantville, named Best Country Hotel Restaurant by Best of Berks voters, has you covered. With a menu boasting hand-cut steaks, seared ahi tuna, vegetarian dishes and homemade desserts, even the most discerning taste buds can be satisfied. Thirsty? Check out their specialty cocktails prepared with a creative mix of fruits, herbs and vegetables, as well as their variety of draft beers. Love a good martini? The menu is almost as cool as the drink. Open it up and it lights up! This country restaurant welcomes patrons with an assortment of atmospheres, ranging from a relaxed main dining room, to an elegant back dining room, to a lower level pub-like bar, weather permitting outdoor dining, and a trendy martini lounge featuring live entertainment on Saturday nights. Owners Dan Sickafus and Brian Favinger say, “The Bridge Inn is a little bit of city in the country.” So head on in and enjoy this gem. 3 Covered Bridge Rd., Oley, 610.689.5818, bridgeinnpleasantville.com – Alexis H. Bendyna
BEST DINER | EXETER FAMILY RESTAURANT
Exeter Family Restaurant does it again! For the fourth year in a row Exeter Family Restaurant wins the Best Diner in Berks County. Why? When you visit, be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even late-night, the employees make you feel at home and ensure you’re satisfied with all aspects of your order. Speaking of your order, what to choose could be a challenge. All meals are prepared with the freshest of ingredients and every dinner entrée is accompanied by trips to the all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar, featuring more than 40 items. Open 24 hours, Exeter Family Restaurant offers a warm, contemporary 250 + seating area and monthly breakfast, lunch and dinner specials that change with the season to keep up with food and industry trends. Mike Nanouh, VP of Operations, says, “Diners are supposed to have a family atmosphere and good food.” When asked about winning their fourth Best of Berks title, Nanouh said, “Our amazing employees are what make this business successful, next to our loyal customers.” 4800 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, 610.370.5131, exeterfamilyrestaurant.com— Samantha A. Marino
BEST WINGS (NON-CHAIN) | JIMMIE KRAMER'S PEANUT BAR RESTAURANT
Looking for fall-off-the-bone tender, perfectly-cooked wings? You can find them at a historic spot in the heart of the City of Reading: Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar Restaurant. The Peanut Bar, as it’s affectionately called by many, has won in multiple Best of Berks categories, such as best crab cakes and best business lunch, but the establishment may be best known for its wings. In fact, USA Today named it one of its Top 10 restaurants in the nation for its wings. Beat that! Monday is All-You-Can-Eat Wing Night at the Peanut Bar. We recommend you start with the traditional buffalo hot wings and then sample the garlic herb. “Our staff really makes our establishment special and we really care about who is coming through the door,” says owner Michael Leifer. So stop by, feel the crunch of peanut shells under your shoes and enjoy some mouthwatering wings that will keep you coming back for more! 332 Penn St., Reading, 610.376.8500, peanutbar.com — Colin P. Donovan
BEST SUSHI SPOT | GO FISH! SEAFOOD & SUSHI BAR
Love a good spicy tuna roll? If so, first-time Best of Berks winner Go Fish! Seafood & Sushi Bar is your go-to destination. This versatile restaurant has all of your seafood wants and needs, and a bit more for non-seafood lovers, covered. Go Fish! Seafood & Sushi Bar opened its doors in West Reading in October of 2008. Since then, owner Heather Clark has enjoyed wonderful feedback from the community. College senior Kellie O’Donnel says, “Whenever I’m craving sushi, Go Fish! is my go-to spot!” How could it not be? With 20+ rolls on the daily menu and two special rolls featured each week, sushi takes center stage at Go Fish! The Monica Roll, the Crazy Tiger Roll, the Pagoda Roll and more are loved by many. With overflowing cases of delightful, fresh seafood as well as an inviting sushi bar, Go Fish! is your new sushi destination. 619 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.376.6446, gofishseafood.com — Jessica Ciesla
BEST FINE DINING | JUDY'S ON CHERRY
If you are looking for a unique, upscale dining experience in the heart of downtown Reading, Judy’s on Cherry is the perfect destination. With Mediterranean-themed cuisine and homemade bread and pastries, Judy’s was once again voted Best Fine Dining in Berks County. Owner and chef Judy Henry, the heart and soul of the restaurant, says,
“Everything about cooking is so tactile and so sensual and immediately gratifying.” You can tell that she brings that passion and her love of food to make her guests feel welcome and make their dining experience special. “Everybody who comes in always feels at home. It feels like a comfortable space,” expresses Judy. Creative dinner entrees include Espresso Dusted Roast Pork Tenderloin, Poached Caribbean Lobster Vodka Rosa, and the ever-popular Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Butter. The delicious food, unique atmosphere, and enthusiastic staff are what keep people coming back time after time. We can certainly understand why! 30 South 4th St., Reading, 610.374.8511, judysoncherry.com — Megan Serafin
BEST PIZZA (NON-CHAIN) | PARADISE BY THE SLICE
Want a taste of pizza paradise? Then look no further than Paradise by the Slice, celebrating its first Best of Berks win for Best Pizza. Each delicious slice is crafted from a base of homemade dough (made fresh twice daily) that’s piled high with your choice of quality fresh ingredients. Feeling indecisive? Leave it to the chef and let him select from one of 12 specialty pizzas, including the bacon cheeseburger pizza, buffalo wing pizza or even the chicken pesto pizza. You might want to wash it down with a selection from their extensive beer offerings, with 28 beers on tap and 150 bottles available. Owner Robert Zeiders is delighted to receive the award: “I am honored that our customers voted for us; it is very special.” Paradise by the Slice is certainly customer friendly, allowing pizza lovers to order by phone, online or through the app “Paradise by the Slice,” available for any smart phone. 63 E. Penn Avenue, Wernersville, 610.670.8888, paradisebytheslice.com — Brandon Jay Harry
BEST SANDWICH SHOP | MAYS SANDWICH SHOP
A quaint shop with big flavor and charm, Mays Sandwich Shop offers a taste of refreshing tradition in an ever-changing world. What originally started as a one-stop grocery out of Denton Mays’ shed in 1947 has now won Best Sandwich Shop three years running. The Mays first started serving up sandwiches in the late 1940s, when school children requested pre-made sandwiches for their school lunches. Thus, the Mays Sandwich Shop legacy began. The Mays’ success comes from customer loyalty and the family’s commitment to the community through its support of local charities and schools. For the customer’s convenience, Mays has added an online ordering feature via their Facebook page. Joseph Mays promises customers, “Mays is here for the long haul,” and they will continue to serve both new and loyal customers for the foreseeable future. 2525 Penn Avenue, West Lawn, 610.678.7971, facebook.com/MaysSandwichShop — Nikki Long
BEST BURGER | BERTIE'S INN
Bertie’s Inn, located in Exeter Township, is the place to go if you’re looking for a delicious, mouthwatering, hand-pressed hamburger. This first-time winner in the Best of Berks Best Burger Category is a small family-owned restaurant off the beaten path. Peter and Anne Thomas have owned and operated Bertie’s Inn since 1989, expanding the original building with a beautiful outdoor deck, the perfect stage for acoustic bands that play during the summer. All burgers at Bertie’s are made to order. One of their most popular creations is the motley burger, topped with pulled pork and available only at Bertie’s. You can also build your own burger from a selection of unique toppings, including sautéed mushrooms, hot cherry peppers, marinara sauce, crumbled Feta cheese or more traditional choices like onion, lettuce and tomato. Other restaurant favorites include Greek food options and the homemade soups and chili. “Our hope is to continue what we’re doing and do it well,” said Peter. “We’re glad people appreciate what we do.” 160 Old Friedensburg Rd., Exeter Township, 610.779.5797, bertiesinn.com — Jessica Newcomer
HAUTÉ CHOCOLATE CAFÉ
Have a sweet tooth that craves chocolate? Then head straight to Hauté Chocolate Café, Best of Berks winner for Best Sweet Spot. The West Reading café offers a distinct, comfortable atmosphere bound to make anyone almost as cheerful as the sweet treats inside. (Hint: If you want a look at something truly unique, check out the restroom.) “We want to make sure we are giving the best to our customers,” co-owner Heather Zuwiala says. Hauté Chocolaté serves up 18 varieties of hot chocolate like Thai ginger and Aztec bling, non-chocolate sweets like coconut macaroons and cream puffs, award-winning cupcakes like the famous salty and whoopie, seasonal specials and more than 50 varieties of chocolate bars from around the world that are sure to satisfy. Stop in and treat yourself to something delicious! 711 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.373.4455, hautechocolatecafe.com — Rachael Urick
THIRD AND SPRUCE CAFÉ
Located in West Reading at the same corner since 1947 is this year’s Best Happy Hour Spot, the Third and Spruce Café. Of the win, owner John Woodward says, “It’s great. Very symbolic of how successful happy hour is.” Happy Hour runs from 5 to 7pm each day and all drinks are discounted. The Spruce has a wide variety of libations, including 20 beers on tap. The most popular appetizer is the nachos. The menu is varied and well-loved, too, featuring specialty sandwiches, signature salads, excellent entrees and even a “kids’ playground.” Love oysters? Then you might want to make your Spruce visit on a Tuesday night when they offer their "Buck a Shuck" raw oyster bar. Simply put: The Spruce is a fun place to be with a great social atmosphere. Looking to the future, Woodward sees a kitchen expansion, larger appetizer offerings, and a new private party room. 238 S. 3rd Avenue, West Reading, 610.376.5254, thirdandspruce.com — Tyler G. Reinoehl
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR | JIMMIE G'S RAILROAD HOUSE SPORTS BAR
When you’re looking for a night out with good friends, good drinks and top-notch entertainment, look no further than Jimmy G’s Railroad House Sports Bar in Sinking Spring, celebrating its fifth Best of Berks award for Best Neighborhood Bar. With more than 16 beers on tap, 70 brands of bottled beer and many other delicious drinks, you are bound to find what you’re looking for. Enjoy it at one of the establishment's two bars, at your table while dining inside, or on the outdoor deck, heated and open year-round. If you’re a sports fan – have no fear, the game’s on here! Watch live on one of the 26 HDTVs or on one of two HD projectors. The Railroad House features the NFL and MLB packages. How does it feel to be honored by readers again this year? Co-owner April Giuffrida gives kudos to the employees: “It is because of our hardworking staff; without them none of this would be possible,” she explains. 152 Woodrow Avenue, Sinking Spring, 610.678.1177, railroadhouse.net — Brandon Jay Harry
BEST LUNCH SPOT | SAY SHEESE! RESTAURANT & CHEESE
Penn Avenue’s newest attraction oozes cheesy goodness and has certainly caught the attention of many Berks County food lovers. First-time Best of Berks winner and owner of Say Cheese! restaurant Adam Cocuzza says, “It feels fantastic that our customers have voted for us!” The restaurant offers up American comfort food with a bit of a twist. Having opened its doors only one year ago, Say Cheese! has already formed a loyal customer base due to the staff’s passion for food and customer service. With a “1920s meets steampunk” feel in the restaurant, this place will surely keep you coming back for more. Located in the heart of West Reading, Say Cheese! is a cheese lover’s paradise! 600 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.406.5390, saycheese-restaurant.com — Jessica Ciesla
BEST LOCAL FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS | GNA RISTORANTE PIZZERIA
Upon visiting GNA Ristorante Pizzeria in West Reading, this year’s winner for Best Local Family-Run Business, your family becomes part of the Grande family. GNA got its start when Alby and Lina Grande opened the restaurant. Now Ben (bar manager), Tina (event coordinator) and Massimo (sales and marketing), their children, hold management positions with the family business. And it doesn’t stop there. Who’s whipping up those to-die-for dinner specials? That’s Raffaele Cirandine, Tina’s husband and head chef. Children, including Tina and Raffaele’s daughter Sophia, also love GNA. At just four years old, she can’t help but entertain the other youngsters visiting with her bubbly personality. What’s the secret to the Grande family’s success? “Great food, a great atmosphere and family,” explains Lina. Their success has brought the Grandes a thriving business, numerous awards and a new restaurant! Just down the road from GNA will be their second location, Nonno Alby, featuring brick oven pizza! 421 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.376.1155, gnaristorante.com — Natalie Messaros
BEST COFFEE SHOP | CAFÉ HARMONY
Love a good cup of coffee with a pastry on the side? Then Café Harmony is the place for you! The popular coffee shop is located on Penn Avenue in West Reading. Café Harmony’s ability to serve up signature roasts and satisfied customers has earned it the Best of Berks distinction for Best Coffee Shop four years running. The Café’s signature espresso drinks are not to be missed. Customers especially love the Chai Stinger and the B&W Mocha, which is your traditional mocha with the twist of a white chocolate shot thrown in. New to Café Harmony, Lynn St. George says, “I love the décor; it captures the coffeehouse feel.” For any non-coffee drinkers, Café Harmony’s hot chocolate is delicious and out of this world, and don’t forget they serve smoothies (try the Peanut Butter Banana), iced drinks, amazing food and more! 616 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.378.9001, cafeharmony.us — Amy Segen
BEST DINING DEAL | ViVÁ BISTRO & TAPAS LOUNGE
ViVÁ Bistro & Tapas Lounge is no stranger to the Best of Berks awards, so it is no surprise that they are this year’s Best Dining Deal winner. Located in Wyomissing, ViVÁ is known for its contemporary Euro-Mediterranean cuisine, as well as its trendy, big-city-style lounge which features live music Thursday-Saturday from 6-9pm. ViVÁ does everything possible to ensure its patrons leave completely satisfied and with money still in their pockets. Customers enjoy the comfortable atmosphere, vast variety of seating, and, most of all, the delicious food. Frequent diner Craig Mengel, CPA, says, “I like the lunch combo of soup and half a sandwich. There are several choices to pick from.” In addition to the Pick 2 lunch option, Half-Price Wine Wednesdays and Kids Eat Free Sundays, ViVÁ also offers the ViVÁ Duet four-course Prix Fixe menu boasting 25 percent savings, the most popular dining deal of all. If you are looking for a trendy atmosphere and a delicious meal that won’t break the bank, ViVÁ has you covered. 901 Hill Ave. & N. Park Rd., Wyomissing, 610.685.5299, vivagoodlife.com — Emily Geliebter
BEST SALON/SPA | HAIR ON THE AVENUE
A relaxing and welcoming environment awaits guests at Hair on the Avenue in Sinking Spring. Celebrating the salon’s 20 years in business, owners Dave and Debbie Meas continue to provide experiences to be remembered, be it by cut, color, make-up application, manicure/pedicure, facial or another one of the salon’s many services. “We consult with our guests, and then try to exceed their expectations,” says Dave. It is their team of certified professionals who dedicate their lives to be “day-makers.” “We can change somebody’s outlook; we hear it every time and we don’t get tired of it,” explains Debbie. Hair on the Avenue is no stranger to this Best of Berks award. “We invite everyone to come experience what has made us Best of Berks 10 consecutive years,” says Dave. Grateful and appreciative, Dave, Debbie and the team look forward to serving your image needs. 3459 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring, 610.927.3772, hotasalon.com — Cristian Pena
BEST MANI/PEDI PLACE | CHARMING NAILS
Quaint décor, soothing music, top-notch service, and, of course, outstanding manicure and pedicure offerings and designs all add up to a second-year win for Charming Nails in the Best Mani/Pedi Place category. Charming Nails is located on Penn Avenue in West Reading and owned by Peter and Suy Chu. Stop by and be welcomed by the friendly staff of experienced, trained professionals. “Treating my clients with good service is my top priority,” says Peter. “They come here and spend money, so I like to return the favor by spending money on them, too.” He does so by ensuring all of Charming Nails’ tools and materials are state-of-the-art and are sanitized and new in order to guarantee client safety and satisfaction. Services at Charming Nails include basic nail care; gel and acrylic manicures with pink and white options; pedicures your feet will thank you for in luxurious massage chairs; private events and much more! Stop by for a charming experience! 528 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.373.8189, charmingnails.net — Jessica T. Carpio
BEST COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT FACILITY | ADVANCED SKIN CARE & LASER CENTER
Restore youth and beauty to your skin when you visit Wyomissing’s Advanced Skin Care & Laser Center, a 10-time Best of Berks winner for Best Cosmetic Enhancement Facility. Dr. Harriet Comite is the region’s only Board-Certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic treatments. Using state-of-the-art technology and physician-grade products, Dr. Comite and her staff focus on not only meeting patient expectations, but exceeding them. Dr. Comite emphasizes prevention of disease and educates patients on the care of their skin, so together they can make the best informed choices regarding a wide variety of treatments. Some featured procedures include Botox®; Juvèderm®; Latisse® for thick, sexy lashes; lasers for removal of hair and tattoos; total skin rejuvenation and the new ExilisTM, which uses soothing thermal energy for skin tightening and body contouring. “You can trust your skin, with total confidence, to our expertise,” says Dr. Comite. 1260 Broadcasting Rd., Wyomissing, 610.371.1400, ComiteSkin.com — Brittany Graham-Young
BEST YOGA STUDIO | JUST BREATHE YOGA STUDIO
Discover yoga and its health and relaxation benefits at Just Breathe Yoga Studio’s historic location in Sinking Spring. Unique sessions and formats for all fitness levels were surely factors in voters making Just Breathe the Best of Berks Best Yoga Studio. Owner Kelly S. Essig and instructors are certified, 200-hour registered and experienced yoga teachers. They are dedicated to providing their utmost qualified guidance while challenging and nurturing each client. Just Breathe Yoga Studio adds flare to fitness with “BARRE,” the fusion of ballet, fitness and Pilates. Treat your mind and body and try distinct sessions with reasonable prices such as TRX suspension training and Thai yoga bodywork. Be sure to attend Just Breathe’s signature event offered throughout the year, YogaGroove: yoga set to acoustic guitar at indoor and outdoor locations.“Let go of what you thought yoga was; come discover what it can be for you,” Essig encourages. 4606 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring, 610.207.4120, facebook.com/JustBreatheYogaReadingPA — Brittany Graham-Young
BEST CULTURAL FACILITY | THE READING PUBLIC MUSEUM
Think you need to travel to some far off vacation destination to enjoy quality time with family and friends? Think again. The Reading Public Museum, named Best Cultural Facility by voters, “has something for everyone, from age two to 82,” says John Graydon Smith, Director and CEO. The museum is not only popular for its great artwork, but also for its innovative exhibitions and events targeted to all age groups. Popular current and upcoming exhibits include Norman Rockwell: Boy Scouts; Run! Jump! Fly!; ReDress: Upcycled Style; and Dora and Diego – Let’s Explore! The museum also plays host to events that boast jazz music under the stars, and it can be booked for private events and special occasions. Enjoy late night walks? The museum recently added lighting to its pathways so visitors can be safe while admiring outdoor sculptures. Come and enjoy all the museum has to offer! 500 Museum Rd, West Reading, 610.371.5850, readingpublicmuseum.org — Jessica T. Carpio
BEST LOCAL FAMILY FUN SPOT | THE WORKS
Looking for a fun time for the family? Be sure to visit The Works, winner for Best (Local) Family Fun Spot. Families enjoy the arcade boasting more than a $1 million investment in the latest and greatest in videogames; fast track go-cart fun at Slick Willy’s; ball pit romps in Ballocity – deemed the “ultimate climbing facility”; and casual lunch and dinner options at The Works, or even a more upscale dinner at their Building 24 restaurant. That’s right. The Works offers, well…the works! Ten years ago, Chip White returned to Berks County to create The Works. The owner says, “Our greatest accomplishment is the employee and management team that we have built.” The Works has a bright future ahead of it. With more than 100,000 square feet of space yet to develop, families can rely on The Works to meet their changing entertainment needs. 1109 Bern Rd., Wyomissing, 610.375.2700, gearedforfun.com — Kathryn E. Harris
BEST FITNESS CENTER | BODY ZONE SPORTS AND WELLNESS COMPLEX
For most residents living in Berks, it is no surprise that the Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex is the 2013 Best of Berks Best Fitness Center for the 10th straight year. Fulfilling various athletic needs, Body Zone houses ice rinks, indoor fields, a cutting-edge wellness center, a swimming pool and an indoor track. The complex has also seen the recent addition of various new components, including a private wellness studio and a completely revamped room for spin classes. Body Zone does a great job of guarding its distinction as the county’s Best Fitness Center, but still maintains a customer- and member-oriented attitude. “That so many of our members and guests again voted for us tells us that our dedication to being the very best at what we do matches their commitment to working out in the area’s Best Fitness Center,” says Jerry Wojciechowski, Director of Wellness, Aquatics & Business Development. 3103 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.376.2100, bodyzonesports.com — Dillon Emery
BEST KID'S BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACE | OZZY'S FAMILY FUN CENTER
Are you looking for a “funtastic” place to have your child’s next birthday party? First-time winner of Best of Berks category Best Kid’s Birthday Party Place, Ozzy’s Family Fun Center in Leesport is the ultimate place for fun! Ozzy’s owners Jean and Nelson Oswald are proud to provide a wholesome environment for interactive family entertainment. Their various hands-on activities, from inflatables to a roller-skating rink, make for a fun-filled, family oriented experience. Every birthday party is tailored to each child. With mix and match packages, the child is able to choose from any of their favorite activities. Debi Kerper, Ozzy’s CEO, puts it simply, “We do all the work; you have all the fun.” From the party host or hostess to the staff at the front desk, Ozzy’s employees make it their goal to exceed all expectations for the birthday child, their family, and their friends. 5411 Pottsville Pike, Leesport, 610.926.6162, ozzysffc.com — Emily Geliebter
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE | GOLDEN OAKS GOLF CLUB
Golden Oaks Golf Club is 2013’s Best of Berks Best Public Golf Club. Complemented by luscious landscaping and historically attractive buildings, Golden Oaks features a beautiful 18-hole, 7,100 yard course that golfers of any skill level can succeed at and enjoy. Offering golf lessons and clinics, Golden Oaks and golf pro Jo Ann Heller are unrivaled. If you’re looking for a romantic experience, Golden Oaks also offers bed and breakfast services and a fine-dining experience with a serene bar atmosphere. President and principal owner Jody Folk advocates a message of “Excellence without pretense.” Customers are assured that when coming to the Club, they will be treated exceptionally and given the highest quality product. If you’re looking for the complete service expected at a golf club with the most bang for your buck, then Golden Oaks Golf Club is for you. 10 Stonehedge Drive, Fleetwood 610.944.6000, goldenoaksgolfclub.com — Dillon Emery
BEST JEWELER | JUSTIN BORTZ JEWELERS AND MIDNIGHT SWAN DESIGNS
If you have been searching for a one-of-a-kind custom piece of fine jewelry, then Best of Berks winner for Best Jeweler Justin Bortz Jewelers and Midnight Swan Designs is the one stop shop for all your jewelry needs, located on Penn Avenue in West Reading. Bortz began as an entrepreneur. He describes his designs as “simple, classic and contemporary.” One day at the store, a woman pitched the idea of creating a Greater Reading Pagoda charm that would fit on the popular Pandora bracelet. Bortz accepted the challenge and was surprised to see just how high in demand the Pagoda charms were. “Like the midnight swan, a native American spiritual teaching that poses as a bridge between heaven and earth, my intention in all my designing is to build bridges,” Bortz explains. City Charm Company was formed and is expanding in Lancaster and Philadelphia, creating charms of the icons loved in each area. Find all that glitters and more at Justin Bortz Jewelers and Midnight Swan Designs. 438 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.373.1101, justinbortz.com — Jarred Merriweather
BEST FLORIST | PETALS ON PENN
Want to send someone a beautiful bouquet to show you love them or are thinking of them as they get through a tough time? Or are you in the market for extravagant and completely customized flower arrangements for a special occasion? Petals on Penn’s picture-perfect flower arrangements, gift baskets and other amazing products are sure to please. Petals on Penn’s employees are committed to helping and satisfying customers. That commitment has earned the Sinking Spring flower shop the Best of Berks title for the fourth time since its grand opening in December of 2008. “It is not just about a sale. I will go above and beyond for any customer regardless of what they are buying and paying,” says proud owner Susan Levan. Want to order a floral arrangement from Petals on Penn but aren’t nearby? Whose day do you want to make a little brighter? Call today to order, or even order online! 4056 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring, 610.678.4488, petalsonpenn.com — Johnathan Peña
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING BOUTIQUE | BELLA JULES FASHION BOUTIQUE, LLC
Looking for a one-of-a-kind outfit for that special occasion? If so, stop in at Bella Jules Boutique on Penn Avenue in West Reading. The wide range of apparel and accessories at Bella Jules catches any fashionista’s eye. From fancy tops, jeans, and accessories to prom dresses and formal gowns, there’s something for any occasion at this 8th-consecutive-year winner for Best Clothing Boutique. Juli Cleaver’s “New York to Atlanta eye for glamour” selects all the unique pieces for her store. Designers range from Joe’s Jeans to Bailey 44, Ivy and Blu to Jovani. Juli says, “I try and choose new, fresh and exciting clothes for the store so people would want to shop.” The passion Juli has is rewarded in seeing a satisfied customer feeling good about herself. Bella Jules meets every woman’s criteria for fashion at an affordable price. 700 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.208.0600, bellajulesboutique.com — Lauren Gross
BEST LOCAL GIFT SHOP | GATHERINGS & BLESSINGS
Need a new gift with an old, country flair? If so, be sure to stop by Hamburg’s recently opened Gatherings & Blessings, owned by Regina Shade. The warm greeting you receive upon walking in the door proves why Gatherings & Blessings won the Best Local Gift Shop for 2013. A majority of the merchandise sold at the store is handmade by local community members and features seasonal decor. The gift shop also extends its services to customers by accepting special order requests. When asked how it feels to win Best of Berks, employee Hillary Shade says, “I am very excited, especially since our store is new.” Winning the award after being open for less than a year reminds the staff of the “blessings” the store has brought to their lives and those around them. So gather your friends and take advantage of this unique shopping experience. 322B State St., Hamburg, 610.562.9800, gatheringsandblessings.com — Ashley Stout
BEST BANKING INSTITUTION | VIST BANK, A TOMPKINS COMMUNITY BANK
What do you want from a bank? How about one that prides itself on its long tradition of building lasting personal relationships with its customers? That is what you will get with VIST Bank, A Tompkins Community Bank. “This award is an honor and we thank Berks County for recognizing our dedicated employees and our outstanding customer service. We are a full-service community bank with local decision making, locally based and locally focused,” says President/COO Scott Gruber of being named Best of Berks. In addition to banking services, VIST Bank offers a wide range of insurance and investment services through Tompkins Insurance and Tompkins Financial Advisors. Making their great services even better and growing personal relationships are staples of the VIST Bank brand. 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, 1.888.238.3330, vistbank.com — Jacob Cotroneo
BEST CAR DEALERSHIP | FREEDOM AUTO GROUP
Who knew a car dealership would actually be more interested in people than selling cars? Eric Savage, owner of Freedom Auto Group and second time winner in the Best Car Dealership category, believes Freedom’s employees are “in the life improvement business.” Freedom frequently plays host to community events and makes sizable donations to Berks’ nonprofit charities. And often, the public does the deciding as to which groups benefit. Speaking of benefits, have you heard of the Freedom Four packages? When you purchase a vehicle from Freedom Auto Group, you get the Freedom Four Package, offering a variety of complimentary services from state inspections to pickup and delivery for service appointments. Come on, they pick up your car and let you use a loaner. 41 Industrial Drive, Hamburg, 484.665.0130, freedomautogroup.com — Caitlin Sullivan
PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER
