The nominations are in and the results have been tallied. BEACON readers spent the last two months nominating their favorite local hot spots. Now, we’re excited to reveal the BEACON Best—nearly 30 restaurants, shops, service providers and more who rise above the rest for boomers and seniors in Montrose and Delta counties.

“There are other, similar contests, but none specifically from the viewpoint of boomers and seniors,” said BEACON Publisher Kevin VanGundy. “Nothing else focuses on the businesses and services they particularly like.”

Although this year’s winners span many different industries, they all have something in common—each provides a high-quality experience in a welcoming, friendly environment. One huge component of that is a dedication to superior customer service.

“Many of our readers grew up in an age where service came with everything you bought,” VanGundy said.

Unfortunately, some businesses treat customer service as if it’s old-fashioned and out of style. The winners of this year’s BEACON Best Awards do not feel the same way.

“We try to accommodate seniors and work around their schedules,” said Maggie Heiser, office manager for Avalanche Heating Cooling Plumbing, the BEACON Best winner in the best heating and cooling services category. “We inspect their equipment for potential maintenance issues and catch them before they occur.”

Readers voted Chow Down Pet Supplies as the best pet supply store for the second year in a row. According to long-time customer Carrie Sanders, 72, it’s because of the extent the staff goes to in order to make sure shoppers—and their pets—have a pleasant experience.

“We are attentive to customers and take time to listen and share information,” said Autumn Udovitch.

Sanders said the staff is helpful in helping her find products her dog likes and that help with her dog’s allergies.

“They’re cheerful and you can tell they care,” she said. “It’s even nice that they carry out heavy bags of dog food to the car for me.”

“We take the time to form a lasting relationship with each customer and care about their needs,” said Pat Vogel, office manager for 1-Hour Eye Docs, the BEACON Best winner in the best optical store category. “We work with them to make sure they understand changes and don’t get confused about payments.”

1-Hour Eye Docs accepts Medicare and other forms of insurance. Its staff is excited to be of greater service to veterans, as they can now handle VA orders and requests.

For the second year in a row, readers voted Chris Reichmann with Edward Jones as the best financial planner. Reichmann and his staff take great care of their clients by reviewing their financial goals and carefully considering decisions to help them with retirement planning, estate planning, taxes and education.

“We truly focus on what’s important to our clients and develop a plan that’s tailored to their needs,” said Reichmann. “We love our clients and value their trust. We love learning about them and their families.”

Staff and volunteers at Heirlooms for Hospice in Delta, the winner for best secondhand store, also like learning about their clientele and the items they bring in.

“We love getting to know our clients,” said store manager Amanda Twamley. “All of our items are donated and the proceeds benefit HopeWest in Delta County.”

Twamley and her staff were honored to receive the award, and are grateful for their customers and volunteers.

Main Street Bagels won the jackpot, earning two awards for the best place for coffee and for lunch.

“This means a lot to us since there are a lot of other places our guests can choose to patronize,” said owner Mark Smith. “Truly, since 1995, our guests have been voting for us just by visiting.”

Smith credits his lively staff for helping guests feel welcome.

“Our staff is comprised of people you would probably want to have as friends,” he said. “They support us tremendously, just like they do for our guests young and old.”

While VanGundy hopes that other businesses will take note of the BEACON Best Awards and think about ways to make their establishments more senior friendly, he said the idea of the contest is to recognize the businesses and services that seniors love.

It’s this kind of attitude that sets the BEACON Best apart.

Meet the 2019 BEACON Best Award winners

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Thanks for voting!

A few lucky readers won $50 gift cards just for letting us know their most loved locales!

Marygrace Prinster, $50 winner to Main Street Bagels

Carolyn Santy, $50 winner to WW Peppers

Michele Wiginton, $50 winner to Chow Down Pet Supplies