Original information for this article can be found on The Anderson Independent’s website.
Anderson, South Carolina, came alive on the evening of September 14, 2023, as the community gathered at The Bleckley Station to celebrate the very best of their hometown at the 2023 Official Community’s Choice Awards.
Hosted by the Anderson Independent, the event was marked by a lively atmosphere, with a crowd of 400 enthusiastic participants eagerly anticipating the announcement of this year’s winners. The 2023 Official Community’s Choice Awards celebrated the best of Anderson, South Carolina, in grand style at The Bleckley Station. It was a night filled with excitement and anticipation as the winners from various categories were announced.
Jada Samuel, who holds the prestigious title of Miss South Carolina 2023, graced the occasion with her presence, delivering an inspiring speech. Lindsey Twitty, Sales Executive with Local iQ, also took the stage, making the event all the more special.
The evening was further enriched by a musical performance by Jeff Neil of the Synergy Twins music group, adding a melodic touch to the celebration.
Without further ado, let’s honor the winners who emerged victorious in their respective categories, showcasing the diverse talent and excellence within Anderson’s community:
- Beauty & Health Category:
- Allergy Clinic: Medicus: Eye, Ear, and Throat Specialists
- Barber Shop: Vintage Hari Loft
- Botox/Fillers: Aesthetic Avenue
- Chiropractic Clinic: The Joint Chiropractic
- Dental Clinic: J. Brent Copeland, DMD, Cosmetic, Restorative & Family Dentistry
- Eye Care Clinic: Clemson Eye
- Facials: Aesthetic Avenue
- Hair Salon: Level II Salon
- Hearing Aid/ Hearing Specialist Center: Hearing Healthcare Center
- Home Health Care Services: Anmed Home Health
- Massage Therapy: Lilia Day Spa
- Medical Spa: Aesthetic Avenue
- Nail Salon: Manicure/Pedicure: VIP Nails & Spa
- Orthodontic Clinic: McConnell Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dental Clinic: Anderson Pediatric Dentistry
- Spa: Lilia Day Spa
- Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic: AnMed CareConnect
- Women’s Health Service: AnMed OB-GYN
- Hair Stylist – Tammy Scarborough w/ Vintage Hair Loft
- Ophthalmologist: Mark S. Wolken, MD w. Medicus Eye Gropu
- Optometrist: William Milford, OD w/ Clemson Eye
- Dining Category:
- All-Around Restaurant: Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill
- Asian Food: Maki Sushi Bar & Bistro
- Bakery – The Sweetery
- BBQ: Smokin’ Pig BBQ\BBQ
- Brats/Hot Dogs/Sausages: Skins Hotdogs
- Breakfast: Mr. Rivers Breakfast Joint
- Brunch: Eale Street Kitchen and Bar
- Buffet: Pizza Buffett of Anderson
- Burger: Arnold’s of Anderson
- Caterer/ Catering Company: Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill
- Country Cooking: Mama Penn’s Restaurant
- Curbside/Carry Out/ Drive-Thru: Chick-Fil-A
- Dessert: Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill
- Fast Food: Chick-Fil-A
- French Fries: Five Guys
- Fried Chicken: Mama Penn’s Restaruant
- Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt/ Frozen Custard: Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
- Italian Food: Dolce Vita Italian Bistro and Pizzeria
- Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Electric City Pizza Company
- Local Coffee Shop: ECity Java
- Lunch: J C’s Sandwich Shoppe
- Mexican Food: Casa Fuentes
- New Restaurant: Up on the Roof
- Pizza: Guys Pizza on 8
- Romantic Restaurant: The Galley
- Seafood Restaurant: The Galley
- Sub/Deli/Sandwich Shop” Corner Bagel
- Sushi: Maki Sushi Bar & Bistro
- Sweet Tea: Chick-Fil-A
- Wings: Sue’s
- Entertainment & Leisure Category:
- Birthday Party Venue: Big Air Trampoline Park
- Event Venue: The Beleckley Station
- Hotel: The Bleckley Inn
- Live Music Artist/ Group/ Band: Eric Scott Band
- Live Music/Concert Venue: Carolina Wren Park
- Place of Worship: Second Chance
- Tourist/Seasonal Attraction – Local: Denver Downs
- Finance Category:
- Bank: Upstate Federal Credit Union
- Financial Planning Services: Wells Fargo Bank
- Mortgage Lending Company: Legacy Lending Mortgage Group
- Accountant: Pam West w/ West Small Business Services
- Home & Home Services Category:
- Apartment Complex: The Calhoun Lofts
- Assisted/Senior Living: Dominion Senior Living
- Home Builder: Mosteller Construction
- Interior Design Company: Hampton Furniture
- Property Management Company: Foothills Property Management of Anderson
- Real Estate Company: Keller Williams Western Upstate
- Real Estate Agent: Ala Chappelear, Chappalear & Associates w/ Keller Williams
- Real Estate Team/ Group: Crystal and Caitlin w/ Realty One Group Freedom
- Kids & Education Category:
- Dance Studio/School: Carolina Superstars
- Gymnastics Studio: Electric City Gymnastics
- Pre-School: West Anderson Christian Academy
- School – Private: St. Joseph Catholic Church & School
- School – Public: Midway Elementary School
- Pets Category:
- Pet Grooming Company: RockStar Pet Salon
- Pet Kennel/Boarding/Daycare: Electric City Stay and Play
- Veterinary Clinic: Electric City Animal Clinic
- Services Category:
- Carpet/ Rug Cleaning Company: A World of Difference Cleaning
- Dry Cleaning: Mac’s Dry Cleaners
- Employment/Staffing Agency: Hire Dynamics
- Fence Company: Wickham Fence
- Funeral Home/ Crematory: McDougald Funeral @ Cremation Services
- Garage Door Company: Wayne’s Overhead Doors
- Heating/AC Service Company: David Taylor Heating & Air
- Insurance Agency: Kenneth Rhodes & Associates
- Law Firm: Pracht Injury Lawyers
- Non-Profit/Charity Organization: Meals on Wheels
- Pest Control Company: Priority Pest & Contracting, Inc
- Roofing Company: Turn Key Roofing
- Tattoo Studio: Lost Sailor Studio
- Window Company: City Glass
- Insurance Agent: Luke Rhodes, Kenneth Rhodes & Associates
- Photographer/ Videographer: Shalon Beusse
- Shopping Category:
- Antiques/Coins & Collectables Store: Centerville Pickers Market Antiques Home Decor
- Boutique: Small Town Girl Boutique
- Children’s Clothing Store: Kakalaki Kids
- Cigar/ Smoke/ Vape Shop: Vapor Nation
- Fishing Gear Store: Sportsman’s Warehouse
- Flooring Store: Anderson Tile & Carpet
- Florist Shop: Linda’s Flower Shop
- Furniture Store: Hampton Furniture
- Garden Center/ Nursery: Concord Market
- Gift Shop: The Kitchen Emporium & Gifts
- Grocery Store: Publix
- Hardware/ Home Improvement Store: White Jones Ace Hardware
- Home Goods/Decor: Hobby Lobby
- Jewelry Store: Diamonds N Gold
- Men’s Clothing Store: Grady’s Great Outdoors
- Women’s Clothing Store: The Savvy Sister
- Spirits Category:
- Bar: Magnetic South Brewery
- Beer Store: Major Discount Wine & Liquor
- Happy Hour: Raines on Main
- Liquor Store: Major Discount Wine & Liquor
- Margarita: El Jimador Bar and Grill
- Wine Store: Vine & Barrel
- Sports & Fitness Category:
- Fitness Center/Gym: F4P Training & Nutrition
- Golf Course: Cobbs Glen Country Club
- Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store
- Top Employers:
- Place to Work: First Quality
- Boss: J. Brent Copeland, DMD w/ Cosmetic, Restorative & Family Dentistry
- Vehicles, Dealers & Services Category:
- Auto Repair: Welborn Tire Pros & Automotive
- Car Wash/Detail Shop: Papa Bear Carwash
- New Car Dealership: Piedmont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
- Oil Change: Welborn Tire Pros & Automotive
- Tire Center: Welborn Tire Pros & Automotive
- Used Car Dealership: A& D Auto
- Car Salesperson: Travis Smith w/ A & D Auto Sales
From outstanding businesses in shopping, finance, and health to exceptional schools, dining, and services, Anderson showcased its vibrant community spirit and excellence.
Congratulations to all the winners, who have proven that they are the best of the best in Anderson, S.C. Whether it’s in real estate, healthcare, education, or dining, these businesses and individuals have set the standard for excellence in our community. An additional congratulations to all the nominees for their hard work and dedication to the Anderson community.
Stay connected with AndersonSCLiving.com for more updates on the community, events, and all the latest news in Anderson, South Carolina. We look forward to another fantastic year of celebrating our hometown’s finest!
Keep supporting local businesses and making Anderson an even better place to live. Thank you for being a part of the Official Community’s Choice Awards, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our vibrant community!
**All Photos Credited to: Ken Ruinard/ The Anderson Independent Mail and Photo Chemistry by Luba**
