Goods & Services

Antiques store

1st PLACE: Eighth & Main Antique Center

745 Main St., 893-5534

It may not look like it from the outside, but Eighth & Main Antique Center spans over 29,000 square feet, in which individual sellers set up shop with everything from vintage furniture to grandma’s Corningware dishes. It’s a treasure trove that could take all day to mine through—no wonder it’s Chicoans’ perennial favorite!

2nd PLACE: Vintage Hen

215 Main St., 894-1311

3rd PLACE: Country Squyres’ Antiques

164 E. Third St., 342-6764

Attorney

1st PLACE: Michael M. Rooney

Rooney Law Firm, 1361 Esplanade, 529-4357

Navigating one’s way through the court system can be a major headache for someone without a law degree. That’s why we hire lawyers—and for three years running, CN&R readers have chosen Michael M. Rooney as their go-to guy. Clients say Rooney’s office is professional and well-organized and that the man himself is compassionate and works hard for every case he takes on.

2nd PLACE: Nicole Plottel

Harris & Plottel LLP, 466 Vallombrosa Ave., 893-2882

3rd PLACE: Andrew D. Holley

Attorney for Immigrants, 30 Independence Circle, Ste. 400, 715-2300

Auto paint/body shop

1st PLACE: Concours Elite

2267 Esplanade, Ste. D, 891-0234

After getting into a fender bender (or worse), there’s no better feeling than getting your car back to its original condition. Well, the team at Concours Elite ensures that happens each and every time, inspiring repeat customers and rave reviews. “First rate all the way,” one reviewer writes. Now, that’s hard to beat.

2nd PLACE: JP’s Paint & Body Works

1840 Park Ave., 342-1328

3rd PLACE: Knockout Collision Repair

3225 Esplanade, 899-9202

Auto repair shop

1st PLACE: Affordable Automotive

2106 Park Ave., 892-1774

Affordable Automotive has now officially entered into the Living Legends category, meaning it’s earned Best of Chico status for five years. That’s no small feat. The shop can handle any repair one might need, from preventive maintenance to transmission work to diagnosing and fixing all those mystery rattles we all know too well. With their guarantee and warranty promise, customers know they’re getting service they can trust.

2nd PLACE: C & M Automotive Services

1188 E. Lassen Ave., 343-5613

3rd PLACE: Spencer Automotive

2303 Esplanade, Ste. 80, 345-5600

Baby/kids’ clothier

1st PLACE: Apple Blossom Baby

977 East Ave., Ste. 90, 345-1617

Chico parents continually choose Apple Blossom Baby as their favorite place to shop for baby and kids clothes. It could be that they love the wide selection of unique and hard-to-find items. Or maybe it’s the dedication to stocking quality used pieces to ensure affordability and show a commitment to the environment. Either way, it’s tops!

2nd PLACE: Kat’s Meow

138 W. Third St., 899-8811

3rd PLACE: Kohl’s

1505 Springfield Drive, 897-0920

Bank/credit union

1st PLACE: Tri Counties Bank

Multiple locations

Tri Counties Bank names its core values as trust, respect, integrity, communication and opportunity. With headquarters in Chico, the community-focused bank has grown into a wide network with branches throughout Northern and Central California. Locals know Tri Counties as their bank, and with growth that bond has just gotten stronger.

2nd PLACE: Sierra Central Credit union

352 E. First St., (800) 222-7228

3rd PLACE: Wells Fargo Bank

Multiple locations

Barbershop

1st PLACE: Danny’s Barbershop

544 Broadway, 332-0553

A great atmosphere, friendly staff, quality haircuts—that’s how clients characterize their positive experience at Danny’s Barbershop. From the music selection to the detailed attention the barbers give to each cut, Danny’s earns high praise. One customer raves: “I’ve been looking all over Chico for a barbershop, and have tried so many places. Nobody does it better than these guys.”

2nd PLACE: Gentlemen’s Barbershop

151 Broadway, 774-2157

3rd PLACE: Chico’s Barber Shop

162 E. Third St., 487-7373

Bike shop

1st PLACE: Pullins Cyclery

801 Main St., 342-1055

Not only is this town a bonafide cycling destination, making its bike shops all that more important, but Pullins itself is a local institution, having opened nearly a century ago and having served local cyclists since then. Owner Steve O’Bryan is also a genuinely great guy, active in the community and always eager to ensure every customer’s bicycling needs are met.

2nd PLACE: Greenline Cycles

515 Main St., 894-7885

3rd PLACE: North Rim Adventure Sports

178 E. Second St., 345-2453

Cab company

1st PLACE (tie): G-Ride Pedi-Cab & Trolley

354-9885

So, he may not drive a traditional cab, but Mike “G-Ride” Griffith—who also takes home top honors as Best Local Personality, by the way—rides a mean pedi-cab. In fact, his fleet has grown over the years to include a trolley. Don’t let that fool you, though, he’ll still be rockin’ out with Lil’ G, making sure your safe ride home is a fun one, too.

1st PLACE (tie): Star Taxi

466-8899

Star Taxi rose this year out of the ashes of Liberty Cab. While they’ve only been around a short time, their reputation precedes them. The drivers are experienced, the dispatch is friendly and thoughtful and they’ll always get you where you want to go quickly and safely. Bonus: They just added a hybrid to their fleet.

3rd PLACE: Yellow Cab

1330 Locust St., 893-4444

Car dealership

1st PLACE: Chuck Patterson

200 East Ave., 895-1771

Buying a car is known universally as a stressful experience, but readers report otherwise with Chuck Patterson. Because of the dealership’s friendly, knowledgeable sales folks and its vast selection of cars, trucks and SUVs (Toyota, Scion, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep), Chicoans choose Chuck Patterson as their No. 1 spot for vehicle purchases year in and year out.

2nd PLACE: Courtesy Automotive Center

2520 Cohasset Road, (800) 500-4232

3rd PLACE: Wittmeier Auto Center

2288 Forest Ave., 895-8181

Consignment/ second-hand threads

1st PLACE: Labelz Upscale Consignment Boutique

974 Mangrove Ave., 345-1615

For the past five years, Labelz has been providing Chicoans with an affordable option when it comes to upscale clothing and jewelry. As a consignment shop, customers can buy, trade or sell their clothing—all of it super trendy and at a good price. Customers keep going back for the friendly customer service and ability to always find a treasure.

2nd PLACE: Bootleg

126 W. Second St., 895-1426

3rd PLACE: Rouse & Revolt

225 Main St., 774-2658

Contractor

1st PLACE: Urban Design Solar

2260 Park Ave., 809-1079

Urban Design Solar has been improving Chico’s energy footprint, one family and one business at a time, for over a decade. The family-owned company strives to go above and beyond to ensure that each client gets not only a well-installed product but also that it best serves their energy needs.

2nd PLACE: Holt Construction

37 Bellarmine Court, 899-1011

3rd PLACE: Jim Souza

3493 Hackamore Lane, 518-6306

Day spa

1st PLACE: Sweetwater Day Spa

40 Declaration Drive, 894-7722

When locals want to get pampered, they head to Sweetwater Day Spa, which aims to make every customer feel “beautiful, inside and out.” Lie back and relax during a deep-tissue massage to relieve you of the stresses of daily life. Or allow one of the spa’s licensed aestheticians to clear you of unwanted acne and treat you to a soothing facial treatment. Sweetwater staff are there to ensure you leave smiling, relaxed and rejuvenated.

2nd PLACE: Renew Float Spa

1030 Village Lane, Ste. 190, 588-7378

3rd PLACE: Urban Medspa

3221 Cohasset Road, Ste. 120, 891-8772

Dry cleaner

1st PLACE: Chico Express Cleaners

641 Walnut St., 343-6013; and 752 East Ave., 343-8844

With two locations and over 20 years in Chico, it’s no surprise that locals have come to trust Chico Express Cleaners with all their dry-cleaning needs. Owned by born-and-raised Chicoans Lance and Helen Marshall, the company strives to deliver quality service with a smile. And all while being environmentally friendly!

2nd PLACE: 3rd Generation Cleaners

1390 East Ave., Ste. 128, 899-0333

3rd PLACE: Esplanade Cleaners

164 E. Second Ave., 342-4306

Feed store/ farm supply

1st PLACE: Northern Star Mills

510 Esplanade, 342-7661

For well over a century, Chicoans have trusted Northern Star Mills with their farming needs, especially when it comes to the animals. That’s because the store, still located along The Esplanade near downtown though the city has sprung up around it, stocks everything from dog and cat food to poultry and cattle feed. They also carry fertilizer, soil and seeds for your garden.

2nd PLACE: C Bar D Feed

3388 Highway 32, Ste. A, 342-5361

3rd PLACE: Wilbur’s Feed & Seed

139 Meyers St., 895-0569

Florist

1st PLACE: Christian & Johnson

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 891-1881

At Christian & Johnson, you’ll find more than just flowers; you’ll find flowers lovingly arranged to highlight the color and beauty of each bulb. You’ll also find all manner of gifts that make perfect accompaniments to any bouquet or basket. Need something special? Just ask—the staff is knowledgeable and always eager to please.

2nd PLACE: Flowers by Rachelle

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., Ste. 240, 345-2661

3rd PLACE: Chico Florist

1600 Mangrove Ave., Ste. 145, 345-1855

Gift shop

1st PLACE: Hubbs & Co.

956 Mangrove Ave., 892-4940

Hubbs seems to have it all. Cute, rustic signs? Check. Beautifully scented candles? You betcha. What about fashion accessories and even trendy clothing? Yep! No matter who’s on your Christmas list (or birthday list, or thank-you-present list), Hubbs has you covered. And with new items coming in seemingly daily, you’ll never enter the exact same store twice.

2nd PLACE: Made in Chico

127 W. Third St., 894-7009

3rd PLACE: Little Red Hen Gift Shop

897 E. 20th St., Ste. B, 897-0100

Grocer

1st PLACE: S&S Organic Produce and Natural Foods

1924 Mangrove Ave., 343-4930

As many Chicoans know, S&S started out as a roadside produce stand. Now it’s a full-service grocery, with an impressive selection of organic produce and a butcher shop that puts most others to shame. Add to that the carefully chosen pantry items, breads, wines and herbal supplements and it’s clear S&S fits right into the fabric of Chico life.

2nd PLACE: Trader Joe’s

801 East Ave., Ste. 110, 343-9920

3rd PLACE: Chico Natural Foods Co-op

818 Main St., 891-1713

Hair salon

1st PLACE: Dimensions Salon

810 Broadway, 894-2515

No matter what style of hair—short, long, curly, straight—the stylists at Dimensions Salon will bring out the best in it. They’re all well-trained in everything—trimming, cutting, coloring and styling—so whether you need a new ’do for date night or want to add rainbow highlights to your tips, they’ll make sure you leave with a smile. What’s more, as one customer says, “This salon has such an amazing atmosphere, and the stylists make you feel so comfortable.”

2nd PLACE: The Hair Co.

2760 Esplanade, Ste. 150, 894-2002

3rd PLACE (tie): Crucial Salon

744 Wall St., 487-7077

3rd PLACE (tie): Two22 Salon

222 W. Third St., 592-3961

Insurance agent

1st PLACE: Brad Jacobson

Farmers Insurance, 25 Jan Court, Ste. 120, 891-7900

Brad Jacobson has built a reputation for quality insurance services, with his friendliness, knowledge and dependability. He works with his daughter, Kelly Gibbons, and a staff that customers have grown to trust. The testimonials say it all. “If you’re looking for great insurance, go see Brad Jacobson,” one client raved. “Brad, his daughter Kelly, and the other office staff are the nicest people to take care of you. They genuinely care about what works best for you.”

2nd PLACE: Joni Ginno

State Farm Insurance, 1915 Esplanade, 891-5881

3rd PLACE: Gayle Aylward

State Farm Insurance, 1277 East Ave., Ste 110, 895-1356

Jeweler

1st PLACE: Kirk’s Jewelry

246 W. Third St., 891-0880

Kirk Bengtson has made a life of making jewelry, having been in business in downtown Chico for 44 years. His shop, Kirk’s Jewelry, is second to none—just ask CN&R readers, who year after year name it No. 1. Bengston designs his own pieces, which are available in the expansive showroom, or he’s always happy to custom-make a piece, creating wearable memories for generations.

2nd PLACE: Olde Gold Estate Jewelry

225 Main St., Ste. 3, 891-4610

3rd PLACE: Gabrielle Ferrar

214 Main St., 345-1500

Liquor store

1st PLACE: Spike’s Bottle Shop

1270 E. First Ave., 893-8410

Spike’s has long been the go-to liquor store for locals seeking rare or unusual beers. That’s partially because owner Kevin Jaradah, who co-founded Chico Beer Enthusiasts, is committed to keeping his beer shelves stocked. But the store has evolved over the years. These days, Jaradah—who takes home third place this year for Best Local Personality—is turning his sights to whiskey, with a goal of offering the biggest selection of that spirit in town. Plus, Spike’s recently added delivery service—what’s not to like about that?

2nd PLACE: Ray’s Liquor

207 Walnut St., 343-3249

3rd PLACE: Mangrove Bottle Shop

1350 Mangrove Ave., Ste. 160, 342-7575

Local pet store

1st PLACE: Trailblazer Pet Supply

752 Mangrove Ave., 892-1848

At Trailblazer, pets are more than animal companions—they’re the stars of the show. With shelves stocked with a wide selection of foods, treats and toys, plus grooming services where staff ensures each pup is properly pampered, there’s no wonder Chicoans return here time and again. Add to that workshops focused on better understanding and caring for our fur babies and this is truly a one-stop pet shop.

2nd PLACE: Northern Star Mills

510 Esplanade, 342-7661

3rd PLACE: Chico Pet Works & Pet Salon

2201 Pillsbury Road, Ste. 186, 345-0934

Men’s clothier

1st PLACE: Formal Education

127 Main St., 809-1839

Despite its name, Formal Education doesn’t just specialize in formal wear—though you can rent a tux there when you need one. Instead, it focuses on allowing each man to create his own image, from casual to on-the-town to full-on swagger. There’s even the Chop Shop inside to ensure your beard is perfectly trimmed.

2nd PLACE: Men’s Wearhouse

1950 E. 20th St., Ste. 501, 342-1769

3rd PLACE: Rouse & Revolt

225 Main St., 774-2658

Nursery

1st PLACE: The Plant Barn & Gifts

406 Entler Ave., 345-3121

For over three decades, The Plant Barn has provided Chicoans with not just a nursery filled with all manner of plants, but also a gift shop and friendly, knowledgeable staff that eagerly guides customers in caring for their gardens. Recently, owners Denise Kelly and Rolf Weidhofer have expanded their property off Entler Avenue to include an events pavilion, perfect for getting the Flower Floozies together for classes and other kinds of fun.

2nd PLACE: Magnolia Gift and Garden

1367 East Ave., 894-5410

3rd PLACE: Little Red Hen Plant Nursery

189 E. Eighth St., 891-9100

Place for a mani/pedi

1st PLACE: Tammy Nails

1354 East Ave., Ste. J, 899-8912

Tammy Nails is a regular winner in this category, and for good reason. The friendly and professional staff takes great pride in pampering customers, whether it be in the spa pedicure chairs or with great attention to creating intricate nail designs that look great and last.

2nd PLACE: Angels Nails & Spa

965 Nord Ave., Ste. 100, 487-7322

3rd PLACE: Bliss Nails & Spa

2033 Forest Ave., Ste. 100, 891-3538

Place for electronics/computer repair

1st PLACE: Chico Computer Clinic

1450 Mangrove Ave., 636-1337

The locally owned Chico Computer Clinic takes pride in helping people quickly and affordably diagnose their computer issues and fix them in order to get on with daily life. Customers rave about the clinic’s friendly staff and almost can’t believe the turnaround time—typically 24 hours!

2nd PLACE: Best Buy Geek Squad

2005 Forest Ave., 566-1012

3rd PLACE: Beetstech

434 Southgate Court, (855) 886-0300

Place to buy books

1st PLACE: The Bookstore

118 Main St., 345-7441

The Bookstore is a Chico institution and a foundation of what it means to be a Chicoan to many locals. Not only is the downtown shop laid out in a lovely, wood-floored space filled with a wide selection of books, but with regular readings, arts fairs and book signings, owners Josh Mills and Muir Hughes have turned the place into a true local arts hub.

2nd PLACE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers

2031 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 894-1494

3rd PLACE: ABC Books

950 Mangrove Ave., 893-4342

Place to buy home furnishings

1st PLACE: The Address

2444 Cohasset Road, 898-9000

The Address prides itself on offering styles that locals can fully envision in their homes, with whole rooms set up inside the spacious showroom where customers can peruse individual items or entire stylistic motifs. If you’re overwhelmed by any decorating project, the team at The Address can help with everything from measuring for custom upholstery to accessorizing a room to designing it from scratch.

2nd PLACE: Nantucket Home

603 Broadway, 895-1038

3rd PLACE: Evans Furniture Galleries

2101 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 895-3000

Place to buy music gear

1st PLACE: The Music Connection

973 East Ave., Ste. V, 898-0110

The Music Connection’s strength is two-fold: It’s a family-run affair, led by wife-husband owners Sally and Bruce MacMillan, and its staff—from clerks to repair specialists to instructors—is composed of knowledgeable folks who are actual musicians themselves. It’s a one-stop shop for all players—from metal guitarists to the clarinetist in the high school band.

2nd PLACE: Herreid Music

824 Oroville Ave., 894-7777

3rd PLACE: Guitar Center

2027 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 879-1731

Place to buy outdoor gear

1st PLACE: Mountain Sports

176 E. Third St., 345-5011

Chicoans love the outdoors. Maybe we can attribute that to Annie Bidwell, who gifted the city most of what’s now Bidwell Park, a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. And Chicoans also know where to go to gear up for their adventures: Mountain Sports, which specializes in clothing, footwear, equipment and accessories made for exploring nature.

2nd PLACE: Chico Sports LTD

698 Mangrove Ave., 894-1110

3rd PLACE: Sportsman’s Warehouse

765 East Ave., Ste. 170, 897-0500

Professional photographer

1st PLACE: Teresa Raczynski

Park Avenue Photography, 15010 Meridian Road, 521-4340

At Park Avenue Photography, owner Teresa Raczynski’s motto is, “Your life, my lens,” which translates to her specialty in photographing people—newborns, pregnant mothers, children and seniors. Just a glance at her homepage reveals some of the cutest babies we’ve ever seen, alongside sweet family portraits. It’s no surprise, then, to read customers’ comments about Raczynski’s patience and ability to calm the little ones. The results speak for themselves.

2nd PLACE: Diane Nicole

Diane Nicole Photography, 588-4949

3rd PLACE: Danielle Albini

Albini Photography, (619) 403-3419

Real estate agent

1st PLACE: Sabrina Chevallier

RE/MAX of Chico, 1834 Mangrove Ave., Ste. 10, 896-9300

Expertise, professionalism and competence are among the qualities clients have come to expect from Sabrina Chevallier. Her smooth and frequent communication throughout the process especially helps first-time home buyers. One seller noted how Chevallier recommended the appropriate number of presale repairs and connected with competent professionals to get the work completed. Chevallier also gains points for her friendly personality, quick response time and willingness to go above and beyond for her clients.

2nd PLACE: John Barroso

Barroso Real Estate, 261 E. Third St., 570-8489

3rd PLACE: Dustin Cheatham

Century 21 Jeffries Lydon, 1101 El Monte Ave., 355-6881

Shoe store

1st PLACE: Heel & Sole Shoes

708 Mangrove Ave., 899-0780

When flip-flop season rolls around (isn’t it always flip-flop season in Chico?), locals know where to go to find the widest selection of Reefs, Tevas, Rocket Dogs and Rainbows: Heel & Sole. But beyond the aisles of sandals are others filled with wedges, boots, stilettos and sneakers. The choices are endless!

2nd PLACE: Johnson’s Shoes

801 East Ave., Ste. 145, 343-8923

3rd PLACE: Baker’s Birkenstock

333 Broadway, 345-4880

Sporting goods

1st PLACE: Dick’s Sporting Goods

1922 E. 20th St., 343-3351

Chicoans love to play, whether it be individual sports like tennis or running or team endeavors from baseball to soccer. When it comes to getting outfitted for any of the above—and more—Dick’s has the goods. The store encompasses an entire anchor space at Chico Mall and the staff is always eager to help customers find the perfect gear for anyone’s game.

2nd PLACE: Chico Sports LTD

698 Mangrove Ave., 894-1110

3rd PLACE: Sportsman’s Warehouse

765 East Ave., Ste. 170, 897-0500

Tattoo parlor

1st PLACE: Eye of Jade

319 Main St., Ste. 200, 345-5233

Walk into Eye of Jade’s downtown studio on any given Saturday afternoon, and you’re likely to see every table filled with people getting a tattoo or piercing and more people sitting in the waiting area for their turn. Owner/tattooist Ben Lucas and his roster of talented artists have created an ideal environment for getting one’s body permanently altered, with a wide-open, airy layout and plenty of colorful inspiration in the art and designs covering every inch of the shop’s walls.

2nd PLACE: Red Room Tattoo

231 Nord Ave., 342-1287

3rd PLACE: 12 Volt Tattoo

194 E. Eighth St, 592-3074

Thrift store

1st PLACE: The Arc Store

2020 Park Ave., 343-3666

Chico is home to many thrift stores, so the competition is stiff in this category. When asked to name their go-to spot to pick up used treasures, Chicoans chose The Arc Store. Not only is the shop well-organized and clean, but it also offers a wide selection of merchandise, from clothing and jewelry to furniture and kitchenware. The bonus is that the proceeds fund a good cause: services for developmentally disabled people. So, shop till you drop and feel good about your purchases.

2nd PLACE: Thrifty Bargain

2432 Esplanade, 774-2158

3rd PLACE: Goodwill

765 East Ave., 893-8578

Women’s clothier

1st PLACE: For Elyse

228 Broadway, 893-0106

In Chico, fashion is more about dressing individually than it is about name brands. So when it comes to shopping for clothing, women want a store where they know they can find that perfect ensemble. They’ve found it at For Elyse, which is run by three generations of women and declares, “We embrace fashion because it allows women to express their creativity and individuality.”

2nd PLACE: 5th Street Clothing Co.

328 Broadway, 345-5754

3rd PLACE: Anika Burke

211 Main St., 918-8850