WINNER
You voted, they won!
REPUBLICAN AMERICAN’S READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS SPOTLIGHT THE STANDOUT STARS OF OUR COMMUNITY
BY SUSAN SHULTZ
Once again, the highly anticipated Republican American’s Readers’ Choice awards have been announced for 2025.
The community voted in 80 categories spanning eight divisions Automotive, Food & Drink, Fun & Entertainment, Health & Beauty, Home & Garden, Kids & Education, Professional Services, and Shopping recognizing 207 winners and finalists.
The winners in this year’s contest highlight the diverse and discriminating taste of the greater Waterbury, Litchfield County and Naugatuck Valley area. A glance through our winners offers visitors to the region plenty of options for a fun weekend of dining, shopping, and self-care.
The list of winners also offers residents a valuable guidebook for the services they need most. Your neighbors have vetted and recommended the best mental and physical health experts, the best
P & C Repair
64 N MAIN ST, THOMASTON
FINALISTS
Anderson Auto Electric Co
2091 S MAIN ST, WATERBURY
Gabe’s Automotive
100 N MAIN ST, BEACON FALLS
Meadow Street Automotive
299 W MAIN ST, WATERBURY
Prospect Service & Towing
1 OLD SCHOOLHOUSE RD, PROSPECT
local banks, and even the best tire services.
But it isn’t all practical— the next time you have a party, you are ready with recommendations for the most reliable caterer, the most delicious baker, and even the favorite craft beer brewer
These independent businesses deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the communities in which they have made an impact. If you stop by, be sure to say a well-earned congratulations!
YOUR 2025 WINNERS LIST STARTS BELOW!
AUTOMOTIVE
WINNERS
Blasius Kia
699 STRAITS TNPK, WATERTOWN
Crabtree Toyota in Watertown
832 STRAITS TNPK, WATERTOWN
Sullivan Honda
2015 E MAIN ST, TORRINGTON
WINNER
TIRE DEALER
Tony’s Tires + Wheels
1684 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALIST
Modern Tire & Auto Service
514 W MAIN ST, CHESHIRE
CAR DEALERSHIP
BAGELS
WINNER
Ami’s Crispy Bagels & Deli
2457 E MAIN ST, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Ayla’s Bagels & Coffee
787 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY
Bagel Factory
1627 MERIDEN RD, WOLCOTT
BAKERY
WINNER
Brooklyn Baking Company
464 REIDVILLE DR, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Ovens of France
660 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY
Sweet Maria’s
159 MANOR AVE, WATERBURY
FOOD & DRINK
BARBEQUE
WINNER
Hindsight BBQ
1503 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Smokin’ With Chris
59 W CENTER ST, SOUTHINGTON
Zach & Lou’s Barbeque
2936 WINSTED RD, TORRINGTON
BREAKFAST
WINNER
Jackie’s Restaurant
920 BANTAM RD, BANTAM
FINALISTS
Aurora Diner
2 E AURORA ST, WATERBURY
Mary’s Diner
437 WATERTOWN AVE, WATERBURY
The Laurel Diner
544 MAIN ST S, SOUTHBURY
WINNER
Clocktown Brewing Company
135 S MAIN ST, THOMASTON
FINALISTS
Brass Works Brewing Company
2066 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
Cheshire Craft Brewing
125 COMMERCE CT, CHESHIRE
Woodbury Brewing Company
738 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY BURGERS
WINNER
Giovanni’s Pizza Ristorante & Bar
1622 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Frankie’s Family Restaurant
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Maggie McFly’s
6 WOODSIDE AVE, MIDDLEBURY
Mike DeLuca
Ashley Sanderson
Susan Shultz
CATERER
WINNER
Giovanni’s Pizza Ristorante & Bar
1622 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALIST
Frankie’s Family Restaurant
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
CHINESE RESTAURANT
WINNER
Cheng Square
1655 STRAITS TNPK, MIDDLEBURY
FINALISTS
Golden Wok
464 REIDVILLE DR, WATERBURY
Jade Garden in Woodbury
670 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY
CHOWDER
WINNER
Dottie’s
787 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY
FINALIST
Jesse Camille’s Restaurant
615 CHURCH ST, NAUGATUCK
DELI/GRINDERS
WINNER
Noochie’s Deli & Café
72 AMERICA ST, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Cavallo’s Deli & Imported Italian Foods
1892 E MAIN ST, WATERBURY
Nardelli’s MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
DONUTS
WINNER
Brooklyn Baking Company
464 REIDVILLE DR, WATERBURY
FINALIST
Harvest Bakery
84 FARMINGTON AVE, BRISTOL
FRIED CHICKEN
WINNER
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
650 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALIST
Xrispy Chix
544 STRAITS TNPK, WATERTOWN
HAPPY HOUR
WINNER
Giovanni’s Pizza Ristorante & Bar
1622 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Maggie McFly’s MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Mamajuana cafe
950 WOLCOTT ST, WATERBURY
HOT DOGS
WINNER
Frankie’s Family Restaurant
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
FINALISTS
Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand
2200 WATERBURY RD, CHESHIRE
Denmo’s Famous
340 MAIN ST S, SOUTHBURY
WINNER
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Giovanni’s Pizza Ristorante & Bar 1622 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Hometown Pizza of Prospect
29 WATERBURY RD, PROSPECT
San Marino Ristorante Italiano 111 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
WINNER
Señor Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
FINALISTS
El Camion
308 SHERMAN HILL RD, WOODBURY
Los Garcia Mexican Fusion 836 E MAIN ST, WATERBURY
PATIO DINING
WINNER
Verdi
660 PARK RD, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
DaCapo of Litchfield
625 TORRINGTON RD, LITCHFIELD
The Edison Grill
178 BIRGE PARK RD, HARWINTON
FOOD & DRINK (CONTINUED)
PIZZA
WINNER
Giovanni’s Pizza Ristorante & Bar 1622 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Domenic’s & Vinnie’s Pizza MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Hometown Pizza of Prospect 29 WATERBURY RD, PROSPECT
SEAFOOD
WINNER
Sam The Clam Pub & Grub 1303 MERIDEN-WATERBURY TNPK, PLANTSVILLE
FINALISTS
Giovanni’s Pizza Ristorante & Bar 1622 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
Southern Tree 990 HUNTINGDON AVE, WATERBURY
WINNER
WINNER
SPORTS BAR
Sports Rock of Waterbury 694 LAKEWOOD RD, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Ordinary Joe’s
253 BUCKINGHAM ST, OAKVILLE
Scoreboard Bar & Grill 1480 MERIDEN RD, WATERBURY
SUSHI
WINNER
LaBonne’s Market MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
FINALISTS
Jade Garden in Woodbury
670 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY
The Red Corner
780 LAKEWOOD RD, WATERBURY
WINGS
WINNER
Lakewood Lanes
694 LAKEWOOD RD, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Clocktown Brewing Company
135 S MAIN ST, THOMASTON
Ordinary Joe’s
253 BUCKINGHAM ST, OAKVILLE
FUN & ENTERTAINMENT
BOWLING ALLEY
Lakewood Lanes
694 LAKEWOOD RD, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Thomaston Lanes
180 WATERTOWN RD, THOMASTON
Wolcott Lanes
955 WOLCOTT RD, WOLCOTT
FAMILY FUN
WINNER
Lakewood Lanes
694 LAKEWOOD RD, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Mr Cs Voice
WATERBURY
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
2132 MIDDLEBURY RD, MIDDLEBURY
GOLF COURSE
WINNER
Chippanee Golf Club
6 MARSH RD, BRISTOL
FINALIST
Western Hills Golf Course
600 PARK RD, WATERBURY
MUSEUM
WINNER
Mattatuck Museum
144 W MAIN ST, WATERBURY
NIGHT SPOT
WINNER
Lakewood Lanes
694 LAKEWOOD RD, WATERBURY
THEATER
WINNER
Palace Theater
100 E MAIN ST, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Seven Angels Theatre
1 PLANK RD, WATERBURY
Thomaston Opera House
158 MAIN ST, THOMASTON
FLORIST
WINNER
O’Rourke & Birch Florists
1 CHASE AVE, WATERBURY
FINALIST
Agnew Florist
587 MAIN ST, WATERTOWN
GIFT SHOP
WINNER
Soulbury Cultural Gifts Store
813 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY
FINALISTS
Bella Luna Gifts
11 WATERTOWN RD, MORRIS
The Hive @ The Pin
20 MAIN ST, OAKVILLE
Wildcraft Wellness, Salon +
Spa + Herbal Shoppe
27 WATERBURY RD, PROSPECT
SHOPPING
JEWELER FOR ENGAGEMENT/WEDDING RINGS
WINNER
David Jewelers
750 STRAITS TNPK, WATERBURY
JEWELRY STORE
WINNER
Soulbury Cultural Gifts Store
813 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY
FINALISTS
Bella Luna Gifts
11 WATERTOWN RD, MORRIS
David Jewelers
750 STRAITS TNPK, WATERBURY
Lewis Jewelers
176 MAIN ST, ANSONIA
Marie’s Jewelry
2444 E MAIN ST, WATERBURY
LIQUOR OR WINE STORE
WINNER
Nutmeg Wine & Spirit Shoppe
660 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY
FINALISTS
Mountain Top Liquors
2121 MERIDEN RD, WOLCOTT
Wine N Liquor Outlet
810 LAKEWOOD RD, WATERBURY
CHIROPRACTOR
WINNER
Porzio Chiropractic Center
1153 W MAIN ST, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Hodes Chiropractic
1249 W MAIN ST, WATERBURY
Rizza Chiropractic
1044 MAIN ST, WATERTOWN
DAY SPA
WINNER
Nature of Massage
1263 S MAIN ST, CHESHIRE
FINALISTS
Massage Envy
775 MAIN ST S, SOUTHBURY
Wildcraft Wellness, Salon +
Spa + Herbal Shoppe
27 WATERBURY RD, PROSPECT
HEALTH & BEAUTY
DENTIST
WINNER
Tribury Dental | Dr. Nicole Mariano
20 WOODSIDE AVE, MIDDLEBURY
FINALISTS
Nadimi Dental Care |
Dr. Abdollah Nadimi, DDS
504 WOLCOTT RD, WOLCOTT
Waterbury Smiles | Dr. Marini
26 LAKESIDE BLVD E, WATERBURY
DERMATOLOGIST
WINNER
Yale Dermatology
1625 STRAITS TNPK, MIDDLEBURY
EYE CARE
WINNER
Vision Associates of Prospect
60 WATERBURY RD, PROSPECT
FINALISTS
SightMD Connecticut Torrington
1144 E MAIN ST, TORRINGTON
The Eye Care Group 1201 W MAIN ST, WATERBURY
HAIR SALON
WINNER
Cheveux a Salon
26 UNION CITY RD, PROSPECT
FINALISTS
Tousled & Teased Salon
26 CHURCH ST, NAUGATUCK
Wildcraft Wellness, Salon +
Spa + Herbal Shoppe
27 WATERBURY RD, PROSPECT
HEALTH &BEAUTY (CONTINUED)
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
WINNER
NCE Homecare
992 COOKE ST,WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Castillo Human Services
8HOPKINS ST,WATERBURY
Connecticut Primary Care& Wellness, PC
530 MIDDLEBURYRD, MIDDLEBURY
HorizonHomemaker &Companion
32 LINDEN ST,WATERBURY
Wolcott Internal Medicine | Joseph Pruner,MD
503 WOLCOTT RD,WOLCOTT
HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
WINNER
NCE Homecare 992 COOKE ST,WATERBURY
HOSPITAL
WINNER
St. Mary’sHospital
56 FRANKLIN ST,WATERBURY
NAIL SALON
WINNER
Natural Spa &Nail
Natural & Nail
3670 EMAIN
3670 E MAIN ST, WATERBURY
ORTHODONTIST
WINNER
Clauss Orthodontics
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
ORTHOPEDIC CARE
WINNER
ActiveOrthopaedics P.C. 1579 STRAITS TNPK,MIDDLEBURY
PHYSICAL THERAPY
WINNER
Physical Therapy &Sports Medicine
Centers Waterbury 1211 WMAINST, WATERBURY
FINALIST
Connect Physical Therapy
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
PODIATRIST
WINNERS
StayWellHealth Center |
Dr.Aiman Bishara, DPM 80 PHOENIXAVE, WATERBURY
JessicaVinokur,DPM 1211 WMAIN ST,WATERBURY
FINALIST
McHugh &AssociatesPodiatrist 777ECHOLAKE RD, WATERTOWN
WINNER
PRIMARYCARE
Wolcott Internal Medicine | Joseph Pruner, MD 503 WOLCOTT RD, WOLCOTT
FINALISTS
Kathleen Burlison, MD
W MAIN ST, WATERBURY & Associates Podiatrist 777 ECHO LAKE WATERTOWN MD WOLCOTT WOLCOTT MD
3801 EMAIN ST,WATERBURY
E MAIN ST, WATERBURY
Sallie Carrington, DO
486STRAITS TNPK, WATERTOWN
URGENT CARE
WINNER
Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth UrgentCare 775 QUEEN ST,SOUTHINGTON
Sallie 486 STRAITS WATERTOWN Urgent Care ST, SOUTHINGTON
We’re proudtoserve Connecticut withclarity, compassion, and dedication—since1983.
Thankyou fornamingGuendelsberger LawOfficesa Reader’sChoiceFinalist forBestLaw Firm—and forhonoring Senior PartnerRobert Elfont as aFinalist forBestPersonalInjuryAttorney in the Republican American’s“Best of theBest.”
(860)354-4444 newmilfordlegal.com
APPLIANCESTORE
WINNER
Allstar Appliance 1215 THOMASTON AVE, WATERBURY
FINALIST
Ferrari’sAppliance 160 RUBBER AVE, NAUGATUCK
FLOORING
WINNER PC Hardwood Floors 100 BENEDICT ST,WATERBURY
FINALIST
Carpet Excellence 1920 EMAIN ST,WATERBURY
FURNITURESTORE
WINNER
Spector Furniture&MattressGallery
385 EMAIN ST,ANSONIA
HARDWARE STORE
WINNER
Schmidts& Serafines True Value 464 CHASE AVE, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Ed’sHardware 560 RUBBER AVE, NAUGATUCK
Leo’sKey &Lock 1425 NMAIN ST,WATERBURY
HVAC
WINNER
Jasinski Fuel Service 146 CAMPVILLE HILLRD, HARWINTON
FINALISTS
American Heating AirConditioning Service 64 WESTRIDGE DR, WATERBURY
Hayes Plumbing 89 CAMPVILLE RD, LITCHFIELD
LANDSCAPER
WINNER
DuCotey Brothers Lawn Service 463 LITCHFIELD ST,TORRINGTON
NURSERY/GARDEN
WINNER
Woodbury Farm Market Garden Center
717 MAIN ST S, WOODBURY PLUMBER
WINNER
Hayes Plumbing
89 CAMPVILLE RD, LITCHFIELD
FINALIST
Jones Plumbing & Heating
9 JUGGERNAUT RD, PROSPECT
ROOFING COMPANY
WINNER
Diamond Roofing Specialists
99 BROOKSIDE RD, WATERBURY
FINALIST
Weathertite Sales
550 MAIN ST S, BETHLEHEM TREE SERVICE
WINNERS
E.L.M. Tree Service
305 HOOP POLE HILL RD, WOODBURY
Ed the Treeman
23 INDUSTRIAL RD, PROSPECT
FINALIST
CB Tree Services
TORRINGTON
DANCE SCHOOL
WINNER
Connecticut Dance Theatre
& The Arts
9 OLD SCHOOLHOUSE RD, PROSPECT
FINALIST
Prestige Dance Center
76 WESTBURY PARK RD, WATERTOWN
MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL
WINNER
Litchfield Tang Soo Do
367 BANTAM RD, LITCHFIELD
FINALISTS
Bergamo Martial Arts
272 SANDBANK RD, CHESHIRE
Bond School of Self Defense
140 HOMER ST, WATERBURY
Taro Karate Dojo
115 S MAIN ST, BEACON FALLS
WINNER
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
FINALISTS
Ion Bank
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Torrington Savings Bank
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
KIDS & EDUCATION
MUSIC LESSONS
WINNER
Litchfield Music Center
367 BANTAM RD, LITCHFIELD
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
WINNER
Catholic Academy of Waterbury
386 ROBINWOOD RD, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
645 CONGRESS AVE, WATERBURY
St. John Paul the Great Academy
360 PROSPECT ST, TORRINGTON
PRE-SCHOOL
WINNER
Catholic Academy of Waterbury
386 ROBINWOOD RD, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
St. John Paul the Great Academy
360 PROSPECT ST, TORRINGTON
Toddler Town Learning Center
835 WOLCOTT ST, WATERBURY
SUMMER CAMP
WINNER
Rivera Memorial Foundation
186 CHERRY ST, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
White Memorial Conservation Center
80 WHITEHALL RD, LITCHFIELD
Eagle Rock Day Camp
MOUNT TOM RD, WARREN
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Thomaston Savings Bank
CREDIT UNION
WINNER
Waterbury CT Teachers
Federal Credit Union
773 STRAITS TNPK, MIDDLEBURY
FINALIST
Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union
3528 E MAIN ST, WATERBURY
ESTATE PLANNING LAWYER
WINNER
Neal White, Cramer & Anderson
46 WEST ST, LITCHFIELD
FUNERAL HOME
WINNER
Maiorano Funeral Home
95 WILLOW ST, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home
82 FAIRVIEW AVE, NAUGATUCK
Chase Parkway Memorial | The Albini
Family Funeral Home
430 CHASE PKWY, WATERBURY
INSURANCE AGENCY
WINNER
Muni Insurance, Inc.
211 CHASE AVE, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Main Street Insurance
345 W MAIN ST, WATERBURY
Montagno Insurance
344 ROBBINS ST, WATERBURY LAW FIRM
WINNER
The Law Office of Miller & Tasho
228 MEADOW ST, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Cramer & Anderson, LLP
46 WEST ST, LITCHFIELD
Guendelsberger Law Offices, LLP
1 BOOTH HOUSE LN, NEW MILFORD LAWYER
WINNER
Attorney Daniel H. Miller
228 MEADOW ST, WATERBURY
FINALISTS
Fitzpatrick Santos Sousa Perugini P.C. |
Attorney Danielle Perugini Esq.
203 CHURCH ST, NAUGATUCK
Kent Mancini, Cramer & Anderson
46 WEST ST, LITCHFIELD
WINNER
Leo’s Key & Lock
LOCKSMITH
1425 N MAIN ST, WATERBURY
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
WINNER
Chris Sochacki, Cramer & Anderson
46 WEST ST, LITCHFIELD
FINALISTS
Etemi Law | Lou Etemi
615 HIGHLAND AVE, WATERBURY
Robert C. Elfont, Guendelsberger Law Offices, LLP
1 BOOTH HOUSE LN, NEW MILFORD
REAL ESTATE AGENT (INDIVIDUAL)
WINNER
John Donato Jr. Showcase Realty
216 DAVIS ST, OAKVILLE
FINALISTS
Elyse Harney Real Estate
11 E MAIN ST, SALISBURY
Jeffrey Geddes, Borla & Associates Real Estate
284 E MAIN ST, TORRINGTON
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
WINNER
Borla & Associates
284 E MAIN ST, TORRINGTON
FINALISTS
Michael Kelly Real Estate
561 CHURCH ST, NAUGATUCK
Showcase Realty
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
REAL ESTATE TEAM
WINNER
Showcase Realty | Team Rousseau
76 WATERTOWN RD, THOMASTON
FINALIST
Michael Kelly Real Estate |
Michael Kelly & John Payne
561 CHURCH ST, NAUGATUCK
