Posts in category: Pro Merch Sports News

The Denver Nuggets have retaken control of the NBA Finals from the Miami Heat, but with Game 4 on the horizon, the question remains whether the Heat can bounce back and even the series.
Miami Heat coach, Spo, acknowledged that they had lost many physical battles in Game 3, which ultimately contributed to their defeat. Now, with Game 4 looming, the Miami Heat find themselves in a must-win position to avoid a 3-1 deficit, which has proven to be insurmountable throughout NBA history.

The Nuggets, on the other hand, are coming into Game 4 with momentum, having won Game 3 and taking a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals. All eyes are on Nikola Jokic, who has been playing at an unprecedented level in the playoffs. He is putting up dominant numbers in every facet of the game, and his historic triple-doubles have spearheaded the Nuggets’ charge towards the championship.

The key to the Nuggets’ success, however, extends beyond Jokic’s performance, and Aaron Gordon’s contribution has been instrumental in their playoff run. Gordon’s defense and rebounding have been crucial to the Nuggets’ defense, which has limited the Heat’s offensive production.

With Michael Porter Jr’s productivity decreasing, Gordon’s efforts will be even more critical in the upcoming games. With Denver looking to crash the boards, Gordon is expected to collect seven or more rebounds for the third time in the Finals.

All the signs point towards a Nuggets’ victory, with a score prediction of 111-106 in favor of the Nuggets, covering the spread of -3.5. The over/under of 210.5 points is expected to be exceeded.

In summary, the Nuggets are in the driver’s seat, and another victory in Game 4 will all but confirm their NBA championship status. The Heat, however, are known for their resiliency and will be looking to bounce back and tie the series. It is a must-watch game, as two excellent teams look to outplay each other in the NBA Finals.

Credit: sportingnews.com

ENND

Well, well, well … what do we have here?

There were some interesting developments during Thursday’s game between the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays, as the umpiring crew forced Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober to go back into the dugout to wash his hands.

Through three innings of the game, Ober struck out six Tampa Bay Rays. He was absolutely lights out.

Bailey Ober, K’ing the Side in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/anYShq3wUS

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 8, 2023

So much so, that it forced the umpires to check his hands and glove.

Before giving up the lead, umpires made Twins starter Bailey Ober wash his hands. He was perfect through three prior to this pic.twitter.com/HsEeXoTKL2

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 8, 2023

The umpires didn’t like what they found, and as a result, they sent Ober to the dugout and made him wash his hands. Afterwards, Ober’s perfect game went completely down the toilet, allowing a single, which led to a triple and then he gave up a home run after that.

Here’s what Ober had to say after the Twins 4-2 defeat (with Ober getting the loss):

“It got in my head a little bit that I didn’t feel safe out there. … If he checks me again and he’s a little ticked off [he] could toss me.”

Bailey Ober says he wasn’t “super rattled” after being asked to wash his hands because of too much sweat and rosin, but it impacted him. pic.twitter.com/26pXiPKmSV

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) June 8, 2023

So now we have to ask the question … was Bailey Ober cheating?

It’s certainly weird what happened. He was perfect through three innings, and then when he has to wash his hands, his game goes completely out of whack. I don’t want to accuse him of cheating because there’s no evidence of that, it could be something as simple as he was mentally thrown off after the altercation with the umps and that’s it. It happens.

But man … some bizarre stuff nonetheless. (RELATED: Florida Panthers First Team In 20 Years To Go 7-0 In OT Playoff Games, Joining Only 2003 Mighty Ducks To Do So)

That’s all I’m gonna say.

Joey Garrison/BYU Photo

AUSTIN, Texas — No. 14 BYU men’s track and field capped a historic opening day at 2023 NCAA Outdoor Nationals, with three men earning First Team All-American honors and a new 4×400-meter relay school record cemented Wednesday at Texas’s Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Casey Clinger crossed the line at 28:13.63 in the 10,000-meters to claim a podium finish at third and earn his first outdoor First Team All-American honors and sixth in his career including indoor competition. The senior became the sixth BYU men’s 10,000m runner to finish in the top-three at outdoor nationals since 2010 and 11th on the podium in the same time span for the program.

“I felt really good over the last 2,000 meters,” said Clinger. “I knew I had to stay relaxed and composed to have a good finish. The Stanford guys went for it with 500 [meters] to go and I was a little bit boxed in, but I was able to find my way on the outside. I gave it everything I could and would have liked to win, but I think I can walk away happy with my effort in fighting for every spot.”

Clinger jockeyed for position in the final few laps to secure his spot at third in the final stretch, placing a second ahead of Gonzaga’s James Mwaura followed by Oklahoma State’s Isai Rodriguez. He was the first American finisher.

“He ran the perfect race,” said BYU director of track & Field Ed Eyestone. “That first mile was so fast and in these conditions, that’s a gut punch. But he was patient and moved up gradually to be in great position going into that final kick. I’m super happy with how he gutted it out.”

Senior Brandon Garnica also raced in the 10,000m. He clocked a 29:38.56 to take 16th and earn Second Team All-American honors, marking the second straight season he has earned second team accolades in the event.

Caleb Witsken capped off a remarkable BYU career with one final climb in the record books, tying Robison Pratt for No. 2 all-time in program history with a clearance of 5.60m/18-4.5 to place sixth overall. Witsken is now a First Team outdoor All-American for the first time in his career.

The senior now holds five All-American honors between indoor and outdoor seasons.

“He is a fighter,” said BYU volunteer assistant pole vault coach Rick McWhorter. “He started cramping after 5.45m, but managed to jump 5.60m. He knew this would be his last meet. I told him to relax and enjoy the moment.”

McWhorter has now coached two top-two BYU all-time outdoor finishers in the pole vault, with his son Zach McWhorter and Witsken becoming No.’s 1 and 2 in the last two seasons.

“Rick McWhorter is a blessing to our program,” Eyestone said. “We are so thankful for the amazing job he does with our pole vault group. We are so thankful to have him as a volunteer assistant. Year after year, he gets his athletes to perform the best when it counts.”

Cameron Bates concluded his 2022-23 track and field season with a 74.71m/245-1 javelin toss to place eighth and earn his second career First Team All-American honors and first since 2021. The performance put Bates in elite company at BYU, making him just the third Cougar to earn multiple All-American honors in the javelin and first since Jari Keihas in 1979 and 1980.

“Cameron was able to come in clutch [at regionals] and make it to the finals,” said BYU assistant throws coach Nik Arrhenius. “He wasn’t able to improve upon that throw so remained in eighth. Coming back from surgery last year and throwing farther than he did at nationals two years ago is a great accomplishment.”

The men’s 4x400m relay team of Trey Jackson, Jace Jensen, Eli Hazlett and Josh Taylor overtook their own school record set in the same location at the Texas Relays on April 1, zipping to a 3:02.92 finish to improve upon their previous record by 0.27 seconds.

Despite the school record, the team placed eight spots out of qualifying position at 17th. Each relay squad member earned All-American Honorable Mention honors.

“We came up short of getting to the final round, but I’m proud of everyone,” said Taylor. “This is just a stepping stone to the future.”

After three events and Barton in 12th with 2,419 points, he gained momentum in the high jump, finishing third at 2.01m/6-7 to move up to eighth overall. He was one of only four decathletes to clear two meters in the high jump on Wednesday, finishing behind only national frontrunners Kyle Garland of Georgia and Texas’s Leo Neugebeaur.

In the fifth and final event for Wednesday, the sophomore placed second at 46.88 in the 400-meters to maintain his eighth-place status among 24 athletes heading into the final five events on Thursday.

Kenneth Rooks easily advanced to Friday’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final as he ran 8:35.79 to take third in the semifinal.

“Kenneth ran a very smart, controlled race and looked good with his finish,” Eyestone said.

Rooks was preceded across the finish by Abdelhakim Abouzouhir of Eastern Kentucky and Minnesota’s Matthew Wilkinson. Duncan Hamilton of Montana State moved on to Friday as well, finishing sixth with a time of 8:38.07.

Rooks and Hamilton will face-off in Friday’s 3,000m steeplechase final at 8:24 p.m. PDT.

Barton continues decathlon competition on Thursday at 12 p.m. CDT. The remainder of men’s events get underway on Friday beginning at 7:35 p.m. with Dallin Shurts in the discus final.

Newsletter

NEW YORK, NY – Blake Bolden has been a pioneer along every step of her hockey journey. The sport has taken her from Ohio to Boston, Switzerland, and California, just to name a few stops. Last month, Bolden spoke on a panel at the 2023 espnW Summit in the DUMBO area of Brooklyn, New York, where she outlined what she hopes will be next.

“I want to be an analyst,” Bolden said as part of her final remarks on a panel with fellow ‘Women of ESPN’ Cristina Alexander, Kelsey Riggs, and moderator by Molly Qerim.

After the event, I caught up with Bolden to get a better sense of what her next moves might be.

“I think my experiences in the game will help. And I just know there are some things I have to go through to get there. But that’s my goal in the TV space,” Bolden told the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge audience.

As someone who has watched Bolden play since the inception of the Premier Hockey Federation – the National Women’s Hockey League when Bolden played – I am energized to hear she wants to get repetitions on-camera. Other than myself, I have never met another Black woman calling hockey games as a color commentator or as the play-by-play voice.

Hockey is heavily lacking, as I like to say, melanin. Further, as hockey looks to expand its audience, they need to look for organic and authentic voices to usher the sport into a new era. Blake Bolden fits the bill.

Shipping Off to Boston

Don’t let her crossover appeal fool you, Bolden knows hockey.

Originally from Cleveland, many associate Bolden with Beantown. She spent eight years in Boston, captioned the Boston College Women’s Hockey team, won the Clarkson Cup with the Boston Blades (in the defunct CWHL), and the inaugural Isobel Cup in the NWHL.

From Boston, Bolden took her talents to Switzerland for one season before returning to the United States to play first with the Buffalo Beauts in the NWHL and then in the PWHPA before retiring.

Building up Black girls and women has always been a passion of Bolden’s, though it was not always a role she openly spoke about. Over the years of interviewing Bolden, I get the sense this is two-fold.

Like many other “firsts”, Bolden was often only asked about being a Black hockey player. Keeping up with Olympians in college and at the pro level only appeared to be of interest in February or March, the 58 days dedicated to stories to Black History and Women’s History.

Founding 4 PodcastFounding 4 Podcast | Blake Bolden breaks down scouting, making WoHo an inclusive space

The second reason is part and parcel with the first. When one isn’t asked to tell their story, it can take time to develop an authentic voice. Or should I say, a public voice.

You see, Bolden has always found ways to empower the next generation. From working at a Boston-based non-profit to eventually starting her own mentorship program (while making time for a rising women’s hockey journalists, yours truly), Bolden has always given her time.

The Right Place at the Right Time

Her dedication to Black women in hockey led her to attend a Black Girl Hockey Club meetup at an NHL game in November 2019. At that game, she met Luc Robitaille, the retired NHL player serving as president of the Los Angeles Kings.

“That’s where I basically started getting vetted for the position as a scout,” Bolden told me in February 2020 at a coffee shop steps away from Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena).

Bolden guided me to the coffee shop around the corner where she hoped we could speak without interruption, but less than five minutes into our conversation, Bolden was flagged down and given the white jacket she would later wear for puck drop, along with a gentle reminder to make her way to the arena shortly.

The NHL Black Hockey History Museum was in town, and despite only being in her role for a few months, Bolden and NHL pioneer Willie O’Ree were the toast of the town. The Kings were playing the Pittsburgh Penguins, so Bolden and O’Ree were set to meet captains Anze Kopitar (Kings) and Sidney Crosby (Penguins) for the ceremonial puck drop.

The next few years made Bolden perhaps the most visible NHL scout in history, as she became an ambassador of sorts for the NHL, including dinner parties with musician Wyclef Jean, photo ops with comedian and known hockey fan Tiffany Haddish, and all while starting a new role with the Kings and playing professionally with the PWHPA.

By 2022, ESPN tapped Bolden as part of their broadcast team as the NHL returned to the worldwide leader of sports for the first time in nearly two decades. After 16 years, EPSN and the NHL partnered up for a seven-year broadcast deal, and Bolden was tapped as an analyst.

Finding Her Voice

Just like being a role model for Black and brown people in hockey, it took Bolden a bit of time to find her role in sports media. After all, her path is different than ESPN colleagues Emily Kaplan or the legendary Linda Cohn. While Bolden and Cohn both played college hockey, Bolden is far from the 30+ years of broadcast and sports radio Cohn brings to the NHL on ESPN.

“I was going into these interviews at NHL finals or for Media Day or any sort of like big gathering where all the players come together, and I was doing the sit-down interviews, and it was Emily Kaplan and Linda Cohn who have vast experience in these interviews,” Bolden said. Media Days, sit-down interviews are part of the job but didn’t fit Bolden, a self-described hockey personality.

MORE FROM FORBES30 Years And Counting For ESPN’s Linda CohnBy Erica L. Ayala

So Bolden and her supervisor Andy Tennant, ESPN Vice President Executive Producer Original Content, began discussing ways to bring a different energy to her hockey coverage.

Bolden tapped into her relationship with the Kings, who offered up their practice facility and goaltender Jonathan Quick. From there, Bolden was given more opportunities to interact with NHL players and talk the game, as athletes do. That’s how Breaking the Ice with Blake Bolden was born.

“I’m honored to have that, but I want more,” Bolden told me in Brooklyn.

How could Bolden make the most of her opportunity with ESPN and remain authentic to her instead of a version of someone else? Additionally, she’d been given a great platform with the Kings. Did she want to give that up?

“I was like, I’m not leaving my little nest at the at the LA Kings because they respect me. They’re that safe there. I’m growing there, and I didn’t feel right leaving my home base a place that gave me a really big platform to be the first another first in my career,” Bolden said.

In time, things came together, and Bolden found herself on the ice again with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dropping shoulders instead of pucks. The reaction from Crosby, Quick, Cale Makar, and others added to Bolden’s confidence; she found her niche in hockey media.

“It’s like, okay, well, maybe I could do this. Let’s show some personality. Let’s be authentic. Let’s have that. That glow comes through the camera so people can connect, I think that’s what people want to tune into. That’s what makes people stay and I just want to be that for ESPN.”

We have yet to see a Black woman talking hockey on ESPN on anywhere else on a regular basis. Canadian Olympian Sarah Nurse has appeared on SportsNet and TNT to talk men’s pro hockey, but we are still waiting for our “Blake Bolden-looking person on a panel talking hockey,” on a regular basis as Blake herself told me.

It’s time.

“My entire career, I wanted to push the needle and push myself, and it seems like it would be scary. And you know me, if something scary, then that’s what I want to do.

MORE FROM FORBESLos Angeles Kings Pro Scout Blake Bolden Comes From A Place Of ‘Yes’By Carol Schram

Bolden dislikes using the term “male-dominated” to describe the hockey landscape. This author believes male-occupied might be more apropos. Whatever you call it, Bolden is ready to change hockey media.

“I think that would be another groundbreaking achievement that you know, I can look back and be like, ‘Dang girl, you are doing it. You are 32. You are planting seeds. You are building a legacy.’ That’s really important to me.”

Once Bolden breaks this barrier, what could possibly be next?

Featuring nearly 200 categories, Best of Detroit 2023 is your guide to the top places, people, attractions, and more the area has to offer — as nominated and voted upon by you, the Hour Detroit readers. Here’s who came out on top this year.

Arts & Entertainment // Community & Personalities // Drinks // Health & Beauty // Food // Retail // Sports // Services

Arts & Entertainment

Art Fair

Winner: Arts, Beats, and Eats, Royal Oak; artsbeatseats.com
Finalists: Ann Arbor Art Fair, Art in the Park, Arts & Apples Festival, and Wyandotte Street Art Fair

Art Gallery

Winner: Paint Creek Center for the Arts Rochester; pccart.org
Finalists: Anton Art Center, David Klein Gallery, Library Street Collective, and Nicole Tamer Art Gallery

Band

Winner: Power Play Detroit; powerplaydetroit.com
Finalists: The Family Tradition Band, Mac Saturn, Sound Proof Band, and Transit Brothers

Casino

Winner: MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit; mgmgranddetroit.mgmresorts.com
Finalists: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, and MotorCity Casino Hotel

Club for Dancing

Winner: Boogie Fever Ferndale; boogieferndale.com
Finalists: Deluxx Fluxx, Leland City Club, Marble Bar, and Spot Lite Detroit

Club for Live Music

Winner: The Magic Bag Detroit; themagicbag.com
Finalists: El Club, The Morrie, Spot Lite Detroit, and Willis Show Bar

Comedy Club

Winner: Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak; comedycastle.com
Finalists: Go Comedy Improv Theater, The Independent Comedy Club at Planet Ant, The Magic Soiree, and One Night Stans Comedy Club

Community Theater Company (tie)

Winners: The Purple Rose Theatre Co., Chelsea; purplerosetheatre.org and Stagecrafters,  Royal Oak; stagecrafters.org
Finalists: Birmingham Village Players, Farmington Players, and In the Mitten Productions

Concert Venue

Winner: Pine Knob Music Theatre Clarkston; 313presents.com
Finalists: The Fillmore Detroit, Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Arena, and Royal Oak Music Theatre

Jazz Club

Winner: Cliff Bell’s Detroit; cliffbells.com
Finalists: Aretha’s Jazz Café, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Blue Llama Jazz Club, and Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe

Movie Theater (Art/Indie)

Winner: The Maple Theater Bloomfield Township; themapletheater.com
Finalists: Cinema Detroit, Detroit Film Theatre, Farmington Civic Theater, and Redford Theatre

Movie Theater (Complex)

Winner: Emagine, multiple locations; emagine-entertainment.com
Finalists: AMC, MJR Digital Cinemas, and Phoenix Theatres

Museum (Arts)

Winner: Detroit Institute of Arts Detroit; dia.org
Finalists: Cranbrook Art Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

Museum (Other)

Winner: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation Dearborn; thehenryford.org
Finalists: Cranbrook Institute of Science, Detroit Historical Museum, Michigan Science Center, and Motown Museum

Music Artist

Winner: Eminem; eminem.com
Finalists: Annemarie Jo, Big Sean, GRiZ, and Ben Sharkey

Performing Arts Venue

Winner: Fox Theatre Detroit; 313presents.com
Finalists: Detroit Opera House, Fisher Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, and Orchestra Hall

Podcast

Winner: The Drew and Mike Show; drewandmikepodcast.com
Finalists: Classic Conversations with Jeff Dwoskin, Sober Vibes, What Dewey Do?, and When Survival Looks Like Success

Visual Artist

Winner: Sheefy McFly; sheefymcfly.com
Finalists: Mattie Armstrong, Kim Fujiwara, Sydney G. James, and Niagara

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Community & Personalities

Author

Winner: Mitch Albom; mitchalbom.com
Finalists: John Jeffire, Josh Malerman, and Kristy Robinett

Bartender

Winner: Matt Burke, Prime + Proper, Detroit; primeandproperdetroit.com
Finalists: Jimmy Doom, Small’s; Jacob Feitler, Oak & Reel/The Upright; Shelly Rogers, Whiskey Chicks; and MaryAnn Vozza, Zana

Chef

Winner: James Rigato, Mabel Gray, Hazel Park; mabelgraykitchen.com
Finalists: Anthony DiRienzo, Prime + Proper; Doug Hewitt, Freya; Anthony Lombardo, SheWolf Pastificio & Bar; and Jermaine Mills, Smith & Co.

Community Activist

Winner: Erica Owens, @frugalonthefly
Finalists: Thomas Barnes, Pam Ferrara, Zara Northover, and Jessica York

Community Organization

Winner: A Girl Like Me Inc. Detroit; @agirllikemeinc
Finalists: Chaldean Community Foundation, Coterie Detroit, Downriver for Veterans, and Teacher’s Pet

Local Politician

Winner: Gretchen Whitmer; gretchenwhitmer.com
Finalists: David Coulter, Mike Duggan, Mallory McMorrow, Candice Miller, and Rashida Tlaib

Meteorologist

Winner: Dave Rexroth, WXYZ; wxyz.com
Finalists: Paul Gross, Kevin Jeanes, Derek Kevra, and Alan Longstreet

Newspaper

Winner: Detroit Free Press; freep.com
Finalists: C&G Newspapers, Detroit Metro Times, The Detroit News, and Macomb Daily

Opinion Columnist

Winner: Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press; mitchalbom.com
Finalists: Brian Dickerson, Nolan Finley, Nancy Kaffer, Leonard Pitts, and Bankole Thompson

Organization for People with Disabilities

Winner: Friendship Circle West Bloomfield; friendshipcircle.org
Finalists: Easterseals MORC, Living and Learning Enrichment Center, OpenSpot Theatre, and Services to Enhance Potential

Philanthropist

Winner: Dan Gilbert; gilbertfamilyfoundation.org
Finalists: Serenity Atkinson, Nicole Eisenberg, Mike Morse, and Erica Owens

Radio DJ

Winner: Ann Delisi, WDET; wdet.org
Finalists: Trudi Daniels, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Holly Hutton, Jim Johnson, and Dave Wagner

Radio Host

Winner: Mojo (Shannon Murphy), Channel 955; channel955.iheart.com
Finalists: Dave and Chuck “the Freak,” Paul W. Smith, Jay Towers, and Mike Valenti

Radio News Reporter

Winner: Charlie Langton, WWJ News Radio 950; fox2detroit.com
Finalists: Brooke Allen, M.L. Elrick, and Stephen Henderson

Social Media Influencer

Winners: Dianne Harper Boyer and Jennifer Harper Fleck, The Harper Girls; theharpergirls.com
Finalists: Courtney Andersen, @courtney___andersen; Pam Ferrara, @pams_random_reviews; Azia Hawthorne, @aziamamarazzi; and Lora Kawar and Amal Hadid, @lamstyle_

Sportscaster

Winner: Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV Local 4; clickondetroit.com
Finalists: George Blaha, Brad Galli, Dan Miller, Neal Ruhl, and Mike Valenti

Sports Reporter

Winner: Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV Local 4; clickondetroit.com
Finalists: Jamie Edmonds, Brad Galli, Jennifer Hammond, and Dan Miller

Teacher

Winner: Nathan Cohen, Pierce Elementary School, Birmingham
Finalists: John Jeffire, Chippewa Valley High School; James Pecar, Chippewa Valley High School; Brian Peterson, Musson Elementary School; and Chad Zwolinski, Rochester High School

Tour Company (tie)

Winners: Detroit Bus Co. Detroit; thedetroitbus.com, and Detroit History Tours Hamtramck; detroithistorytours.com
Finalists: City Institute/ Detroit Experience Factory, and Feet on the Street Tours

Traffic Reporter

Winner: Kim DeGiulio, WDIV Local 4; clickondetroit.com
Finalists: Ali Hoxie, Dennis Neubacher, Kellie Rowe, and Tina Sultini

TV News Anchor (tie)

Winner: Devin Scillian, WDIV Local 4; devinscillian.com, and Rhonda Walker, WDIV Local 4; clickondetroit.com
Finalists: Carolyn Clifford, Charlie Langton, and Roop Raj

TV News Reporter

Winner: Charlie Langton, Fox 2 Detroit; fox2detroit.com
Finalists: Karen Drew, Robin Murdoch, Paula Tutman, and Hank Winchester

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Drinks

Bar/Lounge to Take a Client

Winner: The Apparatus Room at Detroit Foundation Hotel Detroit; detroitfoundationhotel.com/apparatus-room
Finalists: Baus, Evening Bar, Geode Bar at Madam, Sugar House, and Townhouse

Bar/Lounge to Take a Date

Winner: Sugar House Detroit; sugarhousedetroit.com
Finalists: Evening Bar, The Oakland, Valentine Distilling Co. Cocktail Lounge, and Weiss Distilling Co.

Beer Selection (Bar)

Winner: HopCat, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Royal Oak; hopcat.com
Finalists: The Brakeman, Brown Iron Brewhouse, The Corner, and One-Eyed Betty’s

Brewery/Bar

Winner: Atwater Brewery Detroit, Grosse Pointe Park; atwaterbeer.com
Finalists: Baffin Brewing Co., Batch Brewing Co., Brown Iron Brewhouse, and Griffin Claw Brewing Co.

Craft Cocktails

Winner: Sugar House Detroit; sugarhousedetroit.com
Finalists: Bar Verona, Evening Bar, The Oakland, and Weiss Distilling Co.

Distillery

Winner: Valentine Distilling Co. Ferndale; valentinedistilling.com
Finalists: Detroit City Distillery, Motor City Gas — Whiskey, Two James Spirits, and Weiss Distilling Co.

Dive Bar

Winner: The Old Miami Detroit; oldmiami.business.site
Finalists: Bronx Bar, Bumbo’s Bar, Gusoline Alley, Honest John’s, and Two Way Inn

Happy Hour

Winner: Bobcat Bonnie’s multiple locations; bobcatbonnies.com
Finalists: Bar Verona, Brown Iron Brewhouse, Shift Kitchen & Cocktails, Sidecar Slider Bar, and Smith & Co.

High-End Bar

Winner: Sugar House Detroit; sugarhousedetroit.com
Finalists: Bad Luck Bar, Candy Bar, Evening Bar, and Zana

LGBTQ+ Bar

Winner: Soho Ferndale; ferndalesoho.com
Finalists: Gigi’s, Liberty Bar, Menjos, Pronto, and Temple Bar

Michigan Beer

Winner: Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo; bellsbeer.com
Finalists: Atwater Brewery, Eastern Market Brewing Co., Founders Brewing Co., and Urbanrest Brewing Co.

Michigan Winery

Winner: Chateau Chantal Traverse City; chateauchantal.com
Finalists: Detroit Vineyards, Sage Creek Winery, and Youngblood Vineyard

Neighborhood Bar

Winner: Ye Olde Tap Room Detroit; 313-824-1030
Finalists: Bumbo’s Bar, The Corner, Kiesling, Renshaw Lounge, and Sidecar Slider Bar

Place to Drink Outdoors

Winner: Griffin Claw Brewing Co. Birmingham; griffinclawbrewingcompany.com
Finalists: The Brakeman, The Old Miami, Townhouse, and Youngblood Vineyard

Sports Bar

Winner: Art & Jake’s multiple locations; artjakes.com
Finalists: The Brakeman, J’s Penalty Box, Sidecar Slider Bar, Sports Venue Bar & Grill, and Tony’s Sports Bar

Wine Bar

Winner: Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro Birmingham; tallulahwine.com
Finalists: Ladder 4 Wine Bar, Motor City Wine, The Royce, and Vertical Detroit

Back to top 

Health & Beauty

Aesthetician

Winner: Complexion Med Spa, West Bloomfield;
complexionspa.com
Finalists: The Aesthetic Method Med Spa, Margot European Spa, Mynt Beauty by Sonya, and Touch of Tay

Barbershop

Winner: Detroit Barber Co., multiple locations;
detroitbarbers.com
Finalists: 6 Salon, Baus, Lefty’s Barbershop, and Youngbloods

Blowouts

Winner: Salon 6Birmingham, Detroit, Royal Oak; sixsalon.com
Finalists: Antonino Salon & Spa, The Beauty Lounge, Hair by Marissa R, and Legato Salon & Spa

Cannabis Dispensary (Medical)

Winner: Liv Cannabis, Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion; livcannabis.com
Finalists: The Greenhouse of Walled Lake, House of Dank, The Patient Station, and Puff Cannabis Co.

Cosmetic Surgeon

Winner: Dr. Charles Boyd, Boyd Beauty, Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Detroit; boydbeauty.com
Finalists: Dr. Evan Black, Dr. Nicholas Crawford, Dr. DeLorean Griffin, and Dr. Deanne Kiba

CrossFit Gym

Winner: CrossFit 8 Mile, Livonia; crossfit8mile.com
Finalists: CrossFit High Caliber, Five Lakes CrossFit, Michigan Hy-Fit Athletics, and New Species CrossFit

Day Spa

Winner: Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham;
rivagedayspa.com
Finalists: The Aesthetic Method Med Spa, Beach House Day Spa, Breathe: Bodywork and Beautification, and Margot European Spa

Eyebrow Specialist

Winner: Bee Waxed Cosmetics, Pontiac; beewaxedcosmetics.com
Finalists: Detroit Brows, I Brow Your Browz, Jabrocki Love Beauty, and Mynt Beauty by Sonya

Facials

Winner: Margot European Spa Birmingham; margots.com
Finalists: Breathe: Bodywork and Beautification, Complexion Med Spa, Rivage Day Spa, and VIO Med Spa

Fitness Classes

Winner: Detroit Sweat Royal Oak; detroitsweat.fitness Finalists: Beyond Fitness Family, CelyFit, GVST Wellness, and Rebel Strength and Fitness

Fitness Trainer

Winner: Stephanie Riley, Rebel Strength and Fitness Warren; rebelstrengthandfitness.com
Finalists: John Cook, Michigan Hy-Fit Athletics; Chad Demchik, Next Level Fitness Academy; Jackie Kirchner, Beyond Fitness Family; and Nicole Nahed, Sculpt Studios

Gym (Old-School)

Winner: Detroit Body Garage Detroit; detroitbodygarage.com
Finalists: Beyond Fitness Family, MAC Gym, Muscles Gym, and Rebel Strength and Fitness

Hair Salon

Winner: 6 Salon, Birmingham, Detroit, Royal Oak; sixsalon.com
Finalists: Antonino Salon & Spa, The Beauty Lounge, Figo Salon, Katherine Drew Salon, and Legato Salon & Spa

Health Club

Winner: Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit; thedac.com
Finalists: Beverly Hills Club, CelyFit, The Edge Fitness Clubs, GVST Wellness, and The Schvitz

Hot Shave

Winner: Detroit Barber Co., multiple locations;
detroitbarbers.com
Finalists: Baus, Hair Bandit, The Kave Barbershop, Kempt Culture, The Social Club, and Union Barber

Lash Specialist

Winner: Katherine Drew Salon Livonia; katherinedrewsalon.com
Finalists: 6 Salon, The Lash Cabana Beach Spa, Melissa’s Skin Beautique, and Mynt Beauty by Sonya

Mani-Pedi Salon

Winner: Beach House Day Spa, Birmingham; beachhouse-dayspa.com
Finalists: Color Box Wellness, Just Polished Nails, Margot European Spa, and Rivage Day Spa

Massage

Winner: Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham; rivagedayspa.com
Finalists: Beach House Day Spa, Breathe: Bodywork and Beautification, Elizabeth Face + Body Med Spa, Margot European Spa, and Sirona Wellness Spa

Pilates Classes

Winner: Pilates Detroit, Ferndale; pilatesdetroit.com Finalists: Core Collective, The Pilates House, Sculpted by Bee, and Warehouse Pilates

Spa Resort

Winner: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Acme; grandtraverseresort.com
Finalists: Crystal Spa at Crystal Mountain, and Immerse Spa at MGM Grand Detroit

Threading

Winner: Beauty Hub, Commerce Township;
beautyhubmi.com
Finalists: 6 Salon, Katherine Drew Salon, Mynt Beauty by Sonya, and Perfect Eyebrow Threading and Spa

Yoga Studio

Winner: Citizen Yoga Studio, Bloomfield, Detroit, Royal Oak; citizenyogastudio.com
Finalists: Burn Fitness, Full Lotus Yoga, and GVST Wellness

Back to top 

Food

Appetizers

Winner: SavannahBlue, Detroit; savannahbluedetroit.com
Finalists: Basan, Bronze Door, The Sardine Room, and Waves

Bagel Shop

Winner: New York Bagel, Ferndale, Southfield, West Bloomfield; newyorkbagel-detroit.com
Finalists: Detroit Bagel Factory, Eastside Bagel, Elaine’s Bagels, and Jersey Bagel Deli & Grill

Bakery (Bread)

Winner: Crispelli’s Bakery, multiple locations;
crispellis.com
Finalists: Avalon International Breads, Dakota Bread Co., Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and Zingerman’s Bakehouse

Bakery (Desserts)

Winner: Astoria Pastry Shop, Detroit, Royal Oak;
astoriapastry.com
Finalists: Cannelle by Matt Knio, Culinary Combo Bakery, For the Love of Sugar, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and Warda Patisserie

Barbecue Restaurant

Winner: Slows Bar BQ, Detroit; slowsbarbq.com
Finalists: Arkins Sweet BBQ Pit, Bad Brad’s BBQ, Lockhart’s BBQ, and Woodpile BBQ Shack

Bar Food

Winner: Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham, Rochester Hills; griffinclawbrewingcompany.com
Finalists: The Corner, Luxe Bar & Grill, Mt. Chalet II, and Sidecar Slider Bar

Burgers (Classic) — tie

Winners: Red Coat Tavern, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield; redcoat-tavern.com and Mercury Burger & Bar Detroit; mercuryburgerbar.com
Finalists: Hunter House Hamburgers, Miller’s Bar, and Shamrock Pub

Burgers (Specialty) — tie

Winners: Green Dot Stables Detroit; greendotstables.com and Vinsetta Garage Berkley; vinsettagarage.com
Finalists: Basement Burger Bar, Naked Burger, and Sidecar Slider Bar

Cafe

Winner: Commonwealth Café, Birmingham; gocommonwealth.com
Finalists: Bean and Leaf Cafe, Cannelle by Matt Knio, The Congregation, Svenska Café, and Zingerman’s Next Door Café

Cheap Eats

Winner: Leo’s Coney Island multiple locations; leosconeyisland.com
Finalists: Green Dot Stables, Hunter House Hamburgers, Lafayette Coney Island, and O.W.L.

Chinese Restaurant

Winner: Mon Jin Lau Troy; monjinlau.com
Finalists: Hong Hua Fine Chinese Dining, LC’s Asian Kitchen, Shangri-La, and Trizest Restaurant

Coffee Shop

Winner: Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit, Rochester, Royal Oak; docr.coffee
Finalists: Drifter Coffee, Kekoa Brew Co., The Red Hook, Sabbath Coffee Roasters, and Shaded Bloom Coffee

Coney Island

Winner: Leo’s Coney Island, multiple locations; leosconeyisland.com
Finalists: Greek Islands Coney Restaurant, Lafayette Coney Island, Lipuma’s Coney Island, and National Coney Island

Cookies

Winner: Detroit Cookie Co., Ann Arbor, Ferndale, St. Clair Shores; detroitcookieco.com
Finalists: Avalon International Breads, Culinary Combo Bakery, Men Bake Cookies, and Sister Pie

Dessert (Restaurant)

Winner: Prime + Proper, Detroit; primeandproperdetroit.com
Finalists: Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, San Morello, and The Whitney

Diner

Winner: Whistle Stop Diner, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge; whistlestopdiners.com
Finalists: Dime Store, Eddie’s Gourmet, O.W.L., and Red Knapp’s American Grill

Donuts

Winner: Donut Cutter, Berkley; facebook.com/donutcutter1
Finalists: Avon Donuts, Donut Bar + Coffee, Knapp’s Donut Shop, and Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts

Farm-to-Table Restaurant

Winner: Mabel Gray, Hazel Park; mabelgraykitchen.com
Finalists: Coriander Kitchen & Farm, Marrow, Selden Standard, and Sylvan Table

Fast-Casual Restaurant

Winner: Detroit Taco Co. Detroit, Shelby Township, Troy; detroittaco.com
Finalists: The Little Salumi, Los Gatos Tacos, Mister Dips, and Penny Red’s

Food Truck (tie)

Winners: Detroit Taco Co. Detroit, Shelby Township, Troy; detroittaco.com and Detroit 75 Kitchen Detroit; detroit75kitchen.com
Finalists: Egg Roll Diva, Lobster Food Truck, and Satellite Food Truck

French Fries
Winner: HopCat, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Royal Oak; hopcat.com
Finalists: The Corner, Jolly Pumpkin, Social, and Townhouse

Gluten-Free Menu

Winner: Anita’s Kitchen Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion; anitaskitchen.com
Finalists: Ale Mary’s, Bar Verona, Brown Iron Brewhouse, and Como’s

Greek Restaurant

Winner: Pegasus Taverna, Detroit, St. Clair Shores; pegasustavernas.com
Finalists: Golden Fleece, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Greek Isles Grille, and Uptown Parthenon

Ice Cream Shop

Winner: Guernsey Farms Dairy Northville; guernseyfarmsdairy.com
Finalists: Clark’s Ice Cream, Cold Truth, Ray’s Ice Cream, and Treat Dreams

Indian Restaurant

Winner: Star of India Ferndale; starofindiami.com
Finalists: Noorjahan Indian Cuisine, Pink Garlic, Priya Indian Cuisine, and Rangoli Indian Cuisine

Italian Restaurant

Winner: SheWolf Pastificio & Bar Detroit; shewolfdetroit.com
Finalists: Andiamo, Antonio’s Cucina Italiana, Bacco Ristorante, Café Cortina, Cucina Lab Torino, Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar, Loccino Italian Grill & Bar, and San Morello

Japanese Restaurant

Winner: Ima, Detroit, Madison Heights; imanoodles.com
Finalists: Adachi, Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse, Nara Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse, and Osaka Japanese Steakhouse

Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Winner: Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria multiple locations; crispellis.com
Finalists: The Corner, Mootz Pizzeria & Bar, Nara Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse, and Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Late-Night Eatery

Winner: Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit; facebook.com/lafayette-coney-island/
Finalists: Honest John’s, Leo’s Coney Island, National Coney Island, and O.W.L.

Latino Restaurant (Other Than Mexican)

Winner: Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine, Detroit; vicentesdetroit.com
Finalists: Culantro, El Guanaco, Frita Batidos, and Garrido’s Bistro

Mediterranean Restaurant

Winner: Anita’s Kitchen Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion; anitaskitchen.com
Finalists: La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine, La Saj Lebanese Bistro, Leila, and Phoenicia

Mexican Restaurant

Winner: Mexican Village Restaurant Shelby Township; mexicanvillageutica.com
Finalists: Aldana Mexican Bar & Grill, El Charro, Los Gatos Tacos, and Sagebrush Cantina

Middle Eastern Restaurant

Winner: La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine multiple locations; lamarsacuisine.com
Finalists: Al Ameer Restaurant, La Saj Lebanese Bistro, Leila, and Phoenicia

New Restaurant (Opened 2021-22)

Winner: Freya Detroit; freyadetroit.com
Finalists: Bar Pigalle, Cash Only Supper Club, The Little Salumi, and Zana

Outdoor Dining

Winner: Como’s, Ferndale; comosrestaurant.com
Finalists: Café Cortina, San Morello, Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro, and Townhouse

Oysters

Winner: Tom’s Oyster Bar, Royal Oak; tomsoysterbar.com
Finalists: Mink, Prime + Proper, Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro, and Voyager

Pet-Friendly Restaurant

Winner: Detroit Shipping Co. Detroit; detroitshippingcompany.com
Finalists: Como’s, Detroit Fleat, Ferndale Project, and Jolly Pumpkin

Pho

Winner: Pho Lucky, Detroit, Novi, Redford; pholucky.net
Finalists: Got Pho, Ima, Little Saigon, and Que Huong Restaurant

Pie

Winner: Sister Pie, Detroit; sisterpie.com
Finalists: Achatz Handmade Pie Co., Culinary Combo Bakery, Grand Traverse Pie Co., and Great Lakes Pot Pies

Pierogi

Winner: Polish Village Cafe, Hamtramck; polishvillagecafe.us
Finalists: Christine’s Cuisine, Pietrzyk Pierogi, Srodek’s Campau Quality Sausage Co., and Val’s Polish Kitchen

Pizza (Detroit-Style)

Winner: Buddy’s Pizza, multiple locations; buddyspizza.com
Finalists: Cloverleaf, Como’s, Loui’s Pizza, and Michigan & Trumbull

Pizza (Thin-Crust)

Winner: Supino Pizzeria Detroit; supinopizzeria.com
Finalists: Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria, Green Lantern Pizza, Mootz Pizzeria & Bar, and Tomatoes Apizza

Polish Restaurant

Winner: Polish Village Cafe, Hamtramck; polishvillagecafe.us
Finalists: Lakeside Family Restaurant, Polonia Restaurant, Three Brothers Restaurant, and Val’s Polish Kitchen

Pop-Up Restaurant

Winner: Frame Bar, Hazel Park; framehazelpark.com
Finalists: Fried Chicken & Caviar, Khana Detroit, Park Ranger, and Trap Kitchen Vegan by Chef Dunny

Ramen

Winner: Ima, Detroit, Madison Heights; imanoodles.com
Finalists: City Ramen, Edo Ramen House, Johnny Noodle King, and New Age Noodles

Restaurant (Livingston County)

Winner: La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine multiple locations; lamarsacuisine.com
Finalists: Bourbons, Brighton Bar & Grill, Cello Italian Restaurant, and Diamonds Steak & Seafood

Restaurant (Macomb County)

Winner: Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar Shelby Township; dafrancescos.com
Finalists: Andiamo, Bar Verona, J. Baldwin’s, Luciano’s Italian Restaurant, and Testa Barra

Restaurant (Oakland County)

Winner: Mabel Gray, Hazel Park; mabelgraykitchen.com
Finalists: Bar Verona, Cucina Lab Torino, Prime29 Steakhouse, Sylvan Table, and Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro

Restaurant (Washtenaw County)

Winner: Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Ann Arbor; zingermansdeli.com
Finalists: Bellflower, Common Grill, The Dixboro Project, Gandy Dancer, and Miss Kim

Restaurant (Wayne County)

Winner: Selden Standard, Detroit; seldenstandard.com
Finalists: Besa, Oak & Reel, Pao Detroit, and Prime + Proper

Restaurant for Breakfast (Tie)

Winners: Toast, Birmingham, Ferndale; toastbirmingham.com and The Jagged Fork, multiple locations; thejaggedfork.com
Finalists: Breakfast Club, Dime Store, and Whistle Stop Diner

Restaurant for Brunch

Winner: Toast Birmingham, Ferndale; toastbirmingham.com
Finalists: Dime Store, Prime + Proper, Rochester Brunch House, and San Morello

Restaurant to Take a Client

Winner: Prime + Proper Detroit; primeandproperdetroit.com
Finalists: Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar, Prime29 Steakhouse, San Morello, and Townhouse

Restaurant with a View

Winner: Joe Muer Seafood (Renaissance Center) Detroit; joemuer.com
Finalists: Andiamo (Detroit Riverfront), Highlands, River Crab Blue Water Inn, and Townhouse Detroit

Romantic Dining

Winner: San Morello, Detroit; sanmorello.com
Finalists: Bar Verona, Café Cortina, Cucina Lab Torino, and Prime29 Steakhouse

Sandwich Shop

Winner: Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Shop Detroit; mudgiesdeli.com
Finalists: Dagwood’s Deli & Catering, The Little Salumi, Oak House Deli, and Rocco’s Italian Deli

Seafood Restaurant

Winner: Joe Muer Seafood, Bloomfield Hills, Detroit; joemuer.com
Finalists: Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery, Oak & Reel, Streetside Seafood, and Voyager

Shawarma

Winner: Bucharest Grill, Detroit, Royal Oak; bucharestgrill.com
Finalists: Al Ameer Restaurant, Anita’s Kitchen, La Saj Lebanese Bistro, and Mr. Kabob

Soul Food Restaurant

Winner: Detroit Soul Detroit; detroitsoul.net
Finalists: Bert’s Marketplace, Cornbread Restaurant & Bar, SavannahBlue, and Urban Soul Restaurant

Special Occasion Restaurant

Winner: The Whitney, Detroit; thewhitney.com
Finalists: Café Cortina, Oak & Reel, Prime + Proper, and San Morello

Steakhouse

Winner: Clawson Steak House Clawson; clawsonsteakhouse.com
Finalists: London Chop House, Mr. Paul’s Chophouse, Prime29 Steakhouse, and Prime + Proper

Sushi

Winner: Noble Fish, Clawson; noblefish.com
Finalists: Adachi, Nara Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse, Ronin Sushi, and Sushi House

Tacos

Winner: Imperial Ferndale; imperialferndale.com
Finalists: Bakersfield, Detroit Taco Co., Los Gatos Tacos, and Whiskey Taco Foxtrot

Takeout Spot

Winner: Detroit Wing Co., multiple locations; detroitwingco.com
Finalists: Joe’s Italian Take-Out, The Little Salumi, Penny Red’s, and Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Thai Restaurant

Winner: Sy Thai, Troy; sythaitroy.com
Finalists: Bangkok 96, Bangkok Cuisine, Khom Fai Thai Dining Experience, and Thai Basil

Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant

Winner: Seva, Ann Arbor, Detroit; sevarestaurant.com
Finalists: Aratham Gourmet To Go, Cacao Tree Cafe, Chive Kitchen, and Spacecat V-stro

Wings

Winner: Detroit Wing Co., multiple locations; detroitwingco.com
Finalists: Coop Caribbean Fusion, LA Hot Chicken, Mavrix Restaurant & Bar, and Sweetwater Tavern

Back to top 

Retail

Antique Shop

Winner: Vintage Eastern Market Detroit; vintage-eastern-market-llc.business.site
Finalists: Dee Dee’s Fine Vintage, Ironside Vintage & Other Delights, Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique, and Odd Fellows Antiques

Appliance Shop

Winner: ABC Warehouse Multiple locations; abcwarehouse.com
Finalists: Big George’s Home Appliance Mart, Sargent Appliance, Specialties Showroom Appliances & Plumbing Fixtures, and Witbeck Home Appliance Mart

Auto Dealership (Group)

Winner: The Suburban Collection, Troy; suburbancollection.com
Finalists: Crest Automotive Group, LaFontaine Automotive Group, Matick Automotive Group of Michigan, and Tamaroff Automotive Group

Auto Dealership (Individual)

Winner: Bill Brown Ford Livonia; billbrownford.net
Finalists: Bowman Chevrolet, Crest Lincoln, and Matick Chevrolet

Beer Selection (Store)

Winner: Holiday Market multiple locations; holiday-market.com
Finalists: 8 Degrees Plato Beer Co., Off the Wagon Market, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and The Wine Garden Fine Wine & Spirits

Bike Shop

Winner: Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop Ferndale; downtown-bikeshop.com
Finalists: Bikes, Blades and Boards, D&D Bicycles & Hockey, KLM Bike & Fitness, and Macomb Bike

Bookstore

Winner: John K. King Used & Rare Books Detroit; johnkingbooksdetroit.com
Finalists: The Book Beat, Sidetrack Bookshop, Source Booksellers, and Toadvine Books

Bridal Salon

Winner: The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley; theweddingshoppe.net
Finalists: Alessandra Bridal & Formalwear, Piera’s Bridal, Roma Sposa Bridal, and The White Dress

Butcher Shop/Deli

Winner: Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace multiple locations; ninosalvaggio.com
Finalists: Fairway Packing Co., Nitsches Meats and Deli, Randazzo Fresh Market, Rocco’s Italian Deli, and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market

Cake Shop

Winner: For the Love of Sugar, Detroit; fortheloveofsugar.com
Finalists: Christine’s Cakes and Pastries, Holiday Market, The Home Bakery Cake & Confection Co., Love & Buttercream, and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market

Candy Store

Winner: Doc Sweets’ Candy Co. Clawson; docsweets.com
Finalists: Bulk Food Marketplace, Spun Sugar Detroit, and Sugar Lu’s

Cannabis Dispensary (Recreational)

Winner: Liv Cannabis Ferndale; livcannabis.com
Finalists: Dispo, The Patient Station, Puff Cannabis Co., and Quality Roots

Chocolate/ Chocolatier

Winner: Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppes Clinton Township, Rochester; sanderscandy.com
Finalists: Bon Bon Bon, Champagne Chocolates, Chocolate Bar Café, and Quix Chocolate

Cider Mill

Winner: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill Armada; blakefarms.com
Finalists: Franklin Cider Mill, Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill, Spicer Orchards, and Yates Cider Mill

Cigar Shop

Winner: Churchill’s, Birmingham, Grosse Pointe Woods, West Bloomfield; churchillscigarbar.com
Finalists: Ambassador Cigars & Spirits, The Godfather Bistro Cigar Bar, La Casa Cigar Lounges, and Robusto’s Cigar Bar and Bistro

Clothing and Accessory Resale

Winner: Regeneration New & Used Clothing Pleasant Ridge; regenerationclothing.org
Finalists: Assistance League Resale Connection, Consignment Clothiers, Council Resale, and Sum Girls Boutique

Coffee Brand

Winner: Zingerman’s Coffee Co. Ann Arbor; zingermanscoffee.com
Finalists: Impel Java, RoosRoast Coffee, Sabbath Coffee Roasters, and Shaded Bloom Coffee Co.

Comic Book Shop

Winner: Vault of Midnight Ann Arbor, Detroit; vaultofmidnight.com
Finalists: Comics & More, Comix Corner, Time Travelers, and Warp 9 Comics & Collectibles

Farmers Market

Winner: Eastern Market Detroit; easternmarket.org
Finalists: Birmingham Farmers Market, Farmington Farmers Market, Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, and Royal Oak Farmers Market

Fish Market

Winner: Noble Fish Sushi & Market Clawson; noblefish.com
Finalists: Andrea’s Fish Market, The Lobster Pot, People’s Fish Market, and Randazzo Fresh Market

Flower Shop

Winner: Viviano Flower Shop, multiple locations; viviano.com
Finalists: Adorn, Flowers for Dreams, Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, and Olive’s Bloombox

Furniture and Home Goods Resale

Winner: Dee Dee’s Fine Vintage, Clawson; deedeesfinevintage.com
Finalists: 28 Furniture Co., Digs Consignment Studio, Le Shoppe Too, and Nu2U Again Resale Shop

Furniture Store

Winner: Leon & Lulu Clawson; leonandlulu.com
Finalists: 28 Furniture Co., Gardner-White Furniture, Gorman’s Home Furnishings & Interior Design, and Just by Happenstance

Gift Shop (tie)

Winners: Catching Fireflies, Ann Arbor, Berkley, Rochester; catchingfireflies.com and Leon & Lulu, Clawson; leonandlulu.com
Finalists: The Brave Wimp, City Bird, and Vitrine

Gluten-Free Products

Winner: Plum Market multiple locations; plummarket.com
Finalists: Celiac Specialties/ Gluten Free Specialties, Rumi’s Passion, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Gourmet Foods

Winner: Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace multiple locations; ninosalvaggio.com
Finalists: Holiday Market, Plum Market, and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and Zingerman’s Delicatessen

High-End Clothing Store

Winner: The Peacock Room Detroit; shoppeacockroom.com
Finalists: Coup D’état, Greyson Clothiers, Hersh’s Boutique, and Tender

Home Decor Shop

Winner: Leon & Lulu, Clawson; leonandlulu.com
Finalists: 28 Furniture Co., Cristions Fine Linen & Down, Just by Happenstance, and Spotlight Home Interiors

Jewelry Store

Winner: Tapper’s Jewelry, multiple locations; tappers.com
Finalists: Diamonds Direct, Emily Prchlik Fine Jewelry, Jewelry Set in Stone, and Lucido Fine Jewelry

Kids’ Clothing Store

Winner: Lil’ Rascals Birmingham; lilrascalsbham.com
Finalists: Apple Blossom Baby & Decor, Connie’s Children’s Shop, HoneyPie Kids, and Petite Cabane

Leather Goods

Winner: Shinola Detroit, Detroit; shinola.com
Finalists: Better Life Bags, B.May Bags, Jytte Designs, and Pingree Detroit

Lighting Shop

Winner: Michigan Design Center Troy; michigandesign.com
Finalists: Exway Electric Supply Co., Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Royce Furniture & Lighting, and Visual Comfort & Co.

Lingerie Store

Winner: Harp’s Lingerie, Birmingham; harps-lingerie.com
Finalists: Bra-vo Intimates, Busted Bra Shop, Sunny J’s Lingerie & Leisure, and Supernatural

Men’s Clothing Store

Winner: Youngbloods Hazel Park; youngbloodsshop.com
Finalists: David Vintage, George Gregory, Inspiration Clothing, Mature, and Sam Michael’s

Nursery/ Greenhouse

Winner: English Gardens multiple locations; englishgardens.com
Finalists: Bordine’s, Farmer John’s Home Garden & Fashion, Ray Wiegand’s Nursery, and Telly’s Greenhouse & Garden Center

Optical Shop

Winner: See Eyewear, multiple locations; seeeyewear.com
Finalists: House of Optical, Optik Birmingham, Roland Optics, and Shades Optical

Place to Buy an Engagement/Wedding Ring

Winner: Tapper’s Jewelry, multiple locations; tappers.com
Finalists: Ahee Jewelers, Emily Prchlik Fine Jewelry, Lucido Fine Jewelry, and Miner’s Den Jewelers

Place to Buy Art

Winner: The Rust Belt Market Ferndale; rustbeltmarket.com
Finalists: Luna-tic, Mod Market, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, and Yellow Door Art Market

Record Store

Winner: Dearborn Music, Dearborn; dearbornmusic.net
Finalists: Flipside Records, Found Sound, Third Man Records, and Weirdsville Records

Shopping Mall

Winner: Somerset Collection Troy; thesomersetcollection.com
Finalists: Fairlane Town Center, The Mall at Partridge Creek, Twelve Oaks Mall, and The Village of Rochester Hills

Skin Care Shop

Winner: Margot European Spa Birmingham; margots.com
Finalists: Complexion, Face Skincare Medical Wellness, and Ullman’s Health and Beauty

Toy Store

Winner: Toyology Toys, Royal Oak; toyologytoys.com
Finalists: Modern Natural Baby, Nerd Out, Toy Box Michigan, and Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy

Vintage/ Consignment

Winner: Clothes Lost and Found Vintage, Royal Oak; lostandfoundvintage.com
Finalists: Boro, Leah’s Closet, Regeneration New & Used Clothing, and Reware Vintage

Wine Store

Winner: Red Wagon Shoppe, Rochester Hills, Troy; redwagonshoppe.com
Finalists: Old Woodward Cellar, The Royce, Woods Wholesale Wine, and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market

Women’s Boutique

Winner: The Peacock Room, Detroit; shoppeacockroom.com
Finalists: Coup D’état, Ferne Boutique, Just Girls Boutique, Tender, and Vitrine

Back to top 

Sports

Detroit Lions Player

Winner: Aidan Hutchinson; detroitlions.com
Finalists: Jared Goff, Malcolm Rodriguez, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jamaal Williams

Detroit Pistons Player

Winner: Cade Cunningham; nba.com/pistons
Finalists: Bojan Bogdanovi, Killian Hayes, Jaden Ivey, and Isaiah Stewart

Detroit Red Wings Player

Winner: Dylan Larkin; nhl.com/redwings
Finalists: Tyler Bertuzzi, Ville Husso, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider

Detroit Tigers Player

Winner: Miguel Cabrera; mlb.com/tigers
Finalists: Javier Báez, Riley Greene, Eric Haase, and Casey Mize

Michigan College Football Team

Winner: University of Michigan Wolverines; mgoblue.com
Finalists: Alma College Scots, Central Michigan Chippewas, Eastern Michigan Eagles, Grand Valley State Lakers, Michigan State Spartans, and Western Michigan Broncos

Private Golf Course

Winner: Oakland Hills Country Club Bloomfield Hills; oaklandhillscc.com
Finalists: Detroit Golf Club, Franklin Hills Country Club, Orchard Lake Country Club, and Wabeek Club

Professional Sports Team

Winner: Detroit Lions; detroitlions.com
Finalists: Detroit City Football Club, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Tigers

Public Golf Course

Winner: Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center Plymouth; foxhills.com
Finalists: Cracklewood Golf Club, Farmington Hills Golf Club, Rackham Golf Course, and Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club

Back to top 

Services

After-School Program

Winner: Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music, Royal Oak; detroitschoolofrockandpop.com
Finalists: Born Yoga, Living and Learning Enrichment Center, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, and Stars & Stripes Athletics

Auto Detailing/ Car Wash

Winner: Jax Kar Wash, multiple locations; jaxkarwash.com
Finalists: Classic Appreciation World Class Auto Detailing, Matick Auto Wash, Motor City AutoSpa, and Mr. C’s Car Wash

Auto Repair

Winner: LaFontaine Collision Centers multiple locations; familydeal.com/collision-center-michigan
Finalists: Bowman Auto Center, Fellows and Co. Family Auto, Ferndale Collision Auto Repair, and Motor City Whips

Cannabis Delivery

Winnder: Liv Cannabis, Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion; livcannabis.com
Finalists: Dispo Dash, House of Dank, Puff Cannabis Co., and Skymint

Caterer

Winner: Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Clinton Township, Shelby Township; vinceandjoes.com
Finalists: Brie & Bamboo, Everyday Edibles, Peter’s Palate Pleaser, and Skosh Catering

Financial Planner

Winner: Dewey Steffen, Great Lakes Wealth, Farmington Hills; greatlakeswealth.us/team/dewey-d-steffen
Finalists: Darden Wealth Group; Jeffrey Fratarcangeli, Fratarcangeli Wealth Management; Mainstay Financial Management; and Matthew Vermillion, Cuso Financial Services

Hotel

Winner: Shinola Hotel, Detroit; shinolahotel.com
Finalists: Daxton Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit, Royal Park Hotel, and The Siren

Interior Designer

Winner: Meganrose Interiors, Northville; themeganrose.com
Finalists: Armina Interiors, Jeffrey King Interiors, Parini, and Rariden Schumacher Mio

Kitchen Design Service

Winner: KSI Kitchen & Bath, multiple locations; ksikitchens.com
Finalists: Maison Birmingham, Scavolini, Sharer Design Group, and Whiski Kitchen Design Studio

Michigan Resort (tie)

Winners: Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls; boynemountain.com and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Acme; grandtraverseresort.com
Finalists: Crystal Mountain, Shanty Creek Resort, and Treetops Resort

Pet Groomer

Winner: Scrubbers Dog Wash, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield; scrubbersdogwash.com
Finalists: All Paw Spa, Bingo Pet Salon, Kitty & Kanine Day Spa, and Somerset Dog Grooming

Photographer

Winner: Melissa Douglas Co., Rochester Hills; melissadouglasco.com
Finalists: Frankie Photography, Hannah Marie Photography, Kya Liann, and MiLittleStar Photography

Realtor

Winner: Kathy Broock, Max Broock Realtors, Birmingham; maxbroock.com
Finalists: Victoria Camaj, Providence Properties, Realty & Management;
C Miles Realty; Lauren Fortinberry, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel; Glover Agency; Nicole McAvoy, Dobi Real Estate; and Tushar Vakhariya, Keller Williams

Special Occasion Venue

Winner: Shinola Hotel, Detroit; shinolahotel.com
Finalists: CenterPeace, M1 Concourse, The Madison, and Zingerman’s Greyline

Summer Day Camp

Winner: Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills; schools.cranbrook.edu
Finalists: Born Yoga, Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, Living and Learning Enrichment Center, and Roeper Summer Programs

Travel Agency

Winner: Lux Travel Girl, Birmingham; luxtravelgirl.com
Finalists: Amaze Travel; Atlas Travel; Bee Kalt Travel; Jill Jones, Cadillac Travel Group; and Volare Travel

Venue for a Kids Party

Winner: C.J. Barrymore’s Clinton Township; cjbarrymores.com
Finalists: Breakout Escape Rooms, The Friendship Factory, and Zap Zone

Wedding Cakes

Winner: Love & Buttercream, Birmingham; loveandbuttercream.com
Finalists: Elite Sweets, For the Love of Sugar, Pastry Guru, and Zingerman’s Bakehouse

Wedding Photographer

Winner: Hannah Marie Photography Farmington Hills; hannahmariephotographyllc.com
Finalists: Frankie Photography, Julia Cuddy Photography, Kya Liann, and Molly Grunewald Photography

Wedding

Winner: Hazel & Gray, hazelandgrayevents.com
Finalists: Emerald City Designs, Events by Raj Singh, A June Event, Planterra Conservatory, Primrose Event Planning, and Star Trax Events

Wedding Venue

Winner: Planterra Conservatory, West Bloomfield; planterraevents.com
Finalists: The Collins off Main, Gem Theatre, One Campus Martius, Shinola Hotel, and Zingerman’s Cornman Farms

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This story is part of the June 2023 issue of Hour Detroit. Read more in our Digital Edition.