Photo: Emily J. Davis
When Maple Grovians speak, Maple Grove Magazine listens.
This year voters allow some winners to retain their top spots while others categories welcome new names and faces in the seventh annual readers online survey of the best services and places in Maple Grove. Catch all the great finalists who make our city truly extraordinary.
Best Dentist
Douglas Shamp with Forestview Family Dentistry
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Douglas Shamp has preserved smiles at Forestview Family Dentistry and thinks of his practice as having “grown” with Maple Grove. Many of Shamp’s patients have been with him since the start—he’s even starting to see second and third generations these days. 7270 Forestview Ln. N. #250, 763.424.9202, smile@forestviewfamilydentistry.com
Finalists: Dr. Christopher Chang with Maple Grove Family Dental and Dr. Jamie Sledd with Arbor Lakes Dental
Best Pediatrician
Michael Garvis with South Lake Pediatrics
It’s not often that you find a doctor that your whole family builds a connection with, but for many Maple Grove families, Dr. Michael Garvis has been just that pediatrician. As a resident of the city, he’s amazed by its progress and family-friendly amenities, remarking “What a great time to live here and what a great place to be.” 2805 Campus Drive, Ste. 235, Plymouth, 55441, 952.401.8300, info@slpeds.com
Voters Voices
Libby Bergman: “Dr. Garvis is compassionate and dedicated to helping and healing children. He has a delightful bedside manner and a great sense of humor.”
Lynne Carroll: “He was the doctor that identified a life threatening heart condition in my son when he was 10 days old. Had Dr. Garvis not diagnosed his condition correctly and responded in the manner that he did, we were told that our son would have died within the next 24 hours. It doesn’t get any better than that, does it?”
Finalists: Dr. Allen Kuperman with Partners in Pediatrics and Dr. Howard Bach with Partners in Pediatrics
Best Fitness Studio
“I live in Maple Grove,” says Life Time’s group fitness department head Kathy Bennethum. “I have a passion for “the healthy lifestyle” and desire to spread that passion to our members.” She adds that Life Time always strives to give folks a personalized way to live their lives in an active fashion. 12601 82nd Ave. N., 763.420.8282.
Finalists: Orangetheory Fitness and Snap Fitness
Best Chiropractor
Doug Broman with Broman Chiropractic
Maple Grove’s open-mindedness towards holistic approaches is one of the things that Dr. Doug Broman loves most about practicing here. Broman gathers inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, saying that while not overly faith-based, his practice recognizes that people are spiritual and aims to help folks “live well.” 7237 Forestview Ln. N., 763.420.8595, wellness@bromanchiro.com
Finalists: Dr. Jerod Oschendorf with Trillium Chiropractic and Dr. Tammy Dickinson with Back In Motion Chiropractic
Best Yoga Studio
Life Power Yoga at Life Time Fitness
Yoga classes typically create a reliance on the instructor, according to Life Time’s Kathy Bennethum, but not with Life Time yoga. They offer a wide variety of classes which aim to help all students have a well-rounded and personal experience whether they are in or out of the studio. 12601 82nd Ave. N., 763.420.8282.
Finalists: Hindu Temple and Yoga with Dee
Best Birthday Party Spot
Leave the party planning to the experts at Dave and Buster’s where your child, teen or even adult (hey, grown-ups like birthday parties too) can enjoy fun food, unlimited drinks. The birthday kid gets a special prize, too. Definitely win-win. 11780 Fountains Way, 763.493.9815.
Finalists: Maple Grove Community Center and Chuck E. Cheese’s
Best Hair Stylist
Tracy Ftacek at Tracy Ftacek Hair Design
Before even reaching for a pair of scissors, Tracy Ftacek chats up her clients. “The consultation is the biggest piece and I think I’m a good listener,” she says. Staying ahead of current trends and educating other stylists also keeps this top hair stylist busy—Ftacek travels around the region to teach others how to produce beautiful cuts, colors and styles. 7270 Forestview Ln. N., 612.578.3537
Finalists: Denise Sartor at Salon Sartor and Hannah Lewis at Marc Daniel Salon
Best Spa Salon
Named the top salon in Maple Grove for the fourth year in a row, salon owner Daniel Link says this achievement is a direct result of the consistency in quality and customer service provided by each stylist at Marc Daniel Salon, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. “We have one of the most difficult training programs in the industry,” says Link. 7884 Main St., 763.416.002.
Finalists: Simonson’s Salon & Spa and Salon Sartor
Best Children’s Shop
It’s all about the classics with a trendy twist at the Gap in everything from playwear to comfortable dress-up. New this season: iconic designer Diane von Furstenberg has created a line of ultra-adorable clothes for kids. You’ll wish these stylish selections came in your size. 12129 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.424.9255.
Finalists: Creative Kidstuff and Edelweiss Baby
Best Doggie Daycare/ Kennel
Pet parents can trust the compassionate care their four-legged kid will receive at PetSmart. Kasey Racette, manager, says every dog is treated “like they are the only one here” while the staff exceeds all their furry needs. The dog suites even offer televisions tuned to pet themed shows—Animal Planet anyone? 11200 Fountains Drive, 763.424.3639.
Finalists: Animal Wellness Center and Six Wags Dog Daycare and Boarding
Best Pet Grooming
Not only is the Maple Grove PetSmart location taking great care of the local canines, they are making sure they look good, too. If your pup is a little unsure about a bath and haircut, the well-trained staff is up to the challenge. “We actually really love working with the antsy ones,” manager Kasey Racette she says with a laugh. 11200 Fountains Dr., 763.424.3639.
Finalists: Petco and Shaggy Dog Grooming
Best Pizza
The delicious recipe for Broadway pizza has remained virtually unchanged since the first store opened in Minneapolis in 1953. According to Mike Schrauth, owner of the Maple Grove location, “it’s the sauce that separates us from all the other pizzas out there”. Amazing pizza, along with the restaurant’s festive train theme—a nostalgic nod to the original store—and a full bar, makes Broadway a top notch winner. 7951 Elm Creek Blvd. N., 763.416.4441, broadwaypizza.com
Finalists: Frankie’s Pizza and California Pizza Kitchen
Best Builder/Remodeler
It’s a family affair at J Brothers—the president of the company is Chuck Johnson, his wife Teri is vice president and two of their sons work there. According to Teri, the company prides itself on the quality of service they provide before, during and after all home building and remodeling projects. 10550 Co. Rd. 81, 763.732.8731,
Voters Voice
Julie Dotzenrod: “We voted for J Brothers because they were so easy to work with and did a fantastic job!
Finalists: Hunerberg Construction Company and Ebert, Inc.
Landscaper: Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery,
Make it four! That’s the number of consecutive years that voters have kept Lynde at the top of the list of best landscapers. With over a decade of landscaping service experience (and over a century of making green things grow) they know what Maple Grove loves to see. 9293 Pineview Ln., 763.420.4400.
Finalists: Fair’s Nursery and Matt’s Lawn & Landscape
Home Décor / Furnishings: A Place Called Home
After a narrow miss last year, A Place Called Home commands the award again this year with a unique selection of items including dinnerware, centerpieces and other home accessories. 7889 Main Street, 763.773.4663
The finalists: Kirkland’s and Pottery Barn
Interior Designer
David Bakken with A Place Called Home
It’s no surprise that Mr. Bakken, co-owner of A Place Called Home (the winner of this year’s best place for home décor and furnishings), should walk away with the prize as best interior designer. He can transform an entire house or simply offer a tip here and there on the latest home décor trends. 7889 Main Street, 763.773.4663
Finalists: Ethan Allan, Carol Booms with Carol’s Interiors
Weekend Brunch
Their first restaurant was up the road in St. Cloud and we’re real glad they headed south because when it comes to weekend brunch, this is the place to bring someone you want to impress. On a Saturday (9 a.m.-noon) enjoy a traditional omelet, waffle, biscuits and gravy or a caramel roll. On Sunday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) step it up to prime rib, eggs Benedict, croissants, fresh fruit and scones. Both days are all-you-can-eat buffets. Granite City Food & Brewery, 11909 Main St., 763.416.0010.
Finalists: 3 Squares Restaurant and Champp’s Americana Restaurant
Outdoor Dining
Even on a cool spring night, the patio at Pittsburgh Blue is comfortable and cozy. It’s the swankest outdoor place in town. From the horseradish crusted filet mignon to a dry-aged choice sirloin the al fresco environment makes for a perfect evening. Order your steak “Pittsburgh Blue” and see the response it elicits from your server. 11900 Main St North, 763.416.2663.
Finalists: Maple Tavern and Will Bill’s Sports Saloon
Best Real Estate Agent
Specializing in the northwest metro for seven years, Peterson knows the process of buying and selling a new home can be an intense experience. “I really want my clients to have a little fun along the way,” he says. “I try to add humor and help everyone relax.” Providing good customer service and excellent follow-through are other Peterson trademarks—all done with a smile. 763.258.4400, jarrodpeterson@edinarealty.com
Voters Voice
Mark D. Cheeley:“I chose Jarrod Peterson because of his work ethics. He is the hardest
working agent and will do what it takes to get your house sold.”
Finalists: Nick P. Johnson, Realty Pro and Jane Schmidt, Keller Williams Realty
Happy Hour
It’s hard to find a time when Malone’s doesn’t celebrate with a happy hour, which occurs Monday through Friday, 3–6 p.m. and continues Sunday–Thursday, 8–close, and Friday and Saturday, 9:30 p.m.–close. Coupled with 35 cent wings, calamari or the taco bar, Malone’s can make you very happy indeed. 12635 Elm Creek Blvd N, 763.447.6500.
Finalists: Houlihan’s Restaurant and Maple Tavern
Florist
Donato’s Floral has proven its superiority when it comes to customer popularity. This is the fourth year that they’ve sprouted the most votes as the Best Florist in Maple Grove. You’ll find owner Maria Donato and her staff slightly off the beaten path, nestled souhwest of the corner of Hwy. 694 and Hemlock Ln., where they go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect. 7351 Kirkwood Ln. N., Ste. #118, 763.416.0488.
Finalists: Falula’s Maple Grove Floral and Bachman’s at Byerly’s
Night Out (adults only)
While kids eat free on Wednesdays, 3-9 p.m., Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon can get truly wild any old time. There’s a drink and food special every day and you can dance ‘til you drop and your ride turns into a pumpkin. 12730 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.420.2422.
Finalists: Pittsburgh Blue and Maple Tavern
New Shop
Liz Schiller has a way of putting things together: a new shop, a skirt and sweater, a turn of phrase. You can’t visit Juniper without being engulfed in her unique style. Check out this great new place to acquire summer duds. It comes recommended by hundreds! 12483 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.315.9300
Finalists: Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt and The Oilerie
Boutique:
Goodthings
Eclectic is the key word for this family-owned business where you are always sure to find an exquisite artisan-made gift item, home décor and something for the newest baby in your life. Goodthings is a place to gather inspiration. It definitely inspired the votes this year. 12139 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.494.9255
Finalists: Juniper and Francesca’s Collections
Editor’s Choice
The Lookout Bar and Grill has had some heavy competition from a slew of new restaurants, but we can’t pass a year without mentioning this perennial favorite which not only serves up great family food, offers a beautiful outdoor patio and a calendar packed with live music, but they have an indelible effect on activities in the community. Our hats are off to this model of business citizenship. May every local business take note. 8672 Pineview Ln. N., 763.424.4365, lookoutbarandgrill.com
Best Preschool/Daycare
Step by Step doesn’t simply have kids repeating their ABC’s—their creative take on education includes activities like music and foreign languages. Rose Minor, administrator, says that the school aims to “infuse a sense of community” in kids by reading stories at the farmer’s market, taking sleigh rides during the holidays, singing at the Maple Grove Days parade and more. 11601 73rd Ave. N., 763.315.3602.
Voters Voice
Ryan Hurtado: “Step by Step has allowed our son to excel in academics and social skills. The method of self-driven learning has promoted a sense of self worth in his everyday life, and the teachers are phenomenal.
Finalists: Primrose Schools and New Horizon Academy
