Our elected and governmental leaders are always in the spotlight – but never more so now than in times of challenge and change. This year, with a focus on attracting new employers, improving county services and managing the challenges of a sluggish economy, two of our community leaders stand out: Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson and Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash. These two leaders have put a strong emphasis on improving operations that make for a superior quality of life in our community. Gwinnett Magazine is proud to add the title of Man and Woman of the Year to these two charismatic individuals’ list of accomplishments.

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Ready for the most anticipated list of the year? Gwinnett Magazine’s Best of Gwinnett is hot off the presses highlighting what you love most about your home county. We’ve got it all covered here – in 75 plus categories that feature the best restaurants, shopping, doctors, lawyers and more.

Each year, we’re pleased to see you cast your votes and let your voice be heard. More than 60,000 votes were tallied this year. Keep this issue at hand – it will serve you well throughout the year as a guide for the best finds in Gwinnett.

Home is Where the Heart Is
Best Homebuilder
Best Realtor
Best Interior Decorator/Design Firm
Best Furniture Store
Best Landscaping Firm
Best Home Services and Maintenance
Best Neighborhood
Best Apartment Community
Best Retirement Community

Making a Living – Nine to Five
Best Employer
Best Business Address
Best Office Park
Best Accounting Firm
Best Bank/Financial Institution
Best Insurance Agency
Best Law Firm
Best Staffing Agency
Best Customer Service
Best Place for a Business Meeting or Retreat
Best Power Lunch
Best IT Service
Best Hotel

Getcha Some Grub
Best Barbecue
Best Pizza
Best Seafood
Best Sushi
Best Chinese Food
Best Mexican Food
Best Bakery
Best Cup of Coffee
Best Supermarket

Hangin’ With Your Buddies
Best Happy Hour
Best Sports Bar
Best Gwinnett Concert Venue
Best Local Entertainer
Best Golf Course

Relaxation Awaits!
Best Salon
Best Dry Cleaners
Best Tanning Salon
Best Spa

A Shopper’s Paradise
Best Mall
Best Place to Buy a Computer
Best Clothing Store for Women
Best Clothing Store for Men
Best Place to Buy Shoes
Best Antique Store

Happily Ever After
Best Restaurant for Romance
Best Jeweler
Best Place to Buy Flowers
Best Place for a Wedding
Best Photographer

Start Your Engines
Best Auto Dealer/Best Place to Buy A Car
Best Auto Mechanic
Best Car Wash

Become Culturally Diverse
Best Place for People Watching
Best Artistic/Cultural Scene
Best Social or Charity Event

Spending Quality Time Together
Best Child-Friendly Restaurant
Best Local Festival
Best Park
Best Summer Activity
Best Clothing Store for Children
Best School Field Trip
Best Childcare
Best Family Activity

Pet Friendly
Best Veterinarian
Best Place to Board a Pet

Tops in Our Community
Best Downtown
Best Local Charity
Favorite Elected Official

Feel Good, Look Good, Live Good
Best Place to Workout
Best Pediatrician
Best Physician/Practice
Best Dental Practice
Best Orthodontist
Best Chiropractor

Wildcard Winners

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Sikes and Davis Interiors & Fine Furniture

A wise, young girl once said, “There’s no place like home.” And for Gwinnett, this is definitely true! Now with more than 800,000 people calling this county home, it’s clear that Gwinnett offers the best in quality options and amenities to fit any homeowner’s desires. Excellent communities, knowledgeable realtors and one-of-a-kind home décor – just to name a few. So even without ruby slippers to guide them, our readers picked their favorites in everything from best homebuilder to best retirement community.

❯❯  Best Homebuilder
You make your house a home, but a builder helps you with the myriad of decisions that will need to be made to build it. Trust these homebuilders as your top choice to pour the foundation and raise the roof: John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, Pulte Homes, Richardson Housing Group, Touchstone Homes and Waterford Homes.

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Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

Gwinnett’s economic development and job growth were on the up and up this year! From small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, each made their presence known in Gwinnett by bringing an increase in jobs as well as capital investment. In July, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Gwinnett was leading Georgia in employment growth, with a rate almost double the national average. For Gwinnettians, this news promises a bright future ahead despite challenging times. Here’s what our readers told us about their favorite companies in Gwinnett.

❯❯  Best Employer
Awesome benefits, fantastic pay and fun co-workers are some things people look for in an employer. These are some Gwinnett companies that hit high marks with our readers: Chick-fil-A, Hire Dynamics, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Gwinnett Medical Center and Lloyd Pro Group, Inc.

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Cinco Mexican Cantina

Atlanta has long been known as the dine-worthy city of the South, but nowadays Gwinnett has been stepping up in the culinary scene. With residents craving top cuisine outside the perimeter, our county’s eateries have started filling their patron’s bellies with a smorgasbord of big flavor and good eats at quality prices. Gwinnett’s restaurants have tantalized customers’ tastebuds, taking them across the globe in one bite. Our readers highlighted their top picks on where to grab a bite in Gwinnett.

❯❯  Best Barbecue
You can’t beat down home southern barbecue! Sink your teeth into the meats at Dicky Doo’s Diner, Dillards Barbecue, Holy Smokes Barbecue, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Spiced Right Smokehouse BBQ. They’re sure to have reached smoky perfection!

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Arena at Gwinnett Center

Everyone enjoys a good time! Whether it’s watchin’ the Dawgs take on the Jackets at the local watering hole, practicing your swing at a nearby club, or even rockin’ out at your favorite band’s show, having fun is a vital part of our culture and an important way to unwind after a long day. Gwinnett is a perfect place to find anything and everything to keep you entertained all night long. From top sports pubs to concert venues, our county is home to many of the best hangout spots in metro Atlanta. Now our readers share the places they enjoy right in our own backyard!

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The Spa at Château Élan

It’s so important to take some “me time” every now and then. Self-pampering allows you to become refreshed and rejuvenated in taking on your day-to-day activities. It’s even proven to help both your mental and physical state of mind. So, if it’s spending a few hours at the spa or getting a new hairdo, you know you have worked hard to enjoy it! Our readers recommend the following places to get top-notch personal services.

❯❯  Best Salon
Ready for a new look? Get a new hairdo or tame your mane at these local salons: Bella Fiore’ Salon, Kathy Adams Salon, Salon Greco, Studio 93 Salon and The 124 Group (Salon 124 and Genesis Salon).

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Mall of Georgia

Do you die for a great pair of shoes or a killer handbag? Are you a master at finding the best deals and sales? Do you tend to shop ’til you drop – literally? Well look no further, Gwinnett has the greatest shopping venues around to fulfill every shopaholics addiction. Become obsessed with our top shoppers favorites. Now go and be glamorous!

❯❯  Best Mall
Gwinnettians have little to worry about when it comes to shopping in and around our community. From outdoor malls to outlet centers, our county has anything a shopper could ask for and more! Our readers love to shop at Discover Mills, Gwinnett Place Mall, Mall of Georgia, The Avenue Webb Ginn and The Forum on Peachtree Parkway.

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Payne-Corley House

It’s a little bit funny. This feeling inside. Is it love? If so, Gwinnett’s got plenty of romantic spots to make your love flourish and sweep her off her feet. It’s the perfect recipe for romance – a restaurant, flowers and maybe even a ring! So guys, woo your ladies at these top romantic recommendations.

❯❯  Best Restaurant for Romance
It’s date night and you and your sweetheart need a great place to spend some quality time together. Our readers suggest Aqua Terra Bistro, Dominick’s, Luciano’s Italian Ristorante & Lounge, Park Café and Three Blind Mice to set the mood and enjoy fine cuisine.

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Christian Brothers Automotive

Gwinnett is made up of more than 2,750 miles of road, over 660 signalized intersections, thousands of miles of traffic striping and the fourth-busiest airport in the state, according to the Georgia DOT. With lots of people traveling on these roads daily, it’s important your car stays in tip-top shape. Changing your oil, checking your tires and keeping your vehicle as clean as new are just a few top priorities for drivers. Luckily, our readers love their cars and have suggestions on where to get your cars cleaned, tuned up or even find a brand new ride.

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