Best of the Best of Monmouth and Ocean counties: See the 2022 winners here
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Who in Monmouth and Ocean counties has your favorite pizza?
What about your favorite hair stylist, concert venue, supermarket or car dealer?
The results for 2022 are in. Asbury Park Press readers have voted for their favorite businesses, from antiques dealers to yoga studios, in the annual Best of the Best contest.
"The Best of Best has been running many years where the Asbury Park Press readers and our community vote for their favorite businesses in 192 different categories from health, beauty, leisure, entertainment, shopping, top employer and more," said Karen Guarasi, regional vice president for LocaliQ and the Asbury Park Press. "We’re excited to bring these top businesses in Monmouth and Ocean counties together to celebrate their accomplishments."
Guarasi presented the awards — with the help of Miss New Jersey Augostina Mallous — Wednesday night at iPlay America here during an event that attracted 300 people.
Notably, it marked the first time the Best of the Best awards have been handed out in person, bringing together small business owners who were challenged during the pandemic to keep their operations going even as they had to take safety precautions.
"This is very exciting, actually," said Melanie Meyer, who owns Bayshore Appliance in Hazlet with her husband, Dennis Williams. "We're all very excited to be together. Things seem to be getting back to normal, I would say."
Spoiler alert: Bayshore Appliance was named by readers the best appliance store in Monmouth County, and Meyer was named the best boss.
How did other businesses fare? Here are the results:
Beauty and Health
AllergistMonmouth: Tina C. Zecca, DO - Allergy & Asthma Associates of Monmouth County, Little SilverOcean: Bruce Decotiis, MD - Ocean Allergy Partners, Brick
AudiologistMonmouth: Charlotte Parker, AuD, CCC-A - Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat, Neptune CityOcean: n/a
Barber ShopMonmouth: Style Salon & Barber Shop, Freehold TownshipOcean: Jagged Edge Barbershop, Toms River
ChiropractorMonmouth: Russell Brokstein, DC - Hometown Family Wellness Center, FreeholdOcean: Damon Noonan, DC - Back and Neck Center, Toms River
Cosmetic/plastic surgeonMonmouth: Anthony Sparano, MD – Facial Plastic Surgery, Wall TownshipOcean: Stephen E. Small, DO - Ocean Plastic Surgery, PA and Laser Center, Toms River
DentistMonmouth: Richard Champagne, DMD, MAGD - Champagne Smiles, MarlboroOcean: Matthew Brown, DMD - DeMarco Family Dental, Tuckerton
DermatologistMonmouth: Aaron Morgan, MD - Morgan Dermatology, Neptune CityOcean: Mark A. Mazak, MS, PA-C - Kuflik Dermotology, Toms River
Facial/massage therapyMonmouth: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, multiple locationsOcean: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, multiple locations
Family/general practice physicianMonmouth: Shawn M. Field, MD - Hackensack Meridian Health, HazletOcean: Leslie R. Cauvin, DO - RWJBarnabas Health, Toms River
Hair salonMonmouth: Studio on Willow, Little SilverOcean: Hair by Honeycutt, Barnegat
Hair StylistMonmouth: Nicole Chirelli - Studio On Willow, Little SilverOcean: Emily Honeycutt - Hair by Honeycutt, Barnegat
Hearing Aid/Hearing Specialist CenterMonmouth: Costco, multiple locationsOcean: Costco, multiple locations
Hospital emergency roomMonmouth: Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center, NeptuneOcean: Community Medical Center, Toms River
Hospital/medical centerMonmouth: Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center, NeptuneOcean: Hackensack Meridian Ocean Medical Center, Brick
Maternity and childbirth centerMonmouth: Monmouth Medical Center, Long BranchOcean: Community Medical Center, Toms River
Medical spaMonmouth: IVs by the Seas, WallOcean: Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, multiple locations
Medical supply storeMonmouth: Campbell's Pharmacy, Sea GirtOcean: Community Surgical Supply, Toms River
Nail salon - manicure/pedicureMonmouth: Mati Nails By Amalia, Wall TownshipOcean: Perfect Nails Salon, Toms River
OB/GYNMonmouth: Susan M. Pacana, MD, FACOG - Hackensack Meridian Health, FreeholdOcean: Robert Pesso, MD - Toms River OB/GYN Associates
OphthalmologistMonmouth: Ralph G. Del Negro, DO - Del Negro & Senft Eye Associates, Neptune CityOcean: n/a
Orthodontist:Monmouth: n/aOcean: Domenico Addiego, DMD - Addiego Orthodontics, Stafford
Orthopedic centerMonmouth: db Orthopedic Physical Therapy, multiple locationsOcean: Rothman Orthopaedics, Brick
PediatricianMonmouth: Ellen C. Miele, MD - Spring Lake PediatricsOcean: Mariane Ibrahim, MD, FAAP - Silverton Pediatrics, Toms River
Personal trainerMonmouth: Sharye Marinoff - EZE Fit Transformation Center, Neptune CityOcean: n/a
Pharmacy/drugstoreMonmouth: CVS, multiple locationsOcean: Silverton Pharmacy & Gift Shop, Toms River
Physical therapistMonmouth: Timothy McElduff - Fitness In Therapy, WallOcean: Shane Capone, PT, DPT - Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, Brick
Physical therapy clinicMonmouth: Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, multiple locationsOcean: Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, multiple locations
SpaMonmouth: Bronze Couture Tan & Spa, Tinton FallsOcean: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, multiple locations
Tanning salonMonmouth: Bronze Couture Tan & Spa, Tinton FallsOcean: Simply Sun Tanning, Toms River
Weight loss lenterMonmouth: Weight Watchers, multiple locationsOcean: Weight Watchers, multiple locations
Dining
All-around restaurantMonmouth: Barnacle Bill's, RumsonOcean: Sunny Hunny By the Sea Family Restaurant & Pancake House, Seaside Heights
BagelsMonmouth: Bagelmasters, ShrewsburyOcean: Baron's Bagels, Brick
BakeryMonmouth: Del Ponte's Bakery, Bradley BeachOcean: Mueller's Bakery, Bay Head
BBQMonmouth: Local Smoke BBQ, multiple locationsOcean: Smokies Craft BBQ, Berkeley Township
BreakfastMonmouth: Turning Point, multiple locationsOcean: C&G's Country Café, Toms River
BurgerMonmouth: Barnacle Bill's, RumsonOcean: Burger 25, Toms River
Caterer/Catering companyMonmouth: Taliercio's Gourmet Deli, Red BankOcean: Joe Leone's Italian Specialties, Point Pleasant Beach
CheesesteakMonmouth: The Speakeatery, Asbury ParkOcean: Pat's Pizza, Point Pleasant
Chinese foodMonmouth: Peking Pavilion, ManalapanOcean: Xina Restaurant, Toms River
DessertMonmouth: Confections of a Rock$tar Bakery, Asbury ParkOcean: Sweet Revenge Custom Chocolate, Point Pleasant Beach
DinerMonmouth: All Seasons Diner II, multiple locationsOcean: Rainbow Diner Restaurant, Brick
Doughnut shopMonmouth: Broad Street Dough Co., multiple locationsOcean: Ob-Co's Donuts, Toms River
Early bird dinnerMonmouth: Americana Diner, ShrewsburyOcean: The Shrimp Box & Outside The Box Patio Bar, Point Pleasant Beach
Fine diningMonmouth: 618, FreeholdOcean: Ott's Good Earth Garden, Eagleswood
Food truckMonmouth: Cousins Maine LobsterOcean: Harry's Smokin' BBQ
Hot dogMonmouth: WindMill, multiple locationsOcean: WindMill, multiple locations
Ice cream/Frozen yogurtMonmouth: Hoffman's Ice Cream, Spring LakeOcean: Mrs. Walker's Homemade Ice Cream, Lacey
Indian foodMonmouth: Bombay River, Red BankOcean: Living on the Veg, Stafford
Italian foodMonmouth: Federici's Family Restaurant, FreeholdOcean: Il Giardinello, Toms River
Japanese foodMonmouth: Taka, Red BankOcean: Xina, Toms River
Local coffee shopMonmouth: Rook, multiple locationsOcean: Rook, multiple locations
LunchMonmouth: Brennan's Delicatessen, multiple locationsOcean: Mahana Fresh, Toms River
Mexican foodMonmouth: Juanito's II, HowellOcean: El Familiar, Toms River
Outdoor/Patio/Rooftop diningMonmouth: Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, Asbury ParkOcean: Water Street Bar & Grille, Toms River
PizzaMonmouth: Vic's Italian Restaurant, Bradley BeachOcean: Naples Pizza & Italian Restaurant, Toms River
RibsMonmouth: Mutiny BBQ Company, Asbury ParkOcean: Jersey Shore BBQ, Point Pleasant Beach
Seafood restaurantMonmouth: Keyport Fishery, KeyportOcean: The Shrimp Box & Outside The Box Patio Bar, Point Pleasant Beach
SteakhouseMonmouth: Char Steakhouse, Red BankOcean: Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House, Stafford
Sub/Deli/Sandwich shopMonmouth: Jersey Mike's Subs, multiple locationsOcean: Jersey Mike's Subs, multiple locations
SushiMonmouth: Taka, Red BankOcean: Xina Restaurant, Toms River
Thai foodMonmouth: Bamboo Leaf Thai Eatery, Bradley BeachOcean: Koi Asian Fusion Lounge, Brick
Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-free foodMonmouth: Cats Luck, Neptune CityOcean: Mahana Fresh, Toms River
WingsMonmouth: Jack's Goal Line Stand, Long BranchOcean: Doyle's Pour House, multiple locations
More:Readers love these 50 Jersey Shore restaurants. What do you think?
Entertainment and leisure
Art galleryMonmouth: OPI Gallery, WallOcean: TRAC - Toms River Artist Community
Axe throwing/Darts/PoolMonmouth: Stumpy's Hatchet House, EatontownOcean: Bury the Hatchet, multiple locations
Birthday party venueMonmouth: Wonder Bar, Asbury ParkOcean: Jen's Links at LBI, Barnegat Light
Bowling centerMonmouth: Asbury Lanes, Asbury ParkOcean: Ocean Lanes, Lakewood
CasinoMonmouth: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic CityOcean: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City
Family amusementMonmouth: Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Point Pleasant BeachOcean: East Coast Escape Room, Toms River
Festival/FairMonmouth: Monmouth Country FairOcean: Festival of the Sea, Point Pleasant Beach
HotelMonmouth: Asbury Hotel, Asbury ParkOcean: Holiday Inn Manahawkin/Long Beach Island
Live music/Concert venueMonmouth: Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury ParkOcean: PNC Banks Arts Center, Holmdel
Movie theaterMonmouth: AMC Theatres, multiple locationsOcean: Marquee Cinemas, Toms River
MuseumMonmouth: Twin Lights State Historic Site, HighlandsOcean: Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton
Place of worshipMonmouth: St. Veronica Roman Catholic Church, HowellOcean: New Beginnings Church, Brick
Radio stationMonmouth: 101.5 FMOcean: 94.3 The Point
Tourist/Seasonal attraction - LocalMonmouth: Asbury ParkOcean: Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach
TV news - LocalMonmouth: News 12 New JerseyOcean: News 12 New Jersey
Wedding venueMonmouth: The Breakers on the Ocean, Spring LakeOcean: Clarks Landing Yacht Club, Point Pleasant
Radio personality/ShowMonmouth: Big Joe Henry - 101.5 New JerseyOcean: The Dennis & Judi Program - New Jersey 101.5
Weather reporterMonmouth: Janice Huff - WNBC New YorkOcean: Dave Curren - News 12 New Jersey
More:These are the best beer towns in New Jersey
Finance
AccountantMonmouth: Diane Yusko, CPA, HowellOcean: Lynn M. Paslowski, CPA, Brick
BankMonmouth: Manasquan BankOcean: TD Bank
Credit unionMonmouth: First Atlantic Federal Credit UnionOcean: First Financial Federal Credit Union
Investment firmMonmouth: William Skillender Wealth Management, BrielleOcean: William Skillender Wealth Management, Brielle
Mortgage lending companyMonmouth: Advisors Mortgage Group, Ocean TownshipOcean: Advisors Mortgage Group, Ocean Township
Home and home services
Assisted/Senior livingMonmouth: Erickson LivingOcean: Harrogate Retirement Community, Lakewood
Home builderMonmouth: Toll BrothersOcean: Jersey Shore Custom Builders, Brick
Home repair/Remodeling companyMonmouth: Carl's Fencing, Decking & Home Improvements, Toms RiverOcean: Carl's Fencing, Decking & Home Improvements, Toms River
Moving companyMonmouth: Teachers Moving Inc., Ocean TownshipOcean: Joe's Guy With A Truck, Stafford
Nursing homeMonmouth: Erickson LivingOcean: Harrogate Retirement Community, Lakewood
Real estate companyMonmouth: Diane Turton, RealtorsOcean: Diane Turton, Realtors
Retirement/55+ communityMonmouth: Erickson LivingOcean: Harrogate Retirement Community, Lakewood
Swimming pool/SpaMonmouth: Pool & Spa Doctor, WallOcean: Carlton Pools, Toms River
Real estate agentMonmouth: Patricia Sharin - Diane Turton, Realtors, Sea GirtOcean: Matthew Coscia - Glenmary Real Estate, Point Pleasant Beach
Kids and Education
After school/Summer camp programMonmouth: Miles of Smiles Daycare/Preschool, Union Beach, KeyportOcean: Jersey Child Care, Brick
College/UniversityMonmouth: Monmouth University, West Long BranchOcean: Ocean County College, Toms River
Dance studio/SchoolMonmouth: Dance Den, HowellOcean: First Class Dance Academy, Brick
Karate/Marial arts schoolMonmouth: Bayshore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, HazletOcean: Evolution Marial Arts, Toms River
Learning/Tutoring centerMonmouth: Miles of Smiles Daycare/Preschool, Union Beach, KeyportOcean: n/a
PreschoolMonmouth: Miles of Smiles Daycare/Preschool, Union Beach, KeyportOcean: Jersey Child Care, Brick
School-privateMonmouth: Miles of Smiles Daycare/Preschool, Union Beach, KeyportOcean: Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River
School-publicMonmouth: Red Bank Regional High School, Little SilverOcean: Elms Elementary School, Jackson
Pets
Pet grooming companyMonmouth: Barnside Veterinary Hospital, HowellOcean: Parkway Pooch, Brick
Pet kennel/Boarding/Day careMonmouth: Barnside Veterinary Hospital, HowellOcean: Lucky's Bed & Biscuit, Stafford
Pet trainingMonmouth: Bayshore Companion Dog Club, Tinton FallsOcean: Hanlons K-9, Toms River
VeterinarianMonmouth: Meredith Sharin, VMD - Barnside Veterinary Hospital, HowellOcean: Mark Roma, VMD - Animal Hospital of North Dover, Toms River
Services
Advertising/Marketing agencyMonmouth: M studio, Asbury ParkOcean: Adapting Social, Point Pleasant Beach
Carpet/Rug cleaning companyMonmouth: Lustre Clean Carpet Cleaning, Ocean TownshipOcean: Stanley Steemer
Customer serviceMonmouth: Jeweled Studio, ManalapanOcean: From A Dancer’s Pointe, Toms River
Dry cleaning companyMonmouth: White Dove Cleaners, Tinton FallsOcean: Crest Dry Cleaner, Toms River
Electrician/Electrical service companyMonmouth: Corbin Electrical Services, MarlboroOcean: DeSanto Electric, Brick
Fence companyMonmouth: Carl's Fencing, Decking, & Home Improvements, Toms RiverOcean: Carl's Fencing, Decking, & Home Improvements, Toms River
Funeral home/CrematoryMonmouth: O'Brien Funeral Home, WallOcean: Oliverie Funeral Home, Manchester
Heating/AC service companyMonmouth: Brown's Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Little SilverOcean: Laney's, Tuckerton
Insurance agentMonmouth: Doug Brown - Daven Agency, MatawanOcean: n/a
LaundromatMonmouth: Fluff & Fold, Ocean TownshipOcean: Laundry King, Brick
Law firmMonmouth: Ansell, Grimm & Aaron, PC, Ocean TownshipOcean: Starkey, Kelly, Kenneally, Cunningham & Turnbach, Toms River
Lawn care/Landscaping companyMonmouth: Rich Green Lawns, HowellOcean: Rich Green Lawns, Howell
Locksmith companyMonmouth: Ted Hall Locksmith, Red BankOcean: Admiral Locksmiths, Brick
Nonprofit/Charity organizationMonmouth: Lunch Break, Red BankOcean: JF Party Dragon Charity, Toms River
Pest control companyMonmouth: Last Bite Mosquito and Tick Control, Red BankOcean: Action Termite & Pest Control, Toms River
Photographer/VideographerMonmouth: Carly Vena Photography, KeansburgOcean: Richard Pasquarella Photography, Brick
Plumbing companyMonmouth: OCHS Plumbing & Heating, Union BeachOcean: Lezgus Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Corp., Toms River
Self-storage companyMonmouth: Public Storage, multiple locationsOcean: Lackland Self Storage, Stafford
Siding companyMonmouth: Carl's Fencing, Decking, & Home Improvements, Toms RiverOcean: Carl's Fencing, Decking, & Home Improvements, Toms River
Tattoo studioMonmouth: Tattoo Tony's Under My Skin, Atlantic HighlandsOcean: Ink & Ivy Tattoo and Permanent Cosmetic Studio, Lacey
Travel agency:Monmouth: n/aOcean: Starstuff Travel, Toms River
Tree service companyMonmouth: Rich Green Lawns, HowellOcean: Rich Green Lawns, Howell
Insurance agentMonmouth: Doug Brown - Daven Agency, MatawanOcean: n/a
Shopping
Backyard furniture/Patio storeMonmouth: Costco, multiple locationsOcean: HomeGoods, Ocean Township
BoutiqueMonmouth: Jeweled Studio, ManalapanOcean: Butterfly Threads Boutique, Barnegat
Bridal/Formal wearMonmouth: Lola's Boutique, Point Pleasant BeachOcean: Nicole's Bridal and Prom Boutique, Beachwood
Butcher/Seafood shopMonmouth: Woolley's Fish Market and Seafood House, Freehold TownshipOcean: Lenny's Colonial Ranch Market, Point Pleasant
CBD storeMonmouth: Down 2 Earth Wellness, KeyportOcean: Open Minded Smoke & Specialty, Toms River
Cigar/Smoke/Vape shopMonmouth: Wonderland Smoke Shop, multiple locationsOcean: Open Minded Smoke & Specialty, Toms River
Consignment storeMonmouth: Rebel Supply Co., Asbury ParkOcean: Off the Racks, Berkeley Township
Department storeMonmouth: Target, multiple locationsOcean: TJ Maxx, multiple locations
Eyewear storeMonmouth: Costco, multiple locationsOcean: Visionworks, multiple locations
Flooring storeMonmouth: Carpets to Go, multiple locationsOcean: Avalon Flooring, multiple locations
Florist shopMonmouth: Wildflowers Florist and Gifts, WallOcean: Purple Iris Floral Shop, Brick
Furniture storeMonmouth: Brielle Furniture Interiors, WallOcean: Canvas House Antiques & Design Center, Point Pleasant
Garden center/NurseryMonmouth: Sickles Market, Little SilverOcean: Reynolds Landscaping, Garden Shop & Garden Center, Stafford
Gift shopMonmouth: Jeweled Studio, ManalapanOcean: Silverton Pharmacy & Gift Shop, Toms River
Grocery storeMonmouth: ShopRite, multiple locationsOcean: ShopRite, multiple locations
Hardware/Home improvement storeMonmouth: Lowe's, multiple locationsOcean: Lowe's, multiple locations
Home electronics storeMonmouth: Best Buy, multiple locationsOcean: n/a
Jewelry storeMonmouth: Earth Treasures, EatontownOcean: Terrone Jewelers, Brick
Lawn equipment storeMonmouth: The Home Depot, multiple locationsOcean: Tractor Supply Co., multiple locations
Mattress storeMonmouth: Red Bank Sleep Shoppe, Red BankOcean: Mattress Firm, multiple locations
Men's clothing storeMonmouth: Banana Republic, multiple locationsOcean: Men's Wearhouse, multiple locations
ProduceMonmouth: Delicious Orchards, Colts NeckOcean: Silverton Farms, Toms River
Shoe storeMonmouth: DSW, multiple locationsOcean: DSW, multiple locations
Women's clothing storeMonmouth: Boscov's, EatontownOcean: Boscov's, Toms River
Spirits
BarMonmouth: Barnacle Bill's, RumsonOcean: Martell's Tiki Bar, Point Pleasant Beach
Beer/Liquor storeMonmouth: Circus Wines, Beer & Spirits, multiple locationsOcean: Buy Rite Liquors, multiple locations
Brewpub/BreweryMonmouth: Kane Brewing Co., Ocean TownshipOcean: ManaFirkin Brewing Co., Stafford
Happy hourMonmouth: Tommy's Tavern + Tap, multiple locationsOcean: River Rock Restaurant & Marina, Brick
Sports barMonmouth: Tommy's Tavern + Tap, multiple locationsOcean: Caffrey's, Lacey
Wine storeMonmouth: Circus Wines, Beer & Spirits, multiple locationsOcean: Spirits Unlimited, multiple locations
WineryMonmouth: Laurita Winery, PlumstedOcean: Laurita Winery, Plumsted
Sports and fitness
Bicycle storeMonmouth: Asbury Park Cyclery, Asbury ParkOcean: Beach Wood Bicycles, Beachwood
Fitness center/GymMonmouth: The Atlantic Club, WallOcean: Knockout Fitness, Brick
Golf courseMonmouth: Shark River Golf Course, NeptuneOcean: Jen's Links at LBI, Barnegat Light
Sporting goods/Outdoor storeMonmouth: n/aOcean: Dick's Sporting Goods, multiple locations
Yoga/Pilates studioMonmouth: Monmouth Beach Yoga & Wellness, Monmouth BeachOcean: Toms River Fitness, Toms River
Top Employers
Eco-friendly/Green businessMonmouth: Erickson Living, multiple locationsOcean: Mahana Fresh, Toms River
Place to workMonmouth: Diane Turton, RealtorsOcean: Diane Turton, Realtors
BossMonmouth: Melanie Meyer, Bayshore Appliance, HazletOcean: Diane Turton, Diane Turton, Realtors
Vehicles, dealers and services
Auto body/Collision centerMonmouth: Sutton Collision, KeansburgOcean: Lester Glenn Auto Group, Toms River
Auto dealer service departmentMonmouth: Contemporary Motor Cars Inc., Little SilverOcean: Gateway Toyota, Toms River
Auto glass repair companyMonmouth: Safelite AutoGlass, multiple locationsOcean: n/a
Auto repair shopMonmouth: JA Autowerks, ShrewsburyOcean: Seaside Park Service Center, Seaside Park
Boat/Marine dealerMonmouth: Irwin Marine, Red BankOcean: Silver Cloud Harbor Marina, Lacey
Car salespersonMonmouth: Rob Karecky, Contemporary Motor Cars Inc., Little SilverOcean: Charlie Coopey, Causeway Nissan, Stafford
Car wash/Detail shopMonmouth: Asbury Circle − Car Wash, Quick Lube & Detail Center, Neptune CityOcean: Silver Bay Car Wash, Toms River
Limo/Transportation serviceMonmouth: Arrow Limousine Worldwide, Red BankOcean: Pro Car and Limo, Lacey
New car dealershipMonmouth: Schwartz Mazda, ShrewsburyOcean: Gateway Toyota, Toms River
Oil change serviceMonmouth: Schwartz Mazda, ShrewsburyOcean: Silver Bay Car Wash, Toms River
Tire centerMonmouth: Costco Tire Center, multiple locationsOcean: Beachwood Tire Center, Beachwood
Used car dealershipMonmouth: Schwartz Mazda, ShrewsburyOcean: Auto Lenders, multiple locations
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Best of the Best of Monmouth and Ocean counties 2022 winners here
