Recognition with a Sizzle - Southern Exposure magazine poll shows the top picks for Williamson County

By CAROLE ROBINSON, Staff Writer
crobinson@williamsonherald.com

The winners of the Sizzle Awards’ hottest picks as polled by Southern Exposure Magazine and Franklin Is were announced recently at a reception at The Factory in Franklin.

From Dec. 4 through Jan. 12, the public was invited to vote online for their personal favorites. From bakeries to veterinarians, voters cast their choice in more than 85 categories in seven topics.

“We were absolutely thrilled with the tremendous response and support from Williamson County residents and businesses,” said Brandy Blanton, publisher and director of marketing and sales for Southern Exposure Magazine.

“And with the thousands and thousands of voters this year, we have already started planning next year’s Sizzle Awards.”

“I have to say how great it was to team up with Franklin Is on this project. Julian, the head enthusiast – as he calls himself – is already a key member of the staff at Southern Exposure Magazine, so it was a natural fit to work on this project together.”

From the votes cast, it appears Williamson County residents like to visit places that have an old-fashioned ambiance, which may be one of the reasons Merridee’s Breadbasket and Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant took home awards in so many categories.

Jim and Marilyn Kreider of Merridee’s Breadbasket will have to find space on their walls for five awards.

“We were thrilled and honored to receive all awards we received and very surprised, thrilled and thankful,” said Marilyn. “We consider ourselves lucky to be here. We are more than just a bakery, we are a place where people gather and connect with friends. I love Southern Exposure Magazine and Franklin Is and feel privileged to be a part of the poll.”

The sandwiches, soups and baked goods are all homemade, but according to Marilyn, they are just a part of the reason for the bakery’s popularity.

“The staff does a wonderful job, the food is good, homemade, affordable, and the atmosphere is comfortable – the old building and wood floors. It’s more than a bakery, it’s a place to go.”

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant’s location in Leiper’s Fork opened in 1998 and the Franklin store two years ago, and both have become quite a hot spot to visit.

“What a night it was for us,” said Andy Marshall, the owner of Puckett’s.

Marshall, who will be able to add eight awards to the wall décor in his stores, was humbled by the whole event. “It was awesome and a bit overwhelming, and an affirmation that we are a good fit for Franklin.”

“It has a lot to do with the food, the atmosphere and the way we choose to do business – a little old fashioned and attention to detail. We treat people like they are our guests. We take time to meet them and greet them and get to know them. We took a good idea and made it a great idea.”

In both locations, customers may find they are sitting with mayors, judges, pastors, and other community leaders and then look across the room to find their neighbor enjoying a Puckett’s burger.

“[The store in] Leiper’s Fork is a cool place to be and thought it was not able to be duplicated,” Marshall said. “Franklin is different, but we were able to create a similar feel of community. The whole idea of the awards was great, but we weren’t expecting such a grand response. Next year the battle will be harder. ”

First Place Winners for the 2007 Sizzle Awards
CUISINE
Bakery: Merridee's Breadbasket

Burger:  Cheeseburger Charley's
 
Caterer: Constant Craving Caterers

Coffee Shop: Starbucks

Meat n' Three: Puckett's Grocery

Breakfast: (tie) Merridee's Breadbasket and Puckett's Grocery

Deli/Sandwich Shop: Franklin Mercantile

Fine Dining: Sandy's Downtown Grille

Mexican: Pancho's

BBQ: Whitt's

Steak: J. Alexander's

Italian: Carrabba's

Doughnut: Krispy Kreme

Ice Cream/Smoothie: Ben & Jerry's

Favorite Place for Dessert: The Cocoa Tree

Pizza: Nashville Pizza Company

Seafood Fare: Bonefish Grill

Sushi: Peter's Sushi-Thai

Asian (Chinese, Thai, etc.): P.F. Chang's

Business Lunch: J. Alexander's

Favorite New Restaurant (opened with in the last 12 months):
The Red Pony Restaurant

Kid Friendly Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

Best Value: Puckett's Grocery

Service/Wait Staff: Puckett's Grocery

ENTERTAINMENT

Bar: Sandy's Downtown Grille

Fundraiser/Charity Event:  Wine Down Main Street

Golf Course: Vanderbilt Legends Club

Happy Hour: Jonathan's

Live Entertainment: Puckett's Grocery

Park:  Pinkerton Park

Place to See a Movie: Carmike Cinema Thoroughbred 20

CHILDREN
Birthday Party Venue: Chuck E. Cheese

Field Trip: Gentry Farm

Kids Clothing: The Gap

Kids Haircut: Sweet & Sassy Salon

Pediatric Dentist/Orthodontist: Snodgrass & King

Pediatrician: Pediatric Associates of Franklin

Child Care: Berry's Chapel Preschool

Dance Studio: Ann Carroll School of Dance

Gymnastics: Harpeth School of Gymnastics

Martial Arts: Robinson Taekwondo

PERSONAL CARE

Barber/Men's Haircut: Dave's Barber Shop

Hair Salon: Studio Gaven

Health Club/Fitness Center: Williamson County Parks & Rec

Day Spa: A Moment's Peace
Manicure/Pedicure: La Bella Salon and Spa

Tanning Salons: Bahama Mama

SHOPPING
Antiques: J J Ashley's

Baby Store: (tie) Plaid Rabbit and The Little Cottage Children’s Shoppe

Bookstore: Barnes & Noble

Bridal: (tie) Bride Room and The Registry

Department Store: Parisians

Electronics: H H Gregg

Furniture: American Signature Home

Gifts & Stationery: Rock, Paper, Scissors 

Health Food/Nutrition: The Vitamin Shoppe 

Home Décor: P.D.'s

Jewelry: Shane Company

Maternity Shop: Pickles & Ice Cream

Men's Clothing: Jos. A. Bank

Pet Products/Boutique: Pet Smart

Shoes: Marty & Liz's

Sporting Goods/Apparel: Academy Sports

Travel Agency: Cruises Galore & More

Wine & Spirits: Cool Springs Wine & Spirits

Women's Clothing: Gin-o

SERVICES

Auto Dealer: Alexander Auto Dealerships

Auto Repair: Moody's

Bank: First Tennessee

Builder/Developer: Southern Land Company

Dentist: Dr. Sara B Northcutt

Dry Cleaner: Franklin Laundry & Cleaners

Eye Care: Vue Optique

Financial/Investment Services: Capital Trust Wealth Mgmt.

Florist: Franklin Flower & Gift

Home Repair: ProServ

House Cleaning: Molly Maid

Insurance Company: State Farm

Interior Designer: Christina Martin, the Garden Path

Kennel/Boarding Facility: (tie) The Farm at Natchez Trace and Battleground Animal Hospital

Landscaping: (tie) CC Martin Design Group/Christopher Martin and C and C Landscaping 

Law Firm: Stites & Harbison

Music Instruction: Shuff's Music

Physician: Dr. Arthur Williams

Physical Therapy/Orthopaedics: Franklin Ortho & Sports Medicine

Real Estate Agency: Crye-Leike

Veterinarian: Williamson County Animal Hospital


OTHER
Favorite Historical Site: Historic Carnton Plantation 

Favorite Thing About Living in the WC: the beautiful surroundings 

Best Kept Secret: If I told it wouldn't be a secret any more

Favorite Thing We Missed: Favorite Community Event

Posted on: 2/15/2007