Introducing…
Your 2023
Best of Coweta
Winners
Compiled and written by SONYA STUDT and JACKIE KENNEDY
Photographed by MISHA BENSON and DEBBY DYE
Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers set a new record this year, casting almost 6,600 ballots in our fifth annual Best of Coweta Readers’ Choice Awards. That’s up from just under 5,000 ballots last year, proving that the Best of Coweta contest keeps growing.
We have several repeat winners this year, including nine local businesses/individuals who have won first place in their category(ies) each year since the contest began in 2019. We have featured these dynamic individuals on our cover as our own Best of Coweta Bunch! We are honored to share their success with our readers.
Throughout Coweta County, Best of Coweta decals are proudly displayed at businesses of all our first place winners. The competition grows stronger each year in a friendly, positive, community kind of way.
Along with our advertisers, who make the Best of Coweta issue possible, we heartily thank our annual Best of Coweta sponsor, Coweta-Fayette EMC, who works with us each year to support community and economic development via this annual shoutout to local businesses.
First, second and third place winners are presented on the following pages.
FOOD & DRINK
Best Breakfast
Christy’s Cafe
27 Jackson Street, Newnan • 770.683.7512
facebook.com/christy.baucom27
Ready to wake up Cowetans and visitors with a hearty breakfast are, from left, Steffie Marchman, Lisa DeVane and Christy’s Cafe owner Christy Crosier.
Best Burger
Meat ‘N’ Greet
11 Jefferson Street, Newnan
770.683.4664 • meatngreetnewnan.com
Among the tasty burgers at Meat ’N’ Greet is its Double Double Burger, served up here by, from left, Chef Joel Rolon and kitchen managers Katya Lewis and Heidi Vrable.
Best Italian Food
Il Porto di Venezia
8080 Wells Street, Senoia
470.579.6673 • ilportodivenezia.com
Leading the success at Il Porto di Venezia in Senoia are, from left, front: co-owner Maria Echeverria; Back: Roberto Jr. Torrez, Karina Alvarez, co-owner Maria Addison and Brian Lau.
Best Sushi
Garlic Thai
16 North Court Square, Newnan • 770.683.7515
facebook.com/garlic-thai-and-sushi-bar
Along with its winning Asian Food, Garlic Thai is also
known for its smashing sushi.
Best Bar/Pub
The Alamo
19 West Court Square, Newnan • 770.683.2526
thealamonewnan.com
Voted Coweta’s Best Bar or Pub is The Alamo. Ready to serve are, from left, Anya Seeton, Brett Murphy, Brittney McElwaney, Cody Kelly and Eli McElwaney.
Best Overall Restaurant
Meat ‘N’ Greet
11 Jefferson Street, Newnan
770.683.4664 • meatngreetnewnan.com
Voted Coweta’s best restaurant for the fifth year in a row is Meat ’N’ Greet. Contributing to its great success are, from left, owners Amy Murphy, Elisa Sanders and Margaret Sanders; general manager Jessica Connelly and assistant manager Tommy Greene.
Best Southern Food
Goldens on the Square
9 East Court Square, Newnan
770.251.4300 • facebook.com/GoldensNewnan
Serving up Southern food that inspires are, from left, Goldens on the Square’s Marilyn Brown, Maridee Wise and Marceil Ousley.
Best Steak
Grayson’s Steak & Seafood
91 Millard Farmer Industrial Boulevard, Newnan
770.252.2237 • graysonsnewnan.com
Winners of the Best Steak category are, from left, Jacob Harrison, Grayson’s owner Leonard Guillaume, Tavia Dillon, Juliet Turlington and Calee Beard.
Best Mexican Food
Los Abuelos Mexican Grill
125 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan
770.683.1334 • losabuelosmexgrill.com
Voted the best for Mexican dining in Coweta County are, from left, front: Mayra Martinez and Katherine Bedolla. Back: Cindy Mahe, Andrea Aguilar, Patty Bedolla and Mariana Escalante.
Best Sweets & Treats
Heirloom Bakeshop
12 Jefferson Street, Newnan • 770.727.3593
heirloommarketco.com
Serving up tasty treats for Cowetans, Heirloom Bakeshop is represented by, from left, owners Laura and Justin Gibson, James Norris and Casey Anderson.
Best Catering Service
Life of the South Catering
6 Lee Street, Newnan • 770.683.5623
lifeofthesouthcatering.com
Celebrating their win as Coweta’s favorite catering service are, from left, Life of the South’s Levi Jarrell, Ashley Luke and owner Nathan Metts.
Best Pizza
Karvelas Pizza Co.
7 LaGrange Street, Newnan • 678.633.5620
karvelaspizzaco.com
Serving Coweta’s premium pizza are, from left, front: Maria Campbell and Mikayla Carroll. Back: Glenn Pendell, Christina Garcia and Chandler Wilkerson.
Best BBQ
The Oink Joint
9 East Washington Street, Newnan
770.755.7999 • theoinkjointnewnan.com
Helping build The Oink Joint’s reputation for Coweta’s best barbecue are Katarina Daniel, left, and Rebekah Daniel.
Best Asian Food
Garlic Thai
16 North Court Square, Newnan • 770.683.7515
facebook.com/garlic-thai-and-sushi-bar
The staff at Garlic Thai look forward to serving Coweta’s top-rated Asian Food, from left, Patha Inthamart, Wanpiseth Autcharawat, Paula Choomuang, Malatee Maethalong and Rudy Hermansyah.
Best Cocktail
Meat ‘N’ Greet
11 Jefferson Street, Newnan
770.683.4664 • meatngreetnewnan.com
Known for its stellar cocktails, Meat ’N’ Greet celebrates bar manager Brandon Young who features the restaurant’s signature cocktail, The Botanist, and their classic cocktail, Manhattan.
Best Food Truck
Me Lumpia Long Time
Moreland • 850.384.2314
facebook.com/melumpialongtime/
Coweta’s most popular food truck specializes in Philippine cuisine. Leading the way are, from left, Candace Teague, Isla Teague, Rob Teague, Kendall Lowery and Ashlynn Lowery.
SHOPPING
Best Antique/Vintage Store
Rockin’ B Antiques
2025 Sharpsburg McCullum Road, Newnan
770.253.8730 • rockinbantiques.com
Celebrating Rockin’ B Antique’s first place win are, from left, front: Kathy Grant and owner Lorraine Beckman. Back: Nikki Griffin Olive, James Tucker and Valorie Stitt.
Best Gift Boutique
Gillyweeds
21 West Court Square, Newnan • 770.683.9200
facebook.com/shopgillyweeds/
Owner Valerie Dumas invites patrons to shop the vast assortment of unique gift items and art at Gillyweeds.
Best Jewelry Store
Morgan Jewelers (Downtown)
14 North Court Square, Newnan • 770.253.2720
morganjewelersnewnan.com
Eager to fill all your jewelry needs at Morgan Jewelers in downtown Newnan are, from left, Amy Harrelson, Mari Settle, Bridget Kee, Jeff Morgan, Traci Neely and Taylor Collins.
Best Furniture Store
Knox Home Furnishings
75 Greenville Street and 18 Savannah Street, Newnan
770.253.4040 • knoxfurn.com
From left, Jeff Peek, Mark Knox and Sara Knox Rund are eager to serve your furnishing needs at their family owned and operated business.
Best Apparel Store
Ellie Mack Boutique
15 North Court Square, Newnan
678.857.3999 • ellie-mack.myshopify.com/
Celebrating their win for Best Apparel Shop are Ellie Mack Boutique representatives Kristie Chandler, left, and owner Katie Capshaw.
Best Plant Nursery/Greenhouse
Coweta Greenhouses/
Morgan’s Market
81 Oaklawn Circle, Newnan • 770.251.3040
cowetagreenhouses.com • morgansmarket.com
Helping serve the nursery/greenhouse needs for
numerous Coweta residents are, from left, Loretta Cash,
Lori Strange, Joel Harris, Samantha Smith, Mark Taylor and Rosemary Bryan.
ENTERTAINMENT
Best Local Band/Musician
Doug Kees
48 Spring Street, Newnan • 770.252.7900
musicologynewnan.com • dougkees.com
A local performer and music teacher whose musical influence spreads far past county lines, Doug Kees remains Coweta’s favorite local musician for the fifth year in a row.
Best Local Artist
Martin Pate
Newnan • pateart60@gmail.com
martinpate.com
Martin Pate’s artwork has been admired by Cowetans for years.
Best Family Entertainment
Junction Lanes
141 Newnan Station Drive, Newnan
770.683.2695 • junctionlanes.com
Along with bowling, Junction Lanes offers bumper cars, arcade games, climbing walls and more.
Best Live Music Venue
The Alamo
19 West Court Square, Newnan
770.683.2526 • thealamonewnan.com
For the area’s best in live music, visit The Alamo on the square in downtown Newnan.
Best Local Author
Steve Quesinberry
Newnan • 404.667.2850
www.bettermencoweta.com
Steve Quesinberry’s most recent book, “Better Men,” chronicles the lives of 23 Coweta men killed in action during the Vietnam War.
Best Outdoor Recreation
The LINC Trail
Newnan • friendsoflinc.org
Whether you’re on foot or cycling, the LINC linear park offers retreat into nature as it winds through Newnan.
Best Art Gallery/Studio
The Boyd Gallery
14 East Washington Street, Newnan
678.361.8909 • theboydgallery.com
David Boyd Jr. shares his own art – as well as that of other artists – at David Boyd Jr. Gallery-Studio in downtown Newnan.
Best Event/Wedding Venue
Lillian Gardens
3 Greenville Street, Newnan
770.251.1206 • lilliangardens.com
Owner Ashley Keeley-Bercich welcomes guests to Lillian Gardens for special occasions, from bridal showers and weddings to family reunions.
BEAUTY/FITNESS
Best Spa
Emily’s Skin Care & Spa
35 Jackson Street, Newnan • 770.262.6233
emilysskincarespa.com
Owner and esthetician Emily Mitchell, center, celebrates the win for Best Spa with, from left, Jessie Duncan, Ava Taylor, Lauren Wertz and Alexis Reuter.
Best Nail Salon
Cozy Nails & Spa
300 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan
770.683.2878 • cozynailsandspa.com
Mimi Pham welcomes all to Cozy Nails & Spa for superior service.
Best Massage Therapist
Ute Anonsen
True Balance Center
48 East Washington Street, Newnan
678.857.3484 • truebalanceofnewnan.com
From left, Lauren Wright and Kim Wright are two stylists whose work helped HOH retain its ranking by NCM readers as Coweta’s top barber shop.
Best Barber Shop
The Barber’s House of Handsome
285 Temple Avenue, Suite D, Newnan
678.552.9111 • facebook.com/teamhoh
Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers ranked Barber’s House of Handsome tops in its category.
Best Hair Salon
Twinology Salon & Spa
41 D Newnan Station Drive, Newnan
678.850.0929 • facebook.com/Twinologysalon
Coweta’s Best Hair Salon, as voted by readers of Newnan-Coweta Magazine, is Twinology Salon & Spa, represented here by owners Stormy Owens, left, and Stasha Smith.
SERVICES
Best Home Repair/Remodeling
Warrior Restoration
3054 GA-154, Newnan • 770.683.5555
waterdamagenewnanga.com
Representing Warrior Restoration in its win as Coweta’s best for home repair and remodeling are, from left, Ashley Foster, Kelly Kelley and Dwayne Barber.
Best Roofing Service
Hero Roofing
751 Corinth Road, Newnan
833.321.4376 • yourroofhero.com
Meeting your roofing needs in Coweta are Hero Roofing representatives, from left, Todd Branon, Alicia Mullins, owner Nick Branon and Arin Willitts.
Best Tire Shop
Buck’s Tire
160 Temple Avenue, Newnan
770.683.8473 • buckstires.net
Customer service is the key to success at Buck’s Tire where owner Buck Floyd leads the team.
Best Financial Advisor
Welden Financial
38 Spring Street, Newnan
770.683.0070 • WeldenFinancial.com
Welden Financial was selected by readers as Coweta’s Best Financial Advisors. From left are Gary Welden, Savannah Griner and James Welden.
Best Yoga Studio
Blue Lotus Yoga
103 Temple Avenue, Newnan
678.673.1505 • bluelotusyogastudio.com
Shelby Ware, owner, invites potential clients to visit Blue Lotus Yoga.
Best Pet Groomer
Doggy Style Grooming
184 Greenville Street, Newnan • 678.629.2534
facebook.com/doggystylegroomingsalon/
Leading the way at Doggy Style Grooming are, from left, front: Maggie Kingston, owner Danielle Sivell and Clair Addison. Back: Manager Amber Cooper and Kaylee Sivell.
Best HVAC Service
Progressive Heating, Air & Plumbing
9 Tower Place, Newnan
770.253.2665 • progressiveac.com
From left, Mike Kessler, Owner Greg Wallace, Samantha Brazie and Delaney Janes work to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Best Real Estate Agent
Joy Brown Barnes
BHHS GA Properties
BHHS GA Properties
1201 Lower Fayetteville Road, Suite 100, Newnan
770.254.8333 • joybarnes.bhhsgeorgia.com
Representing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Coweta County native Joy Barnes knows real estate.
Best Auto Body Shop
Bypass Body Shop
366 Millard Farmer Industrial Blvd., Newnan
770.251.2022 • bypassbodyshop.net
Representing Bypass Body Shop are, from left, Megan Miller, Donna Hart, owners Jeff and Laurel Duncan, and Teri King.
Best Local Photographer
Kayla Duffey Photography
706.977.0904
kayladuffeyphotography@gmail.com
Kayla Duffey is known throughout Coweta County for her thoughtful photography.
Best Child Care
Newnan Presbyterian Preschool
38 Greenville Street, Newnan
770.253.5018 • newnanps.org
Voted tops for child care are, from left, Renita Swenson, Jill Green, director Barbara Kookogey and assistant director Karen Geeter at Newnan Presbyterian Preschool.
Best Pet Boarding
Georgia Canine
10620 Forrest Road, Grantville
678.633.2259 • gacanine.com
Georgia Canine owner Mark Storey holds Eisenhower while his daughter Chasity Meadows is pictured with Vulcan.
Best Interior Design Service
Blue Fern Merchant
& Design Studio
167 Greenville Street S, Newnan
678.633.0080 • bluefernmerchant.com
Best of Coweta winner and interior designer Lori Duncan works with clients to create unique living spaces.
Best Auto Repair
Buck’s Tire
160 Temple Avenue, Newnan
770.683.8473 • buckstires.net
Longtime Best Tire Shop winner Buck’s Tire took the top spot for Auto Repair this year, too.
Best Attorney
J. Ryan Brown
60 Salbide Avenue, Newnan
470.635.1725 • jryanbrownlaw.com
Celebrating J. Ryan Brown’s win as Best Attorney are, from left, Hunter Rodgers, Ryan Brown and Sterling Dixon.
Best Florist
Arthur Murphey Florist
6 LaGrange Street, Newnan
770.253.5424 • arthurmurpheyflorist.com
A five-time winner in the Best Florist category, Arthur Murphey Florist is represented by Mac Murphey, left, and Hutch Murphey III.
Best Children’s Dance Studio
Steppin’ Out Performing Arts Georgia
36 Madison Street, Newnan
770.683.1163 • steppinoutpaga.com
For children’s dance, Steppin’ Out takes first place.
Best Veterinary Hospital/Clinic
Moreland Animal Hospital
2789 Highway 29 South, Moreland
770.755.6633 • morelandanimalhospital.com
Dr. Nicole Andrews-Kees welcomes pets – and their people – to Moreland Animal Hospital.
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Best General Practitioner/
Internal Medicine
Dr. Stan Smith
Piedmont Healthcare
2401 Newnan Crossing Boulevard E,
Suite 200, Newnan
770.400.7700 • doctors.piedmont.org
Congratulating Dr. Stan Smith, center, on his repeat win are, from left, Cynthia Ross-Finney and Lashunda McCullough.
Best General Dentistry
Coweta Dentistry
56 Jefferson Street, 15 Ruth Drive, and
203 Millard Farmer Industrial Blvd., Newnan
770.253.2802 • cowetadentistry.com
Dental hygienists who have served clients at Coweta Dentistry for more than 20 years each are, from left, Teresa Mapp, Natalie Boswell, Patti Cassell, Mia Allen and Abby White.
Best Chiropractic Services
Gathering Wellness Collaborative
29 Millard Farmer Industrial Boulevard,
#A3, Newnan
678.552.9140 • gatheringwellnesscollab.com
Celebrating their win for Best Chiropractic Services are, from left, Jennifer Rawlings, Dr. Stacy Milburn, owner Dr. Kelly Barnette with daughter Annalise Barnette, Anne Marie Baker and Sydnie Rawlings.
Best Med Spa
Emily’s Skin Care & Spa
40 Hospital Road, Newnan
770.253.1121 • leegoodrum.com
Owners Casey and Alison Tarpley look forward to filling all your prescription needs at their hometown pharmacy.
Best Pediatrician
Dr. J. Edwyn Carter
Piedmont Healthcare
189 Jefferson Parkway, Newnan • 770.304.2220
doctors.piedmont.org
For the second year in a row, Newnan-Coweta Magazine readers voted Dr. J. Edwyn Carter as Coweta’s best pediatrician.
Best Eye Care
Carr Eye Care
1065 Sullivan Road, Suite C, Newnan
770.254.9997 • carreyecare.com
The staff at Carr Eye Care invite clients to a warm, comfortable atmosphere when entrusting your vision needs to them.
Best Pharmacy
Lee-Goodrum Pharmacy
40 Hospital Road, Newnan
770.253.1121 • leegoodrum.com
Owners Casey and Alison Tarpley look forward to filling all your prescription needs at their hometown pharmacy.
Best Assisted Living Facility
Wesley Woods of Newnan
2280 Highway 29 North, Newnan
770.683.6833 • wesleywoods.org
Wesley Woods offers a full array of services for Coweta’s senior set.
Best Women’s Health
Dr. Kristie Dyson
Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare
775 Poplar Road, Suite 210, Newnan
770.991.2200 • scwhobgyn.com
Dr. Kristie Dyson has earned a reputation for exceptional service while providing care at Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare.
Best Dermatology Services
Dr. Mark Ling
Avail Dermatology
710 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan
770.251.5111 • availdermatology.com
For an array of dermatology services, visit Dr. Mark Ling and the staff at Avail Dermatology.
Best Personal Trainer
Katelyn Synoground
Onelife Fitness
19 Millard Farmer Industrial Blvd.,
Suite A, Newnan
770.251.9950 • onelifefitness.com
Best of Coweta winner and personal trainer Katelyn Synoground, left, celebrates her win with fitness director Mario Render.
Best Mental Health Services
Pathways Center
59 Hospital Road, Newnan
678.423.4610 • pathwaysscsb.org
Pathways Center CEO Jade Benefield, right, celebrates the center’s win with Steve Prather, a Pathways client since 2005.
DRAWING WINNERS
Congratulations to our Best of Coweta Gift Card winners!
Thanks to our partnering sponsor, Coweta-Fayette EMC, we are able to award 10 gift cards each year to readers who cast ballots in our annual Best of Coweta contest. The winning names are drawn randomly. As the contest grows bigger each year, the odds of winning grow smaller. This year’s winners dropped by our downtown Newnan office to collect their $25 Visa gift cards.
Courtney Mathis, left, and Rory Williams, both of Newnan were the first to drop by and claim their gift card.
All of Newnan, gift card winners include, from left, Cynthia Boatright, Melanie Adcock and Jamie Hixson.
Kathy Prisant, left, and Murray Parks, both of Newnan, are two of 10 whose names were drawn as gift card winners.
Simone DuPree, of Sharpsburg, was our final gift card winner. Congratulations to all!
Kim Melhouse, left, and Sara Dewberry, both of Newnan, each won a gift card, a token of appreciation given to 10 of the almost 5,000 voters who cast ballots in our Best of Coweta contest this year.