There are many wonderful businesses around Ottawa County, a long list that continues to grow each year. For them to succeed over the years, they have to strive to be the best of the best among their peers.

That is the reason for The Beacon’s 6th annual Best of the Best Awards, which accepted votes for everything from the best burger or cup of coffee to the best festival, financial institution or boat dealer.

The Beacon needed one of its Best of the Best award winners to step up to the plate just to make the event a reality this year.

Because of a scheduling mixup, the original location for the awards had to be changed at the last minute. Publisher John Schaffner knew who he had to call first.

Quinton and Donna Smith, the new owners of Mon Ami Restaurant and Historical Winery did not think twice.

“We were delighted to make Mon Ami available for the Best of the Best Awards,” said Quinton Smith. “It was exciting to be able to introduce the community to the new Mon Ami, to let everyone see the changes we’re making with lots of help from General Manager Sarah Daeger.”

The Smiths are making waves on the Catawba Peninsula, where they created the popular Twin Oast Brewery that is nestled on their 60-acre orchard.

“Our beer is crafted with creativity and love. It is brewed with inspiration from our location, feeding our Farm-to-Fermenter mission,” said Smith.

Only four award winners have a perfect track record in the Best of the Best Awards, winning every year in the six-year history of the awards. Ala Carte Cafe won again for the best breakfast; Trish McCartney of State Farm Insurance was voted best insurance agent; Main Street Port Clinton and the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce waltzed off with the best festival for its Walleye Festival, and Toft’s Dairy in Port Clinton had the best local treat.

Five-time award winners were: Slater’s Madison Street Pub (best burger); Salon 53 (best hair salon); Alex Morgan Johnson (best real estate agent); East Harbor State Park (best campground); The Bait House (best live music venue); Huntington Bank (best financial institution)Brand’s Marina (best marina); and, of course, Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery (best winery).

Rose Lucas Haninger took home five Best of the Best Awards for best area lodging (Misty Rose Retreat); best community-minded individual; best specialty retail shop and best business with customer service (Madame Rosie’s Boutique); and best local artist.

“All of us at The Beacon would like to thank everyone for the sell-out crowd that supported our Best of the Best Awards,” said Schaffner. “It made for an entertaining evening, a great time to socialize with our business neighbors and the chance to enjoy some great food and fine wines.”