Best of Carson City winners are treated to lunch at the Gold Dust West Wednesday afternoon.
The Nevada Appeal celebrated the winners of The Best of Carson City Wednesday at the Gold Dust West.
Dozens of business owners, employees and managers were recognized at the luncheon for being chosen as the best businesses in Carson City by Carson residents.
“Many of your businesses, like mine, have the opportunity to compete in state, regional and national industry competitions and I love winning that kind of recognition from my peers but that pales in comparison to winning the hearts, minds and business from the customer,” said Nevada Appeal publisher Mark Raymond at the awards luncheon.
“There is one immutable truth: without customers your business will fail,” Raymond added. “Without satisfied customers your business will not last. Without meeting your customers’ changing needs your business has no future.”
Many of the award winners agreed customer input and satisfaction was the most important aspect of their business. Charlie Bloomfield, the general manager of Kim Lee’s Sushi & Oyster Bar, said he believes his business won the most awards for best of categories because of camaraderie with their customers.
“The people that we talk to say that they come to see their favorite waiter or favorite sushi chef because they like that interaction that they get when they come in,” Bloomfield said.
Bloomfield said his business had a customer who compared his experience to the television show Cheers because he said Kim Lee Sushi, 319 N Carson St., is a place where everyone knows everyone’s name.
Megan and Vince LoPresti of Bradway Properties agreed it was their customer service that gave them the top spot in the competition.
The LoPresti couple said they were honored and excited to receive the award, adding they are customer centered in which they work to develop good relationships.
The Best of Carson City contest is a benefit to residents as well because it helps them know where to go in Carson for the best food, atmosphere and service. Business Development Manager Jenny Treece said when she first moved to Carson City in 2009, it helped her get to know the town better because she could look up and see where the best places were to go for nearly everything.
“When I moved here, I would ask where the best places were and I look around the room and I am happy to see many of you still servicing my family.”
