Melrose Readers Talk Their Favorite Local Businesses

MELROSE, MA — Patch readers considered a wide array of local businesses in response to a recent callout for their favorite this year .

Readers submitted 19 businesses. Read what they said about them below. And remember it's never too late to support your local businesses — shout them out in the comments section and, most importantly, shop local this holiday season.

Patch's free Local Business Information Center.

Dr. Barbara Rickards DPM, 117 Myrtle St.

I have been going to Dr. Rickards for about five years. She is very knowledgeable and understanding and always kind and courteous. I am always made to feel very welcomed and cared for. Her staff is very efficient and welcoming. If you don’t mind the vintage look of her place then you will have no problems. I love the vintage look of her practice it makes me feel so comfortable. Your feet will love you when you leave there. I highly recommend her for all your feet’s needs.

Ernie's Lunch, 458 Franklin St.

Pam and Jarrod consistently serve quality and value with good cheer and humor to all of their customers. They provide an invaluable service to the community, especially elderly/disabled residents of nearby Steele House who have been offered a complimentary Thanksgiving dinner from Ernie's for many years. This small, family run restaurant is a local gem. Throughout the covid restrictions, Ernie's has managed to continue serving its clientele in a safe and friendly manner. This local diner is so much more than a business, but an integral community member. Ernie's provides a place where everyone is welcome and all are treated with respect and dignity and often, a true glimpse of local character.

Petrone’s Pizza, 438 Main St.

Regularly, throughout the pandemic, Leo and his team at Petrone’s would bring hot and fresh pizza over to the Eastern Bank employees across the street. Every pizza was original and had different toppings. This was Leo’s way of thanking the Eastern Bank employees for continuously serving the community throughout the pandemic. However, it should be noted that Leo didn’t start doing this during the pandemic; He had been practicing this act of kindness for quite sometime prior to the pandemic. Doing this only reaffirmed his commitment to the community. Petrone’s will always be a staple of the community.

Cappa's Trackside Kitchen, 1 Grove St.

They have persevered during all the Covid rules and regulations- staff are great and they treat you like family.

ABC Upholstery (Auto, Boat, Custom) Upholstery, 38c Tremont St.

The owner has been in the field about 33 years. He is amazing and the quality of his work shows. He also has helped people who could not afford it, either discount or no charge if the job is a small one.

Melrose Dance Academy, 22 Corey St.

The owner of Melrose Dance Academy, Ms. Amanda Bruno, has gone above and beyond to keep her students dancing throughout this entire pandemic. When everything was shut down, she continued to run classes via ZOOM so that the students could stay connected and continue to dance. Once the State began to reopen, Ms. Amanda opened her studio back up with the utmost caution. Her safety protocols went above and beyond. Ms. Amanda also was able to organize an outdoor recital for all of her students by carefully arranging each routine so that the audience never was over the State's allowance for outdoor gatherings. In a year where children lost out on so much, this recital was wonderful and moving and I am beyond impressed with how carefully orchestrated everything was. I can not thank Ms. Amanda and all of the staff at Melrose Dance Academy enough for giving my daughter some consistency during these times. Seeing her friends, staying physically active and actually having something on the calendar was such a light during these dark times.

Lilah Rose, 488 Main St.

During the shutdown, Lilah Rose helped *so much* by allowing us to call in and order toys. Alex would take the time to text pictures of toys, books, games, she thought we would like. We were able to build Easter baskets, drop off gifts for missed birthday parties, and get new crafts to pass the time inside -- all while never stepping inside a store. Alex & Lilah Rose helped our children through the spring shutdown - and for that I am very thankful!

They have been great throughout the pandemic. They worked with me to select gifts for birthdays, Easter, and surviving quarantine with small children. They even delivered the gifts to my door! Great customer service.

Buckalew's, 529 Main St.

Helpful friendly staff, interesting selection of gifts, craft beers (lots of local beers, so they support other local businesses, wines and delicious homemade baked goods

Apple of My Eye, 377 Franklin St.

From the beginning of the pandemic, Kathleen continuously provided service to her customers. She connected with everyone through Instagram and even hand-delivered purchases to the homes of her customers. She has maintained a positive attitude from day one and found a way to make it all work. On top of that, her entire business model centers around sustainability through the reuse of children's clothes and toys. Fighting climate change is more important than ever, and her work fully supports that effort. There are many great businesses in Melrose, but Apple of My Eye really stands out not only for great service, but a great cause.

Madison Ave, 531 Main St.

They have gone through rough times as has everyone due to Covid but they have had the bad luck of being broken into twice during this time.

La Qchara, 506 Franklin St.

During the March lockdown, the restaurant immediately reached out to the community to offer free food for those who needed it. No questions asks. They have continued to donate to food pantries and essential workers throughout 2020, and are committed to helping our neighbors in need.

Mother's Pizza, 524 Franklin St.

Great family business

Theo's Pizza, 55 West Wyoming Ave.

Good food.

Keohan Fuels & Transportation, 139 Linwood Ave.

This is one of the remaining businesses where you still get that personal contact so rare these days., So many hours are spent calling companies and being placed on hold for long wait times. Often when you do get to the human they are unable to answer your question. Customer Service at Keohan Fuels is the number one priority and they always try to supply you with the information you request.

Melrose Nails, 461 Main St.

Always a pleasant atmosphere, clean, friendly and you can tell they know all their customers. First name basis. I love the way they cater to the seniors who get their services done their. They open doors to help them come in and they help them to leave in a friendly way. Seniors need that xtra care of TLC. Michelle and the other girls are always friendly and kind.

Melrose Wakefield Florist, 1147 Main St.

Great customer service, very accommodating, excellent quality. Flowers are beautiful and long-lasting. And, on several occasions, while window-shopping with my 2 year-old granddaughter, the owner has come out to offer her either a single rose or a balloon!

The Fitch Home Senior Care, Inc., 75 Lake Ave.

During this scary time of the panepidemicthe Fitch home staff continued to provide safe and personal care. The staff continue to ensure all residents are given updated information and never left isolated - even if it means having family visits through porch windows.

Melrose House Of Pizza, 475 Main St.

Melrose House was opened to public for food when everyone else was closed since the pandemic. Always polite and delivery.

Best foods/best customer service

Fit Life, 22 Corey St.

Fit Life has been amazing this year in dealing with the pandemic, very early on they managed to get virtual classes available to it’s members, they started outdoor classes when able and when allowed resumed indoor classes in an extremely safe manner, Jenine and the entire Fit Life staff put their clients and our safety first. Through all of this good health has been the priority.