Reader-Nominated Businesses Of The Year: Cornelius' Best

CORNELIUS, NC — It's been a tough year for Cornelius businesses, as well as others around the state and country. The coronavirus pandemic presented enormous challenges for most, from the stay-home orders in the spring to restrictions and other hurdles from fall into winter.

To recognize all their efforts, Patch asked readers to nominate Local Businesses of the Year, whether it was the restaurant that made special accommodations for takeout, the shop that opened early, the pizzeria that went out of its way to deliver, the hardware store owner that offered invaluable advice or something else.

These nominations are not an official award, but simply recognition of a job well done.

Here are some of the nominations Patch has received in Cornelius, and the reason why they should be honored. Several businesses received multiple nominations, which are listed below:

• Magnolia Nails: Magnolia nails provides a pleasurable experience, while maintaining strict safety and cleanliness. The atmosphere is relaxing, the staff are friendly and polite, and the decor is lovely. They all do a great job and are an asset to the community.
• Ositos Tacos and Tortas: They opened during the pandemic and have geared the restaurant toward being covid safe. I have felt really comfortable working there in the pandemic because it is very covid safe and we are always cleaning things down to keep clean and make the customers feel safe and welcome.
• Lakeside Dental:
• Lakeside dental provides excellent dental care and treatment and has done a great job at maintaining a great level of care all while taking extra steps to protect staff and patients from the covid-19 pandemic.
• Easy to get an appointment Doctors are super understand and explain information well. Staff is nice and helpful.
• Dr. Hoffman is taking excellent care of me. I needed some aging dental work replaced, and he recommended Invisalign to correct my bite first, which was largely responsible for the wear and tear on it. I am so much happier with my smile! The staff is very careful to maintain a safe and healthy environment, and have worked out a financial arrangement to make it manageable for me, which I really appreciate.
• Friendly and helpful staff that treats every individual patient with top-notch care.
• Phenomenal dentist office. Positive & welcoming environment. Staff are so friendly and helpful. Can tell they enjoy where & with whom they work. Drs are kind, informative and make a point to make sure you are comfortable every step of the way. Makes going to the dentist a great experience instead of a chore!
• Strong ties to the community, Is a wonderful and safe location for your dental needs, friendly staff and excellent doctors on hand, supports Covid-19 specifications for screening patients and cleanliness to ensure we are safe.
• Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Loren are two of the best dentist around. They are both knowledgeable and have the best chairside manner.

• Southeast Dental Partners:
• By far the best company to work for! The owners take care of the team and treat everyone like family. Additionally, they truly value our patients and our extended teams in a way that lets me feel 100% confident that I am in the right place!
• Southeast Dental Partners is the corporate headquarters for a growing number of dental practices in the area, including Lakeside Dental right here in Cornelius, NC. SEDP has taken great care of their staff and patients during the pandemic we are all dealing with this year. They not only provide an amazing work environment for their staff but also a safe environment for patients to be protected while still receiving excellent dental care.
• Family Work place, great boss, productive but laid back environment.
• We partner with dental practices to provide business support, which enables dentists to focus on patient care. It is a joy to work with this team of professionals, and I feel valued.
• Our company runs multiple dental offices throughout the state but is headquartered in Cornelius. The owners, Dr. Londry and Dr. Modlin, are innovative and encourage uniqueness in each of the practices that are part of Southeast Dental Partners.
• Family that works together and plays together under owners who genuinely care about employees unlike most businesses.
• Customer service and atmosphere.
• Awesome office with a positive & welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. Can tell they truly love what they do & owners know how to keep their staff & patients happy!
• These are extremely hard working, and caring men and women. They have been so incredible and dedicated to their jobs, even in this crazy pandemic. They always follow Covid Rules, but make sure they are still a close-nit group of friends, even if its from 6 feet apart. They make sure their time is always dedicated to what they are doing and make everyone feel welcomed. They have incredible costumer service, and will take their time to help you specifically, no matter how hard or lengthy the issue is, which really makes their loyal costumers feel important and heard. Over all, I think they are a fantastic establishment, and really deserve this.
• Forward thinking to grow in the field on business office practices for Dental offices throughout NC/SC.
• This is the best place to work. It's a big family.

• D9 Brewing Co:
• D9 has always been a family friendly gathering place with creative brews, but they have really outdone themselves since the pandemic. They began a pickup and delivery business that enabled us to have happy hour with friends via Zoom. Now that they are able to serve at the tap room once again, they are mindful of the recommended safety precautions so folks can get together, something we all need. Kudos!
• Tasty brews made in house with incredible customer service and laid back atmosphere.
• I look forward to trying new beers and always enjoy the courteous staff and D9. Fav place hands down!
• Choplins Restaurant: Great food as well as the hundreds of meals he donates for the homeless.
• Main Street Veterinary Hospital: The vets at Main Street are all outstanding, as is their staff. Always accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. They have managed the pandemic brilliantly while keeping everyone safe. We have known many vets/clinics in our years of owning dogs and cats, but the doctors at Main Street surpass our expectations with their kind services to us and our pets.

You can continue to nominate any Cornelius business you feel should be recognized.

Kathleen Sturgeon, Patch Staff, contributed