Best of Taft Winners 2009


These businesses and individuals were selected by our Taft Independent readers’ poll for the Best of Taft. We are pleased to recognize these hard work men and woman and business owners who contribute to making Taft a great place to live and shop. Congratulations to this year's winners.


Best Pizza: Pizza Factory Runner Up: Little Caesars

Best Wine Tasting Establisment: Sagebrush Annie’s

Best Mexican Restaurant: La Salsa Runner Up: Hacienda Grill

Best Hamburger: Frosty King Runner Up: Frosty Freeze

Beat Steak: Tumbleweed Bar and Cafe

Best Coffee: Taft Crude Coffee house Runner Up: Fastrip

Best Restaurant: Cali’s Runner Up: OT’s Cookhouse

Best Breakfast: Paik’s Ranch House Runner Up: Jo’s Restaurant

Best Place to get a Drink: Chilled and Grilled Runner Up: Frosty Freeze

Best New Business: Soleil Runner Up: Chilled and Grilled

Best Salon: Trends Runner Up: Studio 111

Best Stylist: Tiffany Yaws at Trends Runner Up: Christine Dunning at Glamorous

Best Mechanic: Billy Messenger at San Joaquin Automotive Runner Up: Precision

Best Gym: Ultimate Lady Runner Up: Samson’s

Best Locally Owned Business: Acme Jewelry

Best Teacher: Mrs. Chitwood Runner Up: Karmese Owens

Best Sales Clerk: Cathy Miller at Rite Aid Runner Up: Christine Perry

Best Waitress: Mickey Stoner at Paik’s Ranch House Runner Up: Heather Layton at Center Street Cafe

Best Tourist Destination: The West Kern Oil Museum Runner Up: Sky Dive Taft

Best Property Management: West Valley Runner Up: Gary Joyce

Best Bank: United Security Bank Runner Up: West America Bank

Best Real Estate Agent: Byron Young Runner Up: Becky Ashcraft

Best Convenience Store: Fastrip Runner Up: Artz Liqour

Best Place for Home Improvements: True Value Runner Up: A Hint of Class

Best Credit Union: Chevron Valley Credit Union Runner Up: Kern Schools Federal Credit Union

Best Community Service Organization: Soroptimist Runner Up: Alpha House

Best Non-Profit: Community Resource Center

Best Steak Dinner: Tumbleweed Cafe

Best Business Organization: Randy Miller, Taft Chamber of Commerce

Best New Community Organization: Taft Community Gardens

Editors Choice: Best Lifestyle Choice: Next Step Cardio Gym

Best Carpet Cleaner: Rite-Away Carpet