Event Overview
Voting concluded last month after over 1,000 nominations across numerous categories, narrowing to 261 finalists. The result show streamed online at 8 p.m. EST on February 15, 2026, announcing victors in areas like services, dining, and community contributions. Organizers emphasized the event’s role in spotlighting Marion’s vibrant local scene.
Notable Winners
Lifestyle & Beauty:
Barber Shop – Nathan’s Barbershop
Hair Salon – Brush, Hair, & Skin Bar
Spa – Rejuvenations
Tanning – Palm Beach
Sports & Recreation:
Karate School – Reaction Force
Park – Marion Tallgrass Trail
Dance School – Douce Dance Studio (Suzanne Harris)
Shopping:
Boutique – Maddie’s on Main
Children’s Clothing – Cool Kids Resale
Shoe’s – Scioto Shoe Mart
Women’s Clothing – Maddie’s on Main
Grocery – Kroger (South)
Medical & Health:
Chiropractor – Lawson Chiropractic
Dental – Finney Family Dentistry
Dermatology – Dr. Frank Morocco
Family Physician – Dr. Raymond Gardner
Fitness Center – YMCA
Home Health – Joyce’s Angels
Doctor’s Office/Hospital – Marion OB/GYN
Pharmacy – CVS (Delaware Ave.)
Nursing Home – Marion Valley Post Acute
Optometrist – Buckeye Optical
Pediatrician – Dr. Friedley
Physical Therapist – River Rock Rehabilitation
Retirement Community – Kingston Residence
Therapeutic Massage – Sarah Roberts
Weight Loss – Roxanne Oliver DNP
Assisted Living – Kingston Residence
Entertainment:
Bowling – Cooper’s Bowl
Family Amusement – Cooper’s Bowl/Cooper’s Corner
Golf Course – Kingsmill
Sports Bar – G&R Tavern
Wedding Venue – The Brickyard on Main
Finance & Home Services
Bank/Credit Union – Pillar Credit Union
Carpet Cleaning – Busy B Cleaning Services
Electrician – Owens Electric
Heating & Cooling – B&B Mechanical
Cleaning Services – Busy B Cleaning Services
Plumbing – A 1 Plumbing
Roofing/Siding – Mikes Roofing
Lawn Care/Landscaping – T-Beeney Solutions
Home Remodeling – Dyer Remodeling
Financial Planner – Alluvial Private Wealth
Automotive & Industry
Auto Body/Collision – Buckeye Collision Services
Auto Dealer/Service Department – Mathews
Auto Repair – Waldo Tire & Automotive
New Car Dealer – Mathews Ford
Used Car Dealer – Reece Auto Sales
Tire Center – Logan Tire Sales and Service
Retail & Spirits:
Garden Center – Marion Mulch & More
Forist – Marion Flowers
Jeweler – Carroll’s Jeweler
Beer Distribution – Marion Brewery
Local Craft Beer – Shovel City Drinkery
Winery – Shamrock Vineyard
Candy Store – Shirks Candies
Sporting Goods – Norton Sporting Goods
Manufacturing:
Manufacturer – Whirlpool Corporation
Professional Services:
Accounting/Tax Prep – Custom Professional Accounting
Travel Agency – Sight’s Unseen Travel Agency
Veterinarian – Waldo Animal Clinic
Non-Profit Organization – PB&J Truck/Luke 3:11 Ministries
Photographer – Sarah Hogan
Funeral Home – Boyd Funeral Home
Kennel/Boarding/Doggie Day Care – Waldo Animal Clinic
Pet Spa – Sierra’s Pet Spa
Self Storage – Marion Self Storage
Real Estate – Chris Massey/Generations Realty
Insurance Agency – Verne Hart Insurance Agency
Dining:
Bakery – Andrew’s Pastries
Burger – Steak N It
Catering – All Occasions Catering
Chicken Wing – Slap Yo Self
Chinese – House of Hunan
Coffee – Remnant
Fish – Carlyles
Food Truck – Slap Yo Self
Ice Cream – Jer-Zee
Italian – Sansotta’s
Mexican – El Campesino
Outdoor Dining – Stewart’s Root Beer Stand
Pizza – Tubby’s Pizza
Steakhouse – Steve Dakota Grill
Sub/Hoadie – Payne’s Pizza & More
Sushi – Iron Chef
Overall Restaurant – Mi Jalapeno
Education & Community
Local Event – Third Thursday/Downtown Marion Inc.
Swimming Pool – Waldo Pool
Festival/Fair – Marion Popcorn Festival
Place of Worship – Dayspring Wesleyan
School District – River Valley Local Schools
Learning Center/Tutor – Buckeye Community School
College/University/Continued Learning – Tri-Rivers Adult Education
Place to Work – Ohio Health
Best Citizen:
James Walker
Best Overall Business:
Waldo Tire & Automotive
Community Impact
The awards foster local pride, with finalists gaining visibility through social media and events. Residents voted online via NewsForce247.com/BestofMarion26, supporting favorites in real time. As Marion, Ohio, continues to grow, these recognitions boost small businesses amid economic challenges.