Merrimack Valley Magazine

2020 MVMA Winners – Milestone (Longevity in Business)

August 18, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

We are happy to present the winners of the 2020 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. This spring, the top picks in all categories were chosen by our readers via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the winners.

Milestone – 5 Years
Seoul Kitchen
Seoul Kitchen is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Westford that captures exciting and authentic Korean flavors in a modern and welcoming setting. Featuring fresh and creative sushi served alongside craft cocktails, their dishes can be best described as bold and innovative, yet traditional. Their sushi is one of a kind — they use hand-selected fish from the local seaport to make delicious fresh items from the sushi bar.
142 Littleton Rd. | Westford, Mass.
EatSeoulKitchen.com

Milestone – 10 Years
Tuscan Kitchen
Inspired by owner Joe Faro’s travels throughout Italy, Tuscan Kitchen’s authentic Italian cuisine makes you feel as though you’ve stepped right into the boot. Tuck into a Fichi pizza with figs, rosemary, burrata and prosciutto, or go for the traditional rigatoni alla Bolognese. Want something lighter? They also offer delicious salads and meat dishes.
Burlington, Mass.; Salem, N.H.
TuscanBrands.com/Kitchen

Milestone – 20 Years
Farmer Dave’s
Farmer Dave was raised on Marsh Hill in Dracut, Massachusetts. At an early age, he began at Brox Farm in Dracut. After graduating from college, he worked with Ecuadorian farmers to improve their soil health, crop yields, irrigation systems, crop storage, animal health, and marketing methods. Upon returning 1997, he began leasing the Brox Farm, growing vegetables and flowers. In 2006, he purchased his own farm in Dracut. Farmer Dave plants a wide variety of long-term crops including apples, blueberries, raspberries and herbs. Visit his website to learn more about Farmer Dave and their popular CSA program.
437 Parker Rd. | Dracut, Mass.
FarmerDaves.net

Milestone – 30 Years
Enterprise Bank
When it first opened, Enterprise Bank quickly gained a reputation for providing full-service banking to community residents and businesses. With success came growth. Headquartered in Lowell, Enterprise Bank now has branches throughout the Merrimack Valley and continues to advance its mission of kindling the entrepreneurial spirit.
Twenty-Five Branches Throughout The Region, with a North Andover Location Opening Soon
EnterpriseBanking.com

Milestone – 40 Years
Flowers by Steve
Step into a floral paradise at Flowers by Steve’s Haverhill store. Steve’s can create specialized arrangements for weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. Established in 1975, they offer everything from classic roses to exotic bouquets. Flowers by Steve can tailor arrangements to your requests. Find the perfect bouquet for your favorite person with the help of the expert designers at Steve’s.
14 Cross Rd. | Haverhill, Mass.
FlowersbySteveInc.com

Milestone – 50 Years
Harrows Chicken Pies
Harrows Chicken Pies are still made the same way they were in the 1930s, with slow-cooked chicken and rich homemade gravy. You can either call ahead to pick up a piping hot, ready-to-eat chicken pie, or pick up a cold one to bake at home. The pies are available in four different sizes, ranging from 1-6 servings. No matter what size your family is, Harrows can accommodate. Besides the chicken pie, Harrows also sells dessert pies such as apple and blueberry. On top of that they also sell a variety of sides to complement your meal.
436 Broadway | Methuen, Mass.
ChickenPie.com

Milestone – 75 Years
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Built after World War I to honor veterans, Lowell Memorial Auditorium is an ideal venue for concerts, family shows, conferences, conventions, trade shows, corporate seminars and much more, the 2,800-seat venue was constructed in 1922. Famed as the location of the Golden Gloves boxing tournament (Rocky Marciano began his career at the LMA) and Lowell Irish Festival, the building is a critical part of Lowell’s legacy that continues to provide a home for entertaining and educating area residents.
50 E. Merrimack St. | Lowell, Mass.
LowellAuditorium.com

Milestone – 100 Years
Shaw Farm
While the Shaw family’s farm business is over 100 years old, their history as farmers goes back further. When the king of England offered land to New England farmers in the 1700s, the Shaw family of Rhode Island moved to Nova Scotia before returning to resettle in Dracut. In the spring of 1915, disaster struck at the farm where Shaw was working, and an entire herd of cows had to be destroyed as a result of foot and mouth disease. The farm was sold, but Mark Shaw inherited its home delivery customers. This was the beginning of the M.L. Shaw and Sons milk business. From these beginnings grew the dairy business that has become central to our region’s agricultural history. In the ’60s, the family opened a farm store and would eventually move into ice cream production, which is how many children in the Merrimack Valley come to know of Shaw Farm and its legacy.
204 New Boston Rd. | Dracut, Mass.
ShawFarm.com

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Play

August 11, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

Live Music Venue
Lowell Folk Festival
Music lovers rejoice! Although this year’s event has been canceled, the Lowell Folk Festival will be back next July with three days of nonstop tunes. Along with music from around the world, enjoy craft demonstrations and ethnic food stalls situated throughout Lowell’s downtown. Watch street performers, let the kids run free in the family activity area and dance the night away.
Lowell, Mass.
LowellFolkFestival.org

Theater / Arts Venue
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Merrimack Repertory Theatre has been Merrimack Valley’s professional theater company since 1979 and is an integral part of Lowell’s identity as the cultural heart of the region. The company is a leader in fostering and celebrating new plays, frequently producing world and regional premieres, as well as working with its national network of associate artists on workshops and readings.
50 E. Merrimack St. | Lowell, Mass.
MRT.org

Family Fun
Lowell Spinners
Fans of the Lowell Spinners have watched many Spinners prospects climb the minor league ladder to become major leaguers. What’s more, the Spinners provide fun, affordable entertainment for the whole family. With a full slate of exciting promotions, contests and giveaways, every Spinners game is a memorable event. While the 2020 season has been delayed indefinitely due to COVID-19, you should still consider supporting them — their online store features nifty Mill City-themed apparel.
Lowell, Mass.
LowellSpinners.com

Museums & Galleries
Western Avenue Studios
Western Avenue is home to the largest artist community on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. The 5-acre complex and its varied brick mill buildings host 250 work-only studios, 50 live/work lofts, over a dozen teaching artists, the artist-run Loading Dock Gallery and the Onyx Room Performance Space. Visit during their Open Studios events to meet the artists and learn more.
122 Western Ave. | Lowell, Mass.
WesternAvenueStudios.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the ‘Milestone (Longevity in Business)’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Retail Therapy

August 4, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

Fashion Accessories
Red’s Shoe Barn
Since 1958, Red’s Shoe Barn has been providing Merrimack Valley residents with the highest quality shoes at a great value and with legendary service. Those qualities are what help Red’s Shoe Barn remain successful today in the era of the impersonal, big-box stores. They have one of the largest selections of shoes in New England, and a wide selection of apparel to boot — no pun intended.
22 Plaistow Rd. | Plaistow, N.H.
RedsShoeBarn.com

Florist
The Flower Mill
Since it opened in 2012, The Flower Mill has provided the Lowell community with a wide variety of custom floral arrangements for all occasions. Owner Joanna Hall is a self-taught designer who studied fine arts in Italy and at Manchester’s New Hampshire Institute of Art. She also makes the store’s 100% soy wax candles. Did you know they offer a weekly flower subscription service?
183 Dutton St. | Lowell, Mass.
LowellFlowerMill.com

Fine Jewelry
Naser Diamonds & Fine Jewelry
As a leading family-owned jeweler in New Hampshire for over two decades, Naser Diamond’s customers have experienced a level of service, craftsmanship and value that is unique in the retail jewelry industry. They offer free warranties, diamond settings, sizing, insurance appraisals, cleanings and maintenance for their customers.
Plaistow and Salem, N.H.
ShopNaser.com

Mens Fashion
Shaban’s of Andover
Shaban’s of Andover is a high-end men’s specialty store and is a favorite for one-stop shopping featuring classic modern suits, business casual attire, exciting dress shirts and ties and sharp weekend wear. Shaban’s offers custom tailoring and alterations as well as quality dry cleaning. Owner and custom tailor Shaban Catalbas was inspired by his father from whom he learned his tailoring skills. He has been custom tailoring for over 40 years.
9 Main St. | Andover, Mass.
ShabansOfAndover.com

Womens Fashion
Humanity
Launched in 2008, Humanity sells overlooked and timeless pieces for women who like to live, and lead, in style. As a Lowell boutique, they incorporate the culture and style of the city into this mix and attitude. Owner Ani Vong sees her mission as an expression of personal values: sisterhood, community and lifestyle.
128 Merrimack St. | Lowell, Mass.
HumanityStyle.com

Consignment Shop
Chic Consignment
Clients come from all over the Merrimack Valley to visit this Andover consignment shop. They offer an ever-changing selection of fun, trendy and high-end clothes and accessories, with a head-turning selection of handbags. Make sure to visit the blog on their website for insights into everything from fashion trends to closet organization tips.
44 Main St. | Andover, Mass.
ChicConsignment.com

Apothecaries / Natural Products
Red Antler Apothecary
Red Antler Apothecary is located in Lowell’s Mill No. 5, a repurposed factory on Jackson Street. The apothecary sells soaps, moisturizers, cleansers and even mustache wax — many of the products are made using their own bee hives. Their ethically created, home crafted products include a pine tar soap recipe that is over 100 years old. Environmentally conscious clients can bring their own containers — Red Antler’s cream, lotions and cleaners are sold by the ounce.
Mill No. 5 | 250 Jackson St. | Lowell, Mass.
RedAntlerApothecary.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the ‘Play’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Health & Beauty

July 28, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

Day Spa
Spa Nijoli and Salon
Rejuvenate your body and soul with treatments at Spa Nijoli. Treat yourself to a soothing seaweed wrap or bring out your inner queen with your signature goddess treatment. Bring your man in for a facial or couples massage. They also offer waxing, spray tans and a salon with hair, nail and makeup studios, not to mention the “full day of bliss” package, with massage, facial, body wrap, manicure, pedicure and even lunch.
116 Pleasant Valley St. | Methuen, Mass.
Nijoli.com

Salon
Eyeful Beauty
For over a decade, Eyeful has brought a sense of fun and fashion to downtown Lowell. Pinups adorn the walls, The Clash plays on the stereo — this is not your mother’s salon. Unless your mom is cool. Lowell’s premier salon for keratin, color and cuts is located right in the heart of the city. Soy wax treatments and hair extensions round out their menu of offerings.
33 Middle St. | Lowell, Mass.
EyefulBeauty.com

Health & Fitness Clubs
SLS Fitness
Sherri Laffey Sarrouf had a lifelong dream of offering holistic fitness coaching through a “whole-body wellness” approach. In 2010, she opened SLS Fitness Strength and Conditioning Center and, over the course of ten years, has expanded the facility from 7,500 to 18,000 square feet. In addition to the flagship site in Lowell, SLS Fitness also manages several corporate fitness programs and facilities.
345 Chelmsford St. | Lowell, Mass.
SlsFitness.com

Laser Therapy
Laser Aesthetic
Laser Aesthetic offers personalized hair removal and skin care solutions, whatever your need. Their top-of-the-line laser, the GentleMax Pro, removes unwanted hair, as well as sun and age spots and facial and leg veins. They also offer alternative options including waxing and electrolysis. Their additional services include microdermabrasion, Botox and dermal fillers, and a variety of facials and chemical peels.
181 Swan St. | Methuen, Mass.
LaserHairMA.com/treatments

Alternative Health & Wellness
Massage Envy
Need to find the perfect place for customized, affordable and convenient massages, stretch, and facials? Look no further than the Massage Envy location in Methuen. Their professional massage and skin care services are performed by qualified therapists and estheticians who care about helping you look and feel your best.
70 Pleasant Valley St. | Methuen, Mass.
Locations.MassageEnvy.com/Massachusetts/Methuen

Skincare
Serenity Spa & Salon
Serenity offers an array of services including salon services, spa packages, makeup, hair removal, hand and foot treatments, massage, and, of course skin care. Contact them for a complimentary skin care consultation and to discuss their signature facials, express skin services and treatment add-ons.
315 Middlesex Rd. | Tyngsborough, Mass.
SerenitySpaAndSalon.com

Oral Health
Dr. Joseph A. Cardarelli Jr.
Cardarelli Orthodontics of Massachusetts delivers a full range of advanced orthodontics, from traditional braces to Invisalign Teen. Dr. Cardarelli’s practice features an in-house orthodontic lab and has been serving the Merrimack Valley for over 35 years. He is an assistant clinical professor in the department of orthodontics at Tufts University.
234 Summer St. | Haverhill, Mass.
DrCardarelli.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the ‘Retail Therapy’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Good Eats (Part 2)

July 21, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

Butcher
Alpine Butcher
Alpine Butcher, a fourth-generation butcher shop, has remained in the Doyle family since its start in 1913. All of the beef is USDA Prime, their pork and chicken are humanely raised as well as antibiotic-free and hormone-free, and their seafood comes directly from the docks of Boston.
963 Chelmsford St. | Lowell, Mass.
AlpineButcher.com

Wine Shop
Drum Hill Liquors
Drum Hill Liquors offers a wide selection of fine wine, rare cordials, liquors, tequila, whiskies, scotches and domestic and imported beer, as well as craft beer and unique spirits. They host many weekend tastings to showcase seasonal and new products and pride themselves on warm, friendly customer service.
83 Parkhurst Rd. | Chelmsford, Mass.
DrumHillLiquors.com

World Cuisine
Moonstones
Moonstones, the younger sister of Cobblestones of Lowell, delivers on variety with their globally inspired menu. Stop in for brunch, lunch or dinner and enjoy Turkish mezze, a croque madame, or Korean pork belly with a few of their signature cocktails. For less adventurous diners, there are plenty of American options. Need to translate a foreign word? Check out the global glossary at the bottom of their menu. Want to enjoy their dishes on your own time in the privacy of your home? Their new menu features prepared meals perfect for a family of ’stones fans.
185 Chelmsford St. | Chelmsford, Mass.
Moonstones110.com

New Restaurant
Panela
Panela offers a modern take on the traditional flavors of Colombian cuisine. Chef and co-owner Viviana Acevedo was born and raised in the city of Medellin, Colombia, and attended Lowell High School before studying at Le Cordon Bleu. Her restaurant is independently owned and family operated, its name inspired by panela — raw sugar cane — a staple of Colombian cooking.
7 Hanover St. | Lowell, Mass.
PanelaRestaurant.com

Diner
Four Sisters Owl Diner
Breakfast at this historic diner is guaranteed to start your day off right. Old favorites are given new life in Owl’s savory steak and eggs, homemade corned beef hash and creamed chipped beef on toast. Soups, salads and sandwiches make up the lunch menu. Wake up and fuel up at the Owl Diner, a Lowell landmark since 1982.
244 Appleton St. | Lowell, Mass.
TheOwlDiner.com

Frozen Treats
Sullivan Farms Ice Cream
Sullivan Farms offers an array of homemade ice cream flavors, including standout offerings such as Jen’s Cookie Dough and White Chocolate Caramel Latte. They also sponsor the annual John Carson annual road race, named after a much-loved Chelmsford High School track star who died tragically during team practice in 1987.
176 Middlesex Rd. | Tyngsborough, Mass.
SullivanFarmsIceCream.com

Alfresco Dining
Grazie Italian Restaurant at Four Oaks Country Club
Prominently situated at the Four Oaks Country Club, an 18-hole championship golf course, you can’t miss Grazie unless the incredible views distract you. Their wood-burning oven was imported from Naples, Italy — it produces pizzas with a fire-kissed crust. Traditional Italian appetizers such as calamari fritti and prosciutto di parma and entrees such as pappardelle with braised boar and porcini mushroom ragu are perfect for outdoor dining.
80 Meadow Creek Dr. | Dracut, Mass.
Grazie.Restaurant

Caterer
Lenzi’s Catering
You may have heard of their famous baked chicken pot pie and maybe even the zucchini bread, the virtues of which are extolled even by those who otherwise hate zucchini bread. The wedding packages are a Merrimack Valley institution. Want to really wow your guests? Ask about the Champagne waterfall. Suitably, the establishment looks out over our namesake river.
810 Merrimack Ave. | Dracut, Mass.
LenziCatering.com

Seafood
Fishbones
Since 2006, Fishbones has set the standard for fresh seafood. From steamers to herb halibut, this is the place for lovers of the grand New England culinary tradition. Their shellfish are harvested in Elliot, Maine, and the smoky, silky clam chowder regularly shows up on local “best of” lists. Find out why.
34 Central Sq. | Chelmsford, Mass.
FishbonesOfChelmsford.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the ‘Health & Beauty’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Milestone (Longevity in Business)

2020 MVMA Winners – Play

2020 MVMA Winners – Retail Therapy

2020 MVMA Winners – Health & Beauty

2020 MVMA Winners – Good Eats (Part 2)

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