Texas’ Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Hickory Hill BBQ

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Hickory Hill BBQ is a 2019 award winner for restaurants in Texas for the second year in a row!

When you want finger-licking BBQ the way it used to be, you want Hickory Hill BBQ in Tyler.

Hickory Hill BBQ has received hundreds of reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.85 stars, earning them a tremendous Rating Score™ of 99.49 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as the number one restaurant in all of Texas! This is the second consecutive year that Hickory Hill BBQ has been ranked amongst the top restaurants Texas.

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“We LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! [They have] amazing barbecue, maybe the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot. Everything is outstanding — the brisket, ribs, potato salad. The LEMONADE is great and comes in a refillable mason jar! We’re from out of state, but our son goes to Louisiana Tech, and every time we visit, we go out of our way (driving from Dallas to Ruston, LA on the 20) to get the best barbecue anywhere. [This is a] tiny little place, but with more room in the back. Also, you can dine on the porch, so it’s pet-friendly. Kerry and Kelly (the owners) are the sweetest, warmest folks and will make every visit a special meal. YOU NEED TO get there on a weekend sometime when they do their smoked prime rib lobster and shrimp!” – C.C.

A One-of-a-Kind Restaurant’s Secret to a Strong Online Reputation

Hickory Hill BBQ has managed to build the kind of reputation any business owner would envy, and to learn a little more about that reputation and this one-of-a-kind business, we sat down with the owner, Kerry.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Hickory Hill BBQ unique compared to the many other restaurants in Texas. Kerry pointed to their commitment to customer service and said:

“We deal with all types of people. The world is in bad shape today, and you never know what someone’s been through or if they had a bad day, whether they’re having an argument with their wife or had a bad day at the job. We provide wonderful customer service. We cook our food from scratch; everything is from scratch. We have no shortcuts. We hand-select every piece of our meat. We treat our customers like we would want to be treated.”

When we asked what the secret is to such a solid online reputation at Hickory Hill BBQ, Kerry pointed to the fact that they put God first. Kerry added:

“We give magnificent customer service. …We want to make everyone feel like they’re at home, and they are at home if they’re here for barbecue.”

Making the World a Better Place by Giving Back

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Hickory Hill BBQ and how they work to make the world a better place. Kerry told us:

“We don’t just do things for our community; we do everything for everyone. If you walk through our doors and you’re down and out, we’re going to feed you. If your car breaks down or you have a flat and can wait a few minutes, I’ll come out there and change your flat. If you can’t get out of your car, we’re going to bring your food to you. It’s not just about the community; it’s about everyone.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Hickory Hill BBQ has grown solely through word of mouth:

“We don’t have a big corporate budget to market our product and restaurant; it’s all word of mouth.”

It’s clear that Kerry knows a thing or two about growing a business and building an online reputation. Here’s his expert advice for the many other business owners out there:

“Number one, you have to put God first. Number two, you have to get with your employees and tell them that they need to have immaculate customer service. You cannot win without customer service. It’s all the little bitty things; no shortcuts.”


Congratulations to the team at Hickory Hill BBQ for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner!

We highly recommend Hickory Hill BBQ in Tyler. Visit their website today!

West Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Woody’s Restaurant

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Woody’s Restaurant is a two-time 2019 award winner in West Virginia!

When you want a mouthwatering bite to eat in Fairmont, there’s no better option than Woody’s Restaurant.

Woody’s Restaurant has received hundreds of reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.69 stars, earning them a marvelous Rating Score™ of 96.92 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 50 businesses and the top five restaurants in all of West Virginia!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I love this place. [They have] some of the best hot dogs in town. When I go out of town, I don’t even think about getting hotdogs because I’m so spoiled. I’ve been going for 20-some years. Every Wednesday after school, my dad would bring me here to get hotdogs before guitar practice. They also have great pepperoni rolls, especially with their hotdog sauce. [They have a] great atmosphere, and the ladies working there are always nice. This place has tons of history, too. If you’re from out of state, definitely stop in [for an] awesome experience… Beyond the sauce, Woody’s buns are steamed, and the meat itself seems to be of better quality. Keep up the good work, and you’ll keep a lifelong customer. AAA+” – Cody E.

Not Your Average Restaurant

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Abby, Marketing Coordinator at Woody’s Restaurant.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Woody’s Restaurant a one-of-a-kind restaurant in West Virginia. Here’s what Abby had to say:

“It’s a personalized atmosphere. We’re a small restaurant, family-owned, and we really take the time to get to know each of our customers. A lot of our customers come in, and we already know their order. We can personalize anything that you want to eat, and we get the time to get to know a little about your day, a little about you, and I think that makes a really nice, friendly atmosphere.”

We also asked Abby what their mission is at Woody’s Restaurant and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s her response:

“We believe in keeping everything small-town. Everything that we do is very traditional in the sense that Fairmont, West Virginia, is known for its hot dogs, and we haven’t changed anything with our recipes or with our service in over 25 years.”

Building Success Through Great Customer Service

Abby attributes Woody’s Restaurant’s strong online reputation to their commitment to providing next-level customer service:

“We believe that the reviews are attributed to everything that we do in person. We really have great customer service, and we welcome everyone who comes into our restaurant with open arms and open stomachs. We know that, because our customer service is so great, they’re going to write a review because they’re so happy when they leave here.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Woody’s Restaurant has gotten their name out there through word of mouth. When people come in from out of town, everyone tells them that Woody’s is the go-to local spot. Abby added:

“We still believe in word of mouth. Good food and good news travel fast.”

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Woody’s Restaurant has. When we asked Abby what advice she has for those business owners, she said:

“Be honest with your product when you’re advertising it. Try and stay relevant by promoting your business for the holidays. …Take your reviews and highlight them, and always thank your customers for everything and put them first.”


Congratulations to the team at Woody’s Restaurant for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Abby, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Woody’s Restaurant in Fairmont. Visit their Facebook page today!

West Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Purple Iris

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Purple Iris is a two-time 2019 award winner in West Virginia!

For a one-of-a-kind culinary experience in Martinsburg, there’s no better restaurant to turn to than Purple Iris.

Purple Iris has received hundreds of reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.69 stars, earning them a tremendous Rating Score™ of 96.85 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 50 businesses and the top five restaurants in all of West Virginia!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Our local moms’ group had their annual brunch here. The staff was very attentive; the food was delicious, and the view was so serene. For my first time being here, I was very pleased!” – Amy H.

Not Your Average Restaurant and Venue

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Tiffany Harshbarger, co-owner of Purple Iris.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Purple Iris a one-of-a-kind restaurant in West Virginia. Here’s what Tiffany had to say:

“Our chef is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. We use a lot of local and fresh ingredients. We make all of our own sauces that are in stock. Anything we can make, we certainly will make. That’s kind of our forte. We’re like a hidden gem here in Martinsburg. We’re a stone mansion sitting on 17 acres, so we’re a unique property, a unique venue for weddings and events, and a unique place for people to come for dinner. It’s quiet, and you don’t have the hustle-bustle of chain restaurants. There are people looking for quiet dining and a really good atmosphere.”

We also asked Tiffany what their mission is at Purple Iris and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s her response:

“We hold a lot of community-driven events at our venue. We work closely with the local Chamber of Commerce. We donate to local organizations. We donate food and donate our time. We try to give back as much as possible and as much as we can. I feel like the community then gives back to us as well, so it’s kind of advantageous.”

Building Success by Treating Every Event as Their Own

Tiffany attributes Purple Iris’ strong online reputation to their commitment to

“We just try to treat every event and every party as if it were our own wedding, dinner party or anniversary party. We provide good food, good service and establish a good rapport with all of our customers.”

Tiffany went on to say:

“They enjoy the food that we serve here. It’s American cuisine that we serve, so we have a lot of repeat customers. There’s not a lot of American cuisine fine dining restaurants. A lot of them are chains nowadays, so I think people come to us for their special occasions and special events.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Purple Iris has gotten their name out there through Facebook and Instagram, where their focus is on advertising for the wedding and banquet venue side of the business, as well as for their off-site catering services. They also do a couple of wedding shows every year.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Purple Iris has. When we asked Tiffany what advice she has for those business owners, she said:

“You need to treat every event and every person that comes in the door as it’s your own event and your own party. I think they can relate to that. Be accommodating to the guests’ needs and their requests. My husband and I are very instrumental in our business. We are the business owners and work at our business, too. You have to be in this business to do this business. It’s not one that you can run from afar. You have to be involved in it as much as possible, and I think that’s been part of our success as well.”


Congratulations to the team at Purple Iris for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Tiffany, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Purple Iris in Martinsburg. Visit their website today!

West Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Unity Cafe

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Unity Cafe is an award winner for restaurants in 2019.

If you are looking for some out-of-this-world coffee and crepes, look no further than this award-winning company!

Unity Cafe has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 4.92 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 97.23 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 50 businesses and one of the top three restaurants in West Virginia!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“What a gem. What an absolute gem! They provide such a wonderful atmosphere in downtown Parkersburg. The service, the decor, and the music all lend themselves to some of the best food you can order in this area. Today, I tried the strawberry salad, and I am now officially hooked. I have had their teas, their smoothies, and their meal replacement shakes, and they have all been fantastic. Do not miss this!” – J.R.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Unity Cafe is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Restaurant

We were excited to learn all about Unity Cafe and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Petia Johnson.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Unity Cafe stand apart from its competitors. Petia said that it’s not just a restaurant; it’s a European style cafe. She said that it’s all about the energy people feel when they enter. She went on to tell us about their overall business mission, saying:

“Our mission is: ‘We love to make coffee for the city that likes to drink it.’ That’s what it says in our window. We just find pleasure in people’s eyes with the enjoyment and taste of Unity.”

Building Success With Passion

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Unity Cafe has spread the word about who they are and what they do primarily through word of mouth.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Unity Cafe has managed to. We asked if Petia could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Are you doing it for the money or for the passion? If you’re doing it for the passion, it will just grow.”


Congratulations to Unity Cafe for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Petia for taking the time to speak with us!

Wyoming’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: K’s Koffee & Deli

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that K’s Koffee & Deli has won two 2019 awards in Wyoming!

When you want a mouthwatering sandwich and a great cup of coffee, there’s no better option than K’s Koffee & Deli in Gillette.

K’s Koffee & Deli has received more than 100 reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.89 stars, earning them a stellar Rating Score™ of 99.92 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for ranking among the top 100 businesses and the top five restaurants in all of Wyoming!

Here’s just one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“What an amazing, cozy, little gem!! The food came out HOT and FAST. [We] had to get to-go boxes, as you definitely get your money’s worth!!! You may want to share your meal. Surprisingly, you get a homemade cookie. [This is the] best place to eat yet!!! We enjoyed the great atmosphere and conversations. We wish we were local so we could come in more often.” – Teddy R.

Not Your Average Restaurant

Mr. and Mrs. K, the owners of K’s Koffee & Deli, took a few minutes out of their day to tell us a little more about this one-of-a-kind restaurant and the impressive online reputation they’ve managed to build.

To start our conversation, we asked Mr. and Mrs. K about what it is that sets K’s Koffee & Deli apart from their competition in Wyoming. Here’s what they had to say:

“…We try to do what no one else is doing. Our coffee is from Italy. No one else has that here in town. Everything is as natural as we can get it. What makes us unique from the rest is basically our customer service. We’re here for the customer more than anything. Even though we are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, if we’re down here at the deli and a customer comes by, we’ll pretty much open the door for them.”

They went on to say:

“My family homesteaded here in Gillette, Wyoming. The roots go back a long way. We know that people work hard for their money, and we try to accommodate them with what they’re looking for. I’ll give you an example. I had an elderly gentlemen come in. He wanted a grilled peanut and jelly sandwich. It’s not on the menu. …I said, ‘Well, do you like strawberry jam, because I can make it for you.’ …If I have the ingredients, I’ll make it. We’re here for our customers… Our people that come to the deli become deli family, no matter where they are from.”

They added:

“One other thing that has made us unique is that we own the copyright to my family’s spaghetti sauce recipe. We also own a spice company that we have incorporated into the deli. With the use of your specialty spice blends, you can make any ordinary sandwich taste different in many ways.”

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at K’s Koffee & Deli and how they give back and make the world a better place. Here’s Mr. and Mrs. K’s response:

“We like to give back to our community. We get involved in as many charitable things as we can, especially Relay for Life. That’s a big thing because we’ve both had cancer on both sides of our family so we do a lot with that. We also close the deli one day in December and have the schools come in, a busload at a time. They get to see Santa, have hot chocolate and a cookie, and they all leave with a gift. We do it out of the kindness of our hearts. We don’t do it for the glory of it and the recognition as much as we do it for the people that are in need.”

Building Success Through Consistency and Customer Service

When we asked Mr. and Mrs. K about K’s Koffee & Deli’s secret to such a strong online reputation, they pointed to the quality and quantity of their food, their consistency and their customer service:

“We are here for the customers.”

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, K’s Koffee & Deli has spread the word about who they are and what they do through radio advertising and by sponsoring a display at Festival of Lights that has their business name on it.

There are so many business owners out there looking to build the kind of online reputation K’s Koffee & Deli has. Here’s the expert advice Mr. and Mrs. K has for them:

“Never give up, and never be afraid to take the next step. Just keep going forward. It’s a long process, but in the end, it is all worth it. Never take it personally, and always do the best that you can possibly do.”


Congratulations to the team at K’s Koffee & Deli for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Mr. and Mrs. K, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend K’s Koffee & Deli in Gillette. Visit their website today!

Idaho’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Epi’s Basque Restaurant

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Epi’s Basque Restaurant is an award winner for restaurants in 2019.

If you are looking for a fantastic home-cooked meal in Meridian, look no further than this award-winning company!

Epi’s Basque Restaurant has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across six different verified sites with an average rating of 4.92 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 100.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 20 businesses and the number one restaurant in Idaho!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“This place is a hidden gem! It’s so fantastic! You’ll have such a great experience because you’ll not only get a delicious, home-cooked meal, but you’ll also feel like family once you’ve dined there. My father-in-law always takes us there when he comes into town, and it’s always special. Their menu is small, but each dish is specially prepared. It’s quite a drive from our house, but it’s worth it. I can’t say enough good things about this place! You have to try it. Make sure you make a reservation because this small place fills up fast!” – J.B.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Epi’s Basque Restaurant is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Restaurant

We were excited to learn all about Epi’s Basque Restaurant and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Erik McFarland.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Epi’s Basque Restaurant stand apart from its competitors.

“We’re more than just food or the service; it’s the full experience. We’re willing to adapt to our customers’ requests and do our best to make every customer experience unique.”

Building Success, Online And Off

Epi’s Basque Restaurant has earned a fantastic reputation, so we asked Erik how they have managed to grow their business and get such great reviews. He said:

“We treat every single person that walks through the door like our best customer, like family. We try to be authentic and real.”

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Epi’s Basque Restaurant has spread the word about who they are and what they do by finding ways to give back to the community.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Epi’s Basque Restaurant has managed to. We asked if Erik could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“You have to have grit; every single day is a challenge. You need to keep your eye on the end goal, but you have to get up every day with a purpose.”


Congratulations to Epi’s Basque Restaurant for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Erik for taking the time to speak with us!

Arizona’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Soup & Sausage Bistro

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Soup & Sausage Bistro is a 2019 award winner for restaurants in Arizona!

If you can’t get enough of the taste of Europe, you’ll love Soup & Sausage Bistro in Phoenix.

Soup & Sausage Bistro has received hundreds of reviews with an average rating of 4.79 stars, earning them a fantastic Rating Score™ of 97.90 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five restaurants in all of Arizona!

Here’s just one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“The food was amazing! Every bite was pleasing to the palate. I had the mushroom soup, and it stayed hot until the last spoonful. The Hunter’s Stew had a taste that made you want to know the ingredients. The beef was tender and flavorful. The pierogies did not disappoint, as well as the honey cake. We are coming back to try the schnitzel. I highly recommend visiting. Soup & Sausage Bistro in Phoenix is the place to go for authentic Ukrainian/Polish food. It is homemade from fresh ingredients.” – Tammy R.

Not Your Average Restaurant

We wanted to learn what makes this award-winning business tick, so we took a few minutes to talk with Alex, the owner of Soup & Sausage Bistro.

To kick off our conversation, we asked Alex about what it is that makes Soup & Sausage Bistro unique compared to the many other restaurants in Arizona. Alex told us that they are the only restaurant in the area that offers euro cuisine.

We also asked Alex about the Soup & Sausage Bistro mission and how they work to make the world their community place. Alex shared with us that they are known throughout the community and serve it.

Building Success Through Word of Mouth

Soup & Sausage Bistro has gotten their name out there through word of mouth, which says something about the kind of service and food they offer.

There are many business owners looking to grow their business and build their online reputation. Here’s Alex’s expert advice for them:

“Do well, and keep pushing.”


Congratulations to Soup & Sausage Bistro for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Alex, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Soup & Sausage Bistro in Phoenix. Visit their website today!

Florida’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Antoine’s Restaurant

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Antoine’s Restaurant is an award winner for restaurants in 2019.

If you are looking for an incredible dining experience in Sarasota, look no further than this award-winning company!

Antoine’s Restaurant has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across six different verified sites with an average rating of 4.91 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 99.15 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three restaurants in Florida!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“This place is absolutely wonderful! The experience is first-rate from the moment you walk in until the very moment you leave. Everything tastes wholesome and homemade, with authentic, high-quality ingredients. Nothing tastes [like it comes from] a box or like it’s factory-processed. The owners are extremely friendly and take enormous pride in their restaurant and in the food they prepare and serve. This is truly a FINE DINING experience! This is Belgian- and French-inspired food at its local best and in a cozy setting! Do yourself a favor and dine here; you will NOT be disappointed!” – S.C.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Antoine’s Restaurant is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Restaurant

We were excited to learn all about Antoine’s Restaurant and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Olivier Georges.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Antoine’s Restaurant stand apart from its competitors. Olivier said that the love and passion they have, both for food and for their customers, are what truly set them apart.

“We love people and food, so what better option than to come to our place?”

Olivier also shared that they are a small restaurant, with a total of 40 seats. They give their customers enough time to eat without having to worry about turning their table around, and they make a point to take care of every single customer they have.

We asked Olivier about the Antoine’s Restaurant business mission, or how they work to make the world a better place, and he shared:

“I think we make people happy. When people come here, they come hungry, and they leave happy and satisfied, not stuffed, just very satisfied. That’s what people tell me; we are very different because we care about people. Our goal is to make people happy.”

Building Success With Passion

Antoine’s Restaurant has earned a fantastic reputation, so we asked Olivier how they have managed to grow their business and get such great reviews.

“We don’t ask for [reviews], but they’re happy to [leave them] because they know that helps the business big time. Reviews are important to us. We provide the best we can. We work with love and passion, and that’s what we do.”

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Antoine’s Restaurant has spread the word about who they are and what they do exclusively through word of mouth!

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Antoine’s Restaurant has managed to. We asked if Olivier could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Put your passion into your business, and people will feel it. We are very passionate about what we do. In the restaurant business, if you don’t love it or are not passionate about it, then just don’t do it. That’s the problem with most restaurants… It’s not about the money. Of course, we need the money, but the purpose is happiness and doing something right for the people. That’s how we do it. We try to do something good for people. When people feel love, they love you and they help you. It is what it is.”


Congratulations to Antoine’s Restaurant for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Olivier for taking the time to speak with us!

Kentucky’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Branch Out

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Branch Out is an award winner for restaurants in 2019.

If you are looking for amazing plant-based and gluten-free food in Paducah, look no further than this award-winning company!

Branch Out has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.89 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 99.94 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top five restaurants in Kentucky!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Fantastic food and service! I love, love, love the new building. The bakery items are amazing, and I can’t wait to go back and try the onion rings. I love being able to eat anything on the menu without fear of food contamination. This is gluten-free and dairy-free food heaven!” – C.J.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Branch Out is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Restaurant

We were excited to learn all about Branch Out and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with Daniel Dodd, who owns the restaurant together with his wife.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Branch Out stand apart from its competitors.

“We like to use different ingredients that are used all over the world but not much in the USA. We are Vegan and Gluten-Free, and we are trying to open up people’s minds to foods they wouldn’t normally try… We want to get people to try different foods and eat healthier.”

Daniel also shared their slogan:

“Powered by plants.”

Building Success Through Word of Mouth

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Branch Out has managed to. We asked Daniel how they have managed to grow their business and get such incredible reviews. Daniel told us that the reviews are mostly organic and that most of their growth has been thanks to word of mouth.


Congratulations to Branch Out for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Daniel for taking the time to speak with us!

New York’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant is a 2019 award winner for restaurants in New York!

When you want great food and unparalleled service, you want Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant in Buffalo.

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant has received thousands of reviews with an average rating of 4.70 stars, earning them a fantastic Rating Score™ of 97.01 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five restaurants in all of New York!

Here’s just one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“We visited Bacchus several years ago after a show at the Shea Theatre. It was memorable to be sure! It was several years ago, and we had the chance to come back to Buffalo again for a show and weekend away. We did not even consider anywhere else to eat dinner, and we were not disappointed. Again, the staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. They have great specials, and I ordered both the appetizers and main dish off of the specials. As that was seafood-heavy, my wife ordered off the menu. The scallops were so tasty, followed by a healthy (large!) portion of halibut [that was] cooked perfectly.” – Rafferty J.

Not Your Average Restaurant

We wanted to learn what makes this award-winning business tick, so we took a few minutes to talk with Brian Mietus, Chef and the owner of Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant.

To kick off our conversation, we asked Brian about what it is that makes Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant unique compared to the many other restaurants in New York. Brian told us that they established themselves 16 years ago and are located in the heart of the entertainment district in downtown Buffalo, which Brian says is the best corner in the city for organic growth.

Brian went on to tell us that he has the best staff in Buffalo and that he couldn’t do it without them.

We also asked Brian about the Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant mission and how they work to make the world a better place. Brian shared with us that they give back by working with the P.U.N.T. Foundation to help families of children suffering from cancer with the costs of treatment, travel and lodging. They also work with a foundation that focuses on concussion awareness, ensuring that kids have good headgear and bringing awareness of concussions. They have good relationships with local sports teams and private chefs.

Building Success Through Consistency and Passion

Brian credits Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant’s strong online reputation to their commitment to providing good service consistently every day. He told us that their team is always pushing each other and are very passionate about what they do, and it shows in the dining room.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant has grown through cooking competitions on Food Network and word of mouth. Brian told us that they’ve grown so much that they’ve taken over the space next door, as well as a courtyard, and that they’ve never stopped working on the business and have never stopped growing.

There are many business owners looking to grow their business and build their online reputation. Here’s Brian’s expert advice for them:

“Make connections, and give genuine hospitality and consistency. The reviews and all of the praise will follow. Leave customers with a positive memory…”


Congratulations to Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Brian, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant in Buffalo. Visit their website today!