The numbers add up the same way as last year. Altman, Rogers & Co. is Alaska’s largest independent CPA firm and offers more than 100 years of professional experience to its clients. BDO is part of a nationwide chain with more than seventy US locations; the Anchorage location serves clients throughout the state. And Swalling & Associates, with two offices, has found its niche partnering with mid-size, “closely-held” Alaskan businesses and their owners.

According to law leader Landye Bennett Blumstein, “By choosing Landye Bennett Blumstein, our clients access an experienced team of attorneys who work collaboratively to find effective solutions to legal challenges… Whether navigating the intricacies of Alaska Native law or facilitating complex real estate transactions, we consistently rise above client expectations to deliver results.” Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot has offices in Anchorage and Washington, D.C. and says it provides legal representation of the highest quality. Schwabe has nearly 170 attorneys in seven offices in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, making it one of the largest law firms in the region. According to the firm, it’s “driven to be different and better, daily.”

The wordmark for Brilliant Media Strategies contains a “BR!” to signify its previous, and perhaps better-known, name: Bradley Reid Communications. Alaska’s senior full-service communications agency (established in 1968) returns to the rankings thanks to its creative, energetic, and intelligent staff. Optima has been providing media and public relations strategies since 2011, formed by commercial realtor Frank Dahl and two Tom Andersons: a former state legislator and his father, a retired Alaska State Trooper colonel. ARM Creative, founded by Zach Aregood and Deanna Miller, is the only firm to maintain a three-year streak in the rankings.

According to Stellar Designs President Tim Ellis, “We are always looking for your reorder. That means it is working for both of us.” This approach to customer satisfaction is integral to how the company operates. “We try to provide the best possible experience for our clients, from concept to delivery,” he says, emphasizing the company is reliable, creative, on-time, and has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Alaska Serigraphics says it is “all about helping you promote your image in the best way possible,” which it does by offering the gamut of swag options. Sunshine Custom Promotions also offers a huge range of products, from customized clothing to unique awards.

Our readers have again selected PIP, which is fast approaching five decades of operations, as the cream of the crop of local printing services. According to the company, “Our customers know they can rely upon us to complete their print jobs in a professional and timely manner, while providing expert advice and guidance along the way.” Color Art Printing has been providing printing services to Alaskans since 1958, launching the business out of a basement shop and growing ever since. The relative youngster of the group, Great Originals, has been serving Alaskans for thirty-five years, and has “developed into the most diverse printer in the state.”

For Opti Staffing group its business is all about people, results, and relationships. The company provides direct hire and contract-to-hire services in the professional and skilled trade markets. In addition to helping companies with recruiting and staffing needs, PeopleAK also provides coaching and succession planning services, “empowering you and your team with the right people.” TDL Staffing specializes in administrative, light industrial, and medical employee services from offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Another new category in 2023, we’re excited to highlight the organizations that are building Alaska’s skilled workforce. Northern Industrial Training is “proud to be Alaska’s number one resource for vocational training,” specializing in training for construction equipment, welding, truck driving, and safety. Located in Seward, AVTEC is operated by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and provides practical training in programs from culinary arts to industrial electricity to business and office technology. The Alaska Safety Alliance focuses on industry-driven workforce development, helping “Alaskans find the training they need to be great employees in Alaska’s process industries.”

The smallest of the Top 49ers ranked by 2021 gross revenue, Cornerstone, edges the perennial largest 49er, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, out of the category due to the giant’s many construction subsidiaries splitting the vote. Even combined, though, the subsidiaries couldn’t outpace the top two, with Davis Constructors and Watterson Construction repeating their rankings from last year. The secret to Watterson Construction’s success is “focusing on long-term honest relationships with our employees, clients, and industry partners,” according to Ryan Watterson, preconstruction and development manager. “We are humbled by the support of our colleagues.”

If Saltchuk sister companies combined votes, then Carlile and Northern Air Cargo (together with runner-up TOTE) would easily rank as the favorite cargo carriers on land, air, and sea. As it is, Lynden does all three modes by itself, serving Alaska ever since trucking the first load of fresh meat up the Alcan Highway in 1953. In a statement, Lynden thanks its valued customers and dedicated employees “for their continued care and expertise as we all work together to keep Alaska moving. We enjoy serving our communities by providing multi-modal transportation and logistics solutions across the entire state!”

In the most heated competition, First National Bank Alaska (FNBA) has more votes than most entire categories, and the other two each had more than most top-ranked businesses. This Red Queen’s Race (or Maroon Queen, given FNBA’s corporate colors) produced the same lineup as last year. Global Credit Union, of course, was known as Alaska USA Federal Credit Union throughout BOAB voting, until April. The name change coincides with the credit union’s 75th anniversary; in a few years, Credit Union 1 will hit that mark, while FNBA has begun its second century.

Our readers have come to the same conclusion this year as they did last: their favorite telecommunications provider is GCI, followed by AT&T and MTA. In 2022 and into 2023, GCI and MTA have continued to focus on connecting more Alaskans to quality broadband. In April GCI resumed work on its AU-Aleutians Fiber Project, which is expanding 2 GB internet service westward into the Aleutian Islands, running approximately 800 miles from Kodiak to Unalaska. MTA also completed an impressive amount of work upgrading and expanding its network, including laying 171 miles of fiber at 1,166 locations.

The Boardroom began in 2013 before moving to a former railroad depot, where 49th State Brewing Co. does its Anchorage production. Desks rent for $20 per day, $45 per month; private offices go for $775 per month. The Boardroom also provides economic development policy and strategy consulting. On 8th Avenue, a four-story office building renovated by Robin Brena’s RSD Properties became Cowork by RSD in 2021; an annex recently opened two blocks north on 6th Avenue. Alaska Co:Work completes the cohort for this new category, earning recognition for its Midtown cubicles, offices, and conference space.

In winter, furnace repair counts as emergency service, and grateful customers never forget who saved them. Moore Heating, based on Dowling Road, has been rescuing Anchorage customers for more than thirty years. Services also include water heaters, fireplaces, duct cleaning, and inspections. KLEBS, founded by Gary Klebs in 1986 and now co-owned by his son, expanded from Anchorage to a branch in Wasilla. With deeper roots in Anchorage, Circle Plumbing & Heating was established in 1971 by Lawrence Embley and is now owned by his sons, master plumbers Ken and Tom.

A change in ownership has not interrupted a century of excellence at Bagoy’s Florist and Home. The husband-and-wife team of Adam Baxter and Kristen Keifer took over Anchorage’s oldest flower shop in late 2022, after satisfying the previous owners that it would be in good hands. Store manager Julie Wilson says they were “looking for quality owners that would continue the legacy of Bagoy’s.” Uptown Blossoms and Hummel’s Flowers, both in Midtown, are also repeat selections from last year.

A family-owned shop topples a nationwide chain, with 5th Avenue Jewelers and Fred Meyer Jewelers swapping places from last year’s category debut. Heather Robuck, who runs 5th Avenue Jewelers with her husband, Roy, wants to be a family’s jeweler for years to come—from engagement rings and wedding bands to anniversaries and birthdays. “Our goal is to give excellent customer service while providing the finest jewelry and heirloom pieces Alaska has to offer,” she says. Michael’s Jewelers in midtown Anchorage has been family owned and operated since 1967, now under the guidance of David Robuck and his wife, Mindi.

We’re excited to welcome the first cohort of this new category, with Anchorage Tattoo Studio leading the pack. According to the studio, “We are incredibly honored to be nominated and grateful for the relationship we have built with our community over the last forty-eight years… We genuinely say ʻthank you!ʼ for supporting us.” Don and Debra Yarian established Eagle River tattoo in 2008 after working with Larry Allen at Anchorage Tattoo Studio; their goal was to create a “beautiful and comfortable” atmosphere for their clients. Ultra Violence Tattoo is also in Anchorage, and an enthusiastic reviewer on its Facebook page calls it a “class act shop.”

In the ‘90s, big-box bookstores drove smaller chain shops—Book Cache, Waldenbooks, B. Dalton—to extinction. Then a certain internet retailer hit like an asteroid, wiping out Borders and leaving Barnes & Noble as the only survivor. Only? No, small booksellers thrive by specializing. Title Wave opened in 1991 and has traded used books, movies, and music from the thrift district at Northern Lights Boulevard and Spenard Road since 2002. From deeper in Spenard, The Writers Block supplements book sales with live performances and art exhibitions in a property reclaimed from a porn shop.

Enlighten Alaska has reclaimed its top spot from 2021. The shop, just up Spenard Road from Chilkoot Charlie’s, is co-owned by Jane Stinson with her daughter Leah Levinton and son Evan Levinton. “We hold a strong belief in the positive, healing properties of cannabis,” they say on the Enlighten Alaska website, which also happens to list each staffer’s favorite strain of the plant. Last year’s favorite, Great Northern Cannabis, remains in the ranks as the Foraker winner, while a runner up from last year, Raspberry Roots, rose to claim the St. Elias position.

A repeat lineup from last year, and a fourth in a row for the top picks. Bailey’s Furniture president Ron Bailey says the secret to success is listening to customer requests—”if they want lift desks, then we go find them the best value lift desk available”—and making fast decisions thanks to hands-on leadership. “Bailey’s Furniture is a born in Alaska business and understands the needs of remote job sites or Bush communities’ challenges, and we do our absolute best to help solve the problems as efficiently as possible,” says Bailey.

The second year for the category is a repeat lineup, with an Alaskan family-owned cluster sandwiched between two Oregon-based chains. What puts Kendall on top, according to the company, is a simple mission statement: “To deliver an unrivaled customer experience. Through our caring and knowledgeable team of professionals, we pledge to listen to and respect our customer’s needs.” Helps, too, to stock nameplates drivers crave, with Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Subaru, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen, and Volvo sold among all three.

The category is new, partially replacing last year’s contest for best outdoor gear retailer. REI dominated there, and the Seattle-based chain makes a good showing in this narrower niche. Voters’ favorite, The Bicycle Shop, has three locations around Anchorage, including Paramount Cycles. It’s the place to go for cyclists uncertain if they prefer off-road, cruising, or casual biking. Trek, in the Metro Mall (across the street from REI’s new location), is a full-service sales and maintenance shop that leans toward cross-country biking.

Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals earns its name in a new category. The firm started by former TV ad salesman Dan Newman just celebrated five years in business. “Our secret to success and scaling rapidly,” the company says, “has been building a team of quality individuals who support our vision, community involvement, transparency, 5-star service for both buyers and sellers, and award-winning marketing campaigns.” Meanwhile, Alaska Auction company can boast of being the largest in the state, with its shop in South Anchorage. On the north side of town, Ron Alleva and his family specialize in vehicle auctions at Grubstake.

Take a moment to reflect on another new item in our curated categories: Best Museum. Displayed prominently as the Denali winner, The Anchorage Museum’s mission is to be a museum for “people, place, planet, and potential in service of a sustainable and equitable North.” Housed further north in Fairbanks, the Museum of the North is “a thriving visitor attraction, a vital component of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the only research and teaching museum in Alaska.” And back in Anchorage, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a “living cultural center” that “promotes active observance of Alaska Native culture and traditions.”

The top two return from last year, with Marriott joining th egroup in the Foraker position. The Maryland-based hospitality chain earns extra votes thanks to its portfolio of hotels under the Marriott brand, including SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn, Courtyard, and the new Aloft in Anchorage. The parent company has also owned the high-rise Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa since 2016, and Marriott’s own high-rise was built in downtown Anchorage in 1999. The twenty-story building was renovated in 2021.

As far as venues go, it’s hard to beat the Dena’ina Center, conveniently located in Downtown Anchorage and featuring more than 200,000 feet of flexible event space, which has hosted events ranging from local industry lunches to international trade shows. Further south in Anchorage, the Megan Room accommodates groups as large as 115 people in various arrangements and offers the convenience of free on-site parking, a catering kitchen, outdoor spaces, and modern meeting tech. Back downtown, The Hotel Captain Cook houses fourteen meeting and conference rooms with a range of sizes and amenities, and the hotel provides a full range of support services and AV equipment.

Last year’s 1-2-3 hold the same rankings, giving Providence a six-year streak at the top. For 2023, Ella Goss was promoted from CEO of the Anchorage hospital to CEO of the entire Providence Alaska network, with locations in Eagle River, Seward, Valdez, and Kodiak. “Our ability to deliver high-quality, compassionate care would not be possible without our amazing caregivers, local partners who share our vision, and support from the community,” Goss says. “Thank you for trusting us to provide care for you and your loved ones.”

Bernie’s Pharmacy is named for Bernie Klouda, a fifth-generation Alaskan who graduated from West High School before attending the University of Montana Pharmacy School. He returned to Alaska and opened his eponymous pharmacy in 1980, taking care to develop a business “that patients felt comfortable with and confident about,” and the company’s position as the winner of this new category indicates his success. Fred Meyer and Walgreens both have the advantage of being national chains and offer pharmaceutical services at multiple locations around the state, providing consistent and convenient options for Alaskans.

Skittles and VCA Animal Hospitals share the same parent company. Since 2017, the nationwide Veterinary Centers of America chain has been owned by candymaker Mars, Inc., which also sells Pedigree and Whiskas pet foods. Seven locations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, and Big Lake serve a wide clientele, and high-quality care keeps patients and their human companions satisfied. The Pet Stop and North Pole Veterinary Hospital do their best with single locations: six doctors on West Dimond Boulevard in Anchorage and nine doctors in, well, North Pole, respectively.

Healy is famous for two things: Usibelli Coal Mine and the startup location of 49th State Brewing Company. While visitors to the Denali Park area enjoy the nearby eatery that serves its own ales, lagers, and stouts, the 49th State branch overlooking the Ship Creek area in Anchorage is an all-purpose gathering place for business lunches or evening entertainment. On the south side of town, King Street is practically brewery row: the eponymous shop repeats from last year, and its neighbor around the corner, Anchorage Brewing Co., rises from runner-ups to return to the top ranks.

The Kaladi family grabs two spots, except the brothers aren’t really related. Brad Bigelow and Tim Gravel own Kaladi Brothers Coffee, and in 2011 they bought Café Del Mundo, established in 1975 as Anchorage’s first roastery. Café Del Mundo now leans into the Black Cup brand, or coffee best served plain, exemplified at the flagship store on Benson Boulevard. Meanwhile, coffee is still an art at Jitters in Eagle River, although the adjoining Picture This gallery now sells housewares under the ownership of a former manager. Briana Theis, daughter of the café’s founders, owns and operates the coffee side.

Asian flavors in Anchorage tower over the category. Ray’s Place, serving Vietnamese food at the north end of Spenard Road, retains its top ranking. “After thirty years, we still smile daily when we hear that you loved your meal and your time spent with friends and family,” the restaurant says. Nepali fare is on the menu at Namaste Shangri-La, near Tudor and Lake Otis, primarily vegetarian entrees but with some meat dishes, too. Vegan and halal options are also the priority at Everest Restaurant, a former Burger King near the University Center mall, converted into an Indian eatery.

It will surprise not a single Alaskan to learn that Moose’s Tooth has once again been voted the state’s best pizzeria. Between the brewing and the pies, it’s a hard one to top, but nothing is impossible. Fairbanks-based St. Elias winner The Hungry Robot has landed in the top ranks for multiple years as the “best mobile pizza in town,” made with doughs and sauces from scratch. Uncle Joe’s Pizzeria is another regular on the list, but this year is special as it celebrates thirty years making handcrafted, stone-baked pizzas in Anchorage.

A runner-up last year, Charlie’s Bakery and Chinese Cuisine rises in the ranks. The chow mein is excellent, while the breads and cakes give the Midtown shop universal appeal. Fire Island repeats from last year, keeping the oven warm at one bakery in the Airport Heights neighborhood and another in Downtown. And rising to the top is Snowy Berry, ranked among last year’s favorite start-ups, wowing fans with the “Best Hot Chocolate Bombs year-round!” Owner Amanda Solis says, “There’s something special about creating treats that bring joy with their adorable designs. That passion drives me.”

What are the odds that the same three burger joints would headline the category two years in a row? One of them, at least, makes its own luck; Lucky Wishbone has been serving chicken and burgers on the edge of downtown Anchorage since 1959. Five years later, Arctic Roadrunner, a.k.a. Local Burgerman, opened on the banks of Campbell Creek. They don’t just satisfy diners; they create loyal fans. That’s especially true for repeat champion Tommy’s Burger Stop, serving Cajun-inspired fare and Philly cheesesteaks from a tiny storefront in Spenard, across from the Spam can sculpture.

Based mainly at Kincaid Park in Anchorage, Yeti Dogs serves sausages made from reindeer, buffalo, yak, elk, and alligator. It even has a vegan option. “We owe much of our success to our faithful and hungry customers,” says Yeti Dogs owner Erica Stimaker, “and we are so grateful for all the support they have given us over the years.” Established in 2012, Yeti Dogs was named one of America’s 25 Best Food Trucks by Food Network, which also called El Green-Go’s, based on L Street, the Best Food Truck in Alaska for its vegan burritos and North Carolina BBQ. And Mochileros, which means “backpackers,” brings authentic Guatemalan enchiladas to Anchorage.

Last year’s one-two-three hold is the same as last year, with another strong showing from Sitka’s Our Town Catering. In Anchorage, Main Event Catering cooks up elaborate surf and turf, pasta, barbecue, and burgers as takeout, buffet, plates, and boxes. Its restaurant location in South Anchorage includes a performance venue to host events, as well. Bill Fischer, who co-owns Main Event with his wife, Kimberly, says the key to success is that “having a grateful heart will help you recognize the gifts that God sends in all shapes and sizes,” and those gifts include the shop’s loyal employees.

“Winning the ‘Best Place to Work, 1-250 Employees’ award feels amazing,” says Altman, Rogers & Co. CEO Grant Todd, who continues to say the award “is testament to the great team we have and their hard work. Thank you for voting for us.” The accounting firm is joined in this category by Coffman Engineers and RIM Architects. Coffman says it’s one of the best engineering firms to work for because the team is “passionate and driven” about the work they do, and RIM Architects touts its “talented group of colleagues in a unique cultural environment.”

More favorites: Watterson Construction, BDO, Davis Constructors & Engineers

First National Bank Alaska has maintained its position at the top of this category for the eighth year in a row. According to the local bank’s Chair, President, and CEO Betsy Lawer, “Our secret to our success is our culture. We work hard to foster an environment where every team member feels valued… When we hire people, it’s not just for a job; it’s for a career.” ASRC Energy Services and NMS are both new to this category in 2023, and coincidentally both are subsidiaries of Alaska Native regional corporations in the top ten of the Corporate 100, which ranks Alaska companies by their number of employees.

More favorites: GCI, Credit Union 1, MTA

Our readers are already seeing long-term potential in three companies that launched in 2022. Aleutian Airlines flew to the top of this category, and it attributes this success to “providing an unmatched travel experience through our commitment to safety, reliability, and exceptional guest service,” according to a company spokesperson. “We appreciate everyone’s support and hope we continue to be the go-to choice for travelers looking to explore Alaska.”Also topping the category is The Lexington Salon and Spa, a downtown Anchorage boutique spa offering “complete tranquility.” For another type of luxury, a new local branch of Häagen-Dazs is always a sure bet for a sweet treat.

More favorites: Frozen Smoke BBQ, Larsons Pizza Joint

A category open to all industries, voters nominated alehouses and airlines, brow bars and boutiques, coffee shops and contractors. Respondents call Snowy Berry, this year’s best dessert maker, the “best place to get unique gifts.” Owner Amanda Solis says, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my love for making confections with the world.” FNBA earns credit for “greeting someone at the doorway and getting to know the people who bank with them.” And MedPhysicals Plus—with medical exams in Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, and Soldotna—is praised for “very knowledgeable staff, prompt service, valuable info about one’s body.”

More favorites: Alaska Functional Medicine + Spa, 49th State Brewing

With a lot to choose from, voters nominated groups that assist youth, women, or veterans. Organizations involved in community development, education, and recreation also received votes. Best Friends Animal Rescue is praised for being the only one of its kind that accepts dogs from all over Alaska. “Their work is so important to curb the problem we have with overpopulation of dogs,” says one voter. Armed Services YMCA of Alaska supports military families with childcare and welcome centers. And Bean’s Café, which also runs The Children’s Lunchbox, moved its kitchen last year to a refurbished warehouse near Ship Creek.

More favorites: Covenant House Alaska; Food Bank of Alaska