Local businesses are thanking loyal customers and clients for voting for them in the 2019 Butler Eagle Readers' Choice Awards contest.

For the ninth consecutive year, the Eagle conducted a survey of its readers to determine the top businesses in 181 categories in Butler County.

Readers cast 51,845 votes and all of the results are laid out in the Winner's Circle, a special 48-page section in today's edition of the Eagle.

Bonnie Rakarich, co-owner of the Monroe Hotel in Butler, which won the gold award for best all-around restaurant, thanked customers and promised to continue feeding area residents' appetites.

Since opening its doors in 1980, Rakarich said the Jefferson Street restaurant has strived to provide customers with good service, quality food and ample portions at reasonable prices.

“We would like to thank everyone who voted for us in the Butler Eagle's Readers' Choice Awards,” Rakarich said. “Our repeat customers and new friends are a testament to our continued success. Whether it's food, beverages and/or catering, we will continue to strive to please the Butler area's appetites.”

She said that Monroe has won Readers' Choice awards in other categories in past contests.

Dr. Paul Keelan of Keelan Dental in Butler Township received the gold award for the best dentist.

Keelan commended his staff and thanked his patients.

“It's very humbling. It's a great honor,” Keelan said. “My team works hard to treat our patients right. It's rewarding to be recognized by our patients.”

He said this year's gold award marks the fourth time he has won.

Moses Jewelers, which has stores in the Clearview Mall and Seven Fields and is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, won the best family business award, a new category.

Larry Moses, who co-owns the business with his brother, Tim Moses, said their customers deserve “our appreciation and gratitude” for their votes.

“We're very grateful. We're very appreciative,” he said.

He said his parents, who came from humble beginnings, opened the business Jan. 5, 1949.

Keith Graham, Butler Eagle vice president of advertising, thanked readers who voted and congratulated the businesses.

“This is the ninth year we have conducted a readers' choice survey of businesses in Butler County,” Graham said. “After hand counting over 51,000 votes in 181 categories, we are proud to announce the businesses that won and the individuals who received a piece of our $2,000 prize package. I would like to personally thank everyone who took the time to complete the ballots and congratulate all the businesses that won an award.”