Premuim Press

Although there may be cheaper, Polaris Cleaners has repeatedly provided me with good service and delivered as promised. They are conveniently located right off of Polaris Parkway and they maintain reasonable hours (most nights until 7 p.m.). They have also done alterations for me, so all around, I think they do a nice job.

PROS: Reliably provide good service, on time
CONS: Cost - I'm not sure how it compares to other cleaners

Boyd's Polaris Tire & Service

A couple of warning lights had come on in my van and so my husband took it to Goodyear to have it checked out. They looked it over and couldn't find a problem and the van was returned to me without the warning light. Sure enough, the next morning the warning lights were back on so we took it to the dealer for service.

PROS: Convenient location
CONS: Slow to evaluate the problem, provided no solution but took payment

Senor Antonios Mexicano Rstrnt

This is probably my favorite local Mexican restaurant. The food is great but it's the system they have for their service that's fabulous. They have walkie-talkies so from the time you are seated, you can expect to immediately have someone stop at your table with chips and salsa. Soon after, the waiter takes drink orders, immediately delivered and then entree orders. It's so efficient - you rarely wait for anything (including the check). It's a very pleasant dining experience. You feel well cared for and really enjoy the food!

PROS: Great food, reasonably priced, incredibly efficient service
CONS: can get pretty crowded

Meijer Incorporated

Meijer is my first choice for weekly grocery shopping. I think they offer a pretty wide selection of most products at reasonable prices. I've priced things between all of the stores and for the items and brands that my family prefers, I can reliably get the best value.

They do double coupons up to 50 cents and they also offer gas rewards for use at the Meijer gas station (in front of the store). Checkouts are usually reasonable and they do offer self-checkout.

PROS: Best value for most grocery items and brands
CONS: Deli and meat sections aren't so fabulous

Giant Eagle Pharmacy

I have a large family of six so grocery shopping is quite a large expense. I have shopped all of the area stores and I've identified which stores I prefer for specific items.

Generally speaking, I don't go to Giant Eagle for the weekly grocery run BUT I do watch their ads and sometimes they are very price competitive on grocery commodities. However, they are usually more expensive than the rest.

I will always go to Giant Eagle for their selection of deli meats and cheeses - far better than any other in the area. They also have a great bakery - it's not uncommon for them to pull bread out of the oven and slice it for you on the spot. They have a wonderful selection of fresh meat and seafood and they normally have the best looking fresh fruits and veggies (a large organic selection also). Large wine and refrigerated beer section. Handy self-checkout.

PROS: Best presentation in the area, fab deli, bakery, fruits, veggies, meats
CONS: More expensive, can get very crowded

Petland

My son just took on the responsibility of caring for fish. I know nothing about fish so I stopped in to Petland to get supplies. Obviously, I had no clue what I should get and so, as I moved from department to department, I talked to multiple employees who educated me on all things fish. Yes, their stuff was more expensive than stores like Walmart or Meijer, but for a newbie - it was worth it.

I wasn't sure what type of fish to get and one employee explained the differences between the multiple types of gold fish they had - some fish weren't fed as frequently as others, so they weren't as hardy. I would never have known that and I don't know how frequently Walmart feeds their goldfish! You get the point...

PROS: Knowledgeable employees, many pet and pet supply options
CONS: More expensive than non-specialty, "big box" stores

Supreme Title Agency

My husband and I have bought several investment properties and we've worked with a number of title companies. We've learned (the hard way) that when the title company makes a mistake, the deal doesn't get done. So now, when we can, we choose Supreme Title. Most people don't consider selecting a title company - they just rely on the mortgage company or realtor to make that choice. The nature of those selections may be based on things OTHER than what's in your best interest. Through our experience, the title company's role is much too important to leave the choice up to someone else.

PROS: Efficient, thorough, accessible
CONS: NA

Red Lobster

The benefit of chain restaurants is that you know what to expect when you dine - or at least you hope so. With the Red Lobster on Polaris Parkway, you're likely to have a different experience each time. The food is usually good but we do a fair amount of take-out and we have yet to bring home an order that's 100 percent right. We also make it home with hot food only about 50 percent of the time. Most of our restaurant dining experiences have been slow but the food was usually hot and tasted good. Recommended only for risk takers! ;-)

PROS: Generally good food that's reasonably priced.
CONS: Can't get a take-out order right to save their lives.

Hunan J Chinese Restaurant

Hunan J is my family's favorite Chinese take-out restaurant. It's conveniently located in Lewis Center (beside Drug Mart) and the owner is always very friendly and provides outstanding service. The food is great, reasonably priced and prepared quickly. Since we are "good customers," we sometimes get freebies. Highly recommended.

PROS: Great food, reasonably priced, quickly prepared. Very friendly.
CONS: NA

PostNet

I've only used Postnet for shipping but I've been very satisified with their service so I continue to go back. They are very friendly and efficient. Prices are completely reasonable. I've also stopped there to pick up UPS supplies and they are always happy to help.

PROS: Helpful, efficient and reasonably priced.
CONS: I've only used them for shipping so I can't speak for all services.