Las Vegas' Best Businesses

Ken Venturi's Las Vegas Golf School

2005-02-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Recently I took up golf again after several years of dormancy. I wanted to improve my skills so I selected Ken Venturi Golf Academy's three-day school.

If you don't know, going to golf school is not a vacation. It's work, yes, but it's fun work. And Jimmy Fonda, my teaching pro, made learning easy with his non-judgmental, highly-instructional, low-key approach.

Add to that the picturesque setting of Badlands Golf Course and you have an experience that will help you play better golf.

They have golf schools in Las Vegas, Orlando, Estes Park, CO, and Greensboro, NC. Highly recommended.

Lou Christian's One-Price Dry Cleaners

2004-12-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

I'd gone through no less than six - count 'em - six dry cleaners in Las Vegas before I found Lou Christian's One-Price Dry Cleaners at 3400 S. Jones Blvd (just south of Desert Inn on the east side). Unlike most dry cleaning establishments that have apathetic and often rude employees, the people at Lou Christian's are friendly and courteous. They always immediately acknowledge your presence with a cheerful, "We'll be right with you!" And they apologize if you have to wait, which is rarely the case.

Their prices are great - much less than places like Al Phillips - and your clothes are always ready on time. They track your garments using a color-matching system that reduces lost items. They do have a $1 surcharge per order, though, that I don't like. They say it's to help keep their level of service high. The key is to bring in at least five items at a time to amortize the surcharge. They're the only dry cleaners I know of that will replace the inevitable crushed shirt buttons at no charge, so I guess it all works out in the wash.

Terrible's Auto Lube - Spring Mountain/Decatur

2004-12-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

When I bought my pre-owned Cadillac STS it had a maintenance sticker from Terrible's. So when it came time for service, I went to their Spring Mountain/Decatur location around ten minutes from closing time. The service tech was happy and cheerful and took care of my car in less than 15 minutes. And unlike at many other chain lube places, he didn't insult my intelligence by trying to sell me any unnecessary services.

Terrible's keeps a record of your car so that you can have the same oil put in each time - which, as I understand, helps your engine. And you get a free car wash with your service.

It was a pleasure to have my car serviced here. I can only assume that their other locations are the same way.

Fabulous Freddy's Car Wash

2004-12-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

Fabulous Freddy's Car Wash (three Las Vegas locations) offers several car wash options, from a $5 quickie to full detailing. I always choose the "Freddy's Special," at $22.95 because it includes just about everything.

Freddy's is unusual because all the employees are happy and extra-courteous - which is atypical for a car wash. From the cashier to the finishers, everyone always has a smile and says, "Have a Fabulous day!" One time, owner Fred Smith, who was dressed in a suit with a name tag, came outside to say hello to the customers waiting for their cars. Their service is fast and thorough.

Freddy's also helps the community by using recycled water and sponsoring charity fundraising events.

Be sure to ask the cashier about any specials as they often have unadvertised discounts just for asking.

Trader Joe's Grocery

2004-12-25T10:56:00.000-08:00

Why shop at an ordinary, impersonal, "dull-normal" supermarket where the clerks could care less about you or your needs when you can shop at a store where the people actually enjoy working there and they make you feel special and appreciated!

Trader Joe's (four Las Vegas locations) says their mission is to bring their customers the best food and beverage values and the information to make informed buying decisions. And they do!

Their people are happy, friendly and will go out of their way to help you. Compare that to the apathetic and often rude behavior you find at the major chain supermarkets. And their prices are comparable to - and often lower than - what you'll find at the majors.

And if you're single, Trader Joe's is a great place to mingle with people who are a cut above, and who are interested in staying healthy.