For the 12th consecutive year, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal is proud to present the Readers Choice Best of Lubbock Awards!

This annual event is a chance for you - the reader - to recognize the best Lubbock businesses in approximately 140 different categories. You chose your favorites in everything from banks to burgers, pest control to pizza.

Approximately 2,500 ballots were submitted during the 10-day voting period this year. Once all the ballots were amassed, a team of three people started the arduous counting process. As the deadline for the final results loomed closer, eight additional people were called in to help count during the final few days.

Our staff has worked hard to bring this section together to recognize the winners. It gives you an opportunity to see if your favorite person or place is the best, and maybe expose you to places you weren't aware of before.

We want to thank the readers who took the time to vote in this year's Best of Lubbock awards!