Local hardware store Higginbotham Bartlett will be offering thanks to its customers in the form of hot dogs and hamburgers July 18, as the company celebrates its recent award of Best Hardware Store and Best Paint Dealer in the Herald's Reader's Choice poll.

Wanda Mundell, assistant manager of the hardware store, said it's the first time the local retailer has won the award, and company officials wanted to offer their thanks with a free lunch.

“Every year prior, Harris Lumber has won the hardware award and Sherwin Williams has won the paint dealer award,” said Mundell. “For us to win both in the same year after so many years, that was something very special for us. The company wanted to celebrate, and we thought this would be an excellent way to say thanks to the community.”

Mundell said hamburgers and hot dogs will be served with all the trimmings, including drinks, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the store's warehouse area, with popcorn served throughout the day.

As for the leadership that helped the store win the award, Mundell said that goes to a former manager.

“John Brock, who was our manager up until the first of this month, really turned things around,” said Mundell. “He stressed customer service to the employees, and the people we've hired are really good at it. I really feel that's what did the trick. That's why we were able to win the awards.”

Higginbotham Bartlett is located at 1900 E. FM 700.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it