FORT HALL — There are two banners hanging from the ceiling at Physical Therapy Specialists of Idaho for first-place honors from the Idaho State Journal Readers’ Choice event in 2017 and 2018.

The Pocatello company will have to make room for another, as Corey Rasmussen was voted the top physical therapist in the area at the 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards.

“We just kind of hold ourselves to a higher standard, consistently trying to better ourselves and learn more, so we can provide the latest and greatest in physical therapy for the community,” said Rasmussen, the owner of Physical Therapy Specialists of Idaho. “I’ve surrounded myself with great people. I have a great staff from the front door to marketing to all the therapists.”

Rasmussen and a plethora of other individuals and businesses were honored Thursday at the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Event Center in Fort Hall during the event, presented by Bingham Healthcare.

There were 133 categories voted on by Journal readers.

Fuji Japanese Steak House was among places that showed it’s established a foothold in Pocatello, appearing in the top 3 in four categories in the restaurant’s third year in Pocatello.

The hibachi place was named the most romantic restaurant, plus it was runner-up in fine dining and Asian food in addition to being third in seafood.

“It’s the most good place for the local people to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and graduation,” said Fuji Japanese Steak House owner Karen Deng. “We offer a whole environment. The atmosphere is so good. People love the chef cooking in front of you. It’s so fun. And thank you so much for all the support from our community.”

The supreme support that encouraged Pocatello’s Thai Zap to expand later this year showed in the Journal’s contest, as the Thai place was voted best food truck and third-best Asian restaurant. Thai Zap is becoming more than a food truck, with plans of opening a Thai Zap restaurant in one or two months in Pocatello.

“They come and they come back – that’s why they make us so popular,” said Thai Zap owner Mam Phranasith, who was grateful for the community’s support.

Heritage Home Health and Hospice was another business that made the top 3 in multiple categories, placing first in Home Health and second in hospice.

“It speaks to what our motto is and that’s putting patients first,” said DaNae Young, the regional account manager for Heritage Home Health and Hospice. “They’re our No. 1 priority and our business model.”

Jakers Bar and Grill was first in dessert, gluten-free meals and as a steakhouse, while Sandpiper Restaurant was first in fine dining and seafood. Tough Guy Bowling Lanes was first for chicken wings. Big Foot Pizza won for best pizza, El Caporal Mexican Restaurant won for best Mexican food and Buddy’s Italian Restaurant was recognized for best Italian food.

The Sand Trap owner Corey Wight was named top chef and caterer.

Pocatello Electric was named top home appliance store for the 12th consecutive year and tabbed first in customer service.

The remaining sponsors for the Readers’ Choice Awards were: Pocatello Electric, Maple Street Sit N Sleep, Miracle-Ear, Pocatello/Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce and Idaho Central Credit Union.