Lemoore's downtown future a lot rosier thanks to move by Ramblin' Rose to new digs

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 - 6:22pm By Ed Martin, The Leader Editor

Proud of their new location: Owners Chris Brazil (far left) and John Miller (far right) join employees (left to right) Cathy Morse, Samie Souza and Stacie Holmes in the new Ramblin' Rose.

Photo by Ed Martin

Ramblin’ Rose, one of Lemoore’s most established businesses, is celebrating its 25th year in business as a florist shop, and what better way to celebrate than making a big move to a bigger and more attractive location. After months in the making, owners Chris Brazil, who started the business 25 years ago, and partner John Miller, finally made the move a couple of weeks ago and by the look of things the flower-buying public is impressed.

The two savvy businessmen are more than pleased with the new digs. The new store, located at the corner of 246 Heinlen, may be just next door to their old shop, but it’s bigger and much more noticeable, since it’s located on the corner of one of Lemoore’s busiest thoroughfares. The store, which has been vacant for about four years due to the closure of Leoni’s Pharmacy, had been under consideration by the two for some time before they finally decided to make the plunge a few months ago.

“The building had been empty for almost four years and the economy finally started improving. We also have much better exposure,” said Brazil in the shop’s brand new flower arranging work station, which smelled like a spring summer day in the garden.

Rambli' Rose owners Chris Brazil and John Miller.

Photo by Ed Martin

“And we always thought all along that this would be a great location for a flower shop,” said Miller. “It’s always great to have a business on a corner. We just weren’t in a position to do that four years ago, but we looked at it last year and said it’s now or never, let’s go forward.”

Brazil said the new shop adds much to the business climate of the city. “It really improves the look of the downtown. It’s an awesome looking building and it’s beautiful now.”

Miller said it’s important that their business remain relevant and making this move helps the business improve and expand.

And indeed there have been many changes, including over 600 additional of floor space, massive corner windows to display their products, and two new coolers to keep their flowers fresh. They previously had to rent storage space during busy months. They also have a consultation room for special events such as weddings as well as funerals. They were able to restore and preserve the original 1904 hardwood flooring in the front part of the store.

“We can do more work in this building because we have a work room that’s three times as big and this work room is where we make our money,” Brazil said

The building actually belongs to the local Odd Fellows organization and it was happy to make the lease, having had it vacant for the better part of four years.

The move came just in time. February is one of the busiest months for flowers and Brazil and Miller are ready for the Valentine’s Day rush.

The pair says they’ve received nothing but raves about their new store location. “We’ve already had people come by and ask us how long we’ve been here. We say since early January, but we’ve really been here for 24 years.”

Locals are indeed impressed. “We’ve had people come by and tells us thank you for illuminating the Odd Fellows building at night because it’s a historic building and we have the light shining on it again. I think it’s helped the spirits of people in Lemoore,” said Miller.

Ramblin Rose is located at 246 Heinlen St. and be contacted at 924-3863. You can also contact them at www.ramblinroseflorist.net.