Published: May 06, 2024

Koraleski Flowers won’t reopen at mall

BY JAMES TRUMM BLADE STAFF WRITER

Something will be missing from Toledo this Mother’s Day.

Koraleski Flowers, a West Toledo institution since 1994, has ceased operation at the Macy’s parking lot at Franklin Park Mall.

“Mother’s Day weekend was always the best time for our business,” said greenhouse owner Darren Koraleski. “Everyone is just starting to plant, getting gifts for mom, and planning their gardens. Everything is growing great and everybody’s happy.”

According to Mr. Koraleski, the closure of the business was necessitated by Macy’s plans to redevelop the space and establish a restaurant there.

“I’m grateful for what Macy’s has done for us and what they did over the years. They wanted to move on and make a change,” he said.

The Macy’s store manager, Teri Shalk, said she was not authorized to comment on the departure of the Koraleski greenhouse.

A spokesman for Franklin Park Mall, Julie Sanderson said, “Franklin Park wishes Koraleski the best in their future business operations.”

Originally located in the Westgate shopping center, Koraleski Flowers attracted customers from Old Orchard, Ottawa Hills, the University of Toldeo area, and beyond.

One of them, Marilee Motto, made a habit of coming there from her home in Old Polish Village.

“Koraleski’s was a place where it felt like you weren’t a customer — they really valued every person that came through the door,” Ms. Motto said.

The business moved to the Franklin Park Mall parking lot around 2007 after the Westgate shopping center was redeveloped. “It was tough to start at a new location because the customer base was from Westgate,” Mr. Koraleski remembered. “And it was at the start of the recession — the worst possible time I could have moved.”

Nevertheless, the business began attracting new customers. One of them was Deborah Nichols Rummell, who lives in Reynolds Corners.

“We do have many other local businesses that offer this same type of flowers and plants for sale, but none like Koraleski’s,” Mrs. Rummell said. “Plus the family that ran it were beyond nice. They answered all our questions and offered great suggestions, too.”

When asked who among his many customers was his favorite, Mr. Koraleski didn’t hesitate: “All of them,“ he said. “I’m grateful for everyone who walked in the door.”

Reflecting on his three decades of business, Mr. Koraleski acknowledged that it’s been difficult for him to let go.

“This is what I’ve done my whole life, and this is the first spring I have been at home. It’s really strange,” he said. “It’s been hard. I’ve been in the greenhouse since I was 15.”

One of the unique products the greenhouse sold was Darren’s Secret Feed, a fertilizer mix developed by Mr. Koraleski himself.

“All my old customers are asking about it now,” Mr. Koraleski said. “I came up with it 14 years ago. It’s my own formula. People always asked, ‘Why do your plants look better than everyone else’s?’ And that’s why. That’s what I hope to do now. We’re going to mix some up and sell at farmers’ markets and through social media. I want to keep it in stock for my customers.”

Contact James Trumm at jtrumm@theblade.com