Business Spotlight: Edible Arrangements Are A Yummy Alternative To Flowers

By Rochelle Karina
Rick Galbreath opened the Severna Park Edible Arrangements store in February 2009 because his first two stores – Annapolis, which opened in 2006 and Crofton, which opened in 2008 - were doing well and he saw Severna Park as a thriving, active, interesting community where the unique floral alternatives would be a hit. And he was right!

Galbreath spent much of his life in the car business, and when he was looking for a change of pace, he happened upon a franchise expo going on in D.C. The Edible Arrangement booth was one of the last he saw at the expo, he asked for more info and the rest is history.
He makes his home in Davidsonville, so Annapolis was an obvious choice for the franchise. With an active military and government presence, the need and desire for special-delivery gifts was there. A fruit arrangement is an ecologically sound, attractive alternative to flowers, and it’s good for you. Galbreath bought the Annapolis and Crofton franchises at the same time, but opened Annapolis first, following with Crofton two years later “because it just made sense.”
Galbreath explains, “Our product is what sets us apart. There is nothing like it out there. It’s flowers made out of fruit that you can eat. The product itself is special. Everything is made fresh daily, and delivered in a refrigerated truck. We even have same day order and delivery available,” he adds.
Galbreath believes in supporting the community he is in too. “We offer gift certificates to pretty much any school or church function or fund raiser. If a PTA or group is running a big event, and has promotional materials and they’re working to raise money, we can help out. We’ve done a lot of proms,” he notes.
Looking ahead, Galbreath says he’s looking for sustainable growth and some changes to the product line that will include new, exciting items. “I’m looking to expand and grow my business,” he says, “But I’m not changing what works!”
After all, the product is, as he said, unique. “It’s different from the norm. We can do arrangements for one or 51. The product line includes a huge variety, including chocolates.”
To find out more, visit the store at 344 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park, call 410-431-7030 or visit www.ediblearrangements.com.