Whether the occasion is happy or sad, the Saparzadeh family has come to the aid of Houstonians for 35 years, providing just the right feel for any event. Now the family-owned River Oaks Plant House is closing its doors at the location where it all began. The move is to make way for St. John's school to expand. The school purchased the land that was leased by the flower shop, so it's adios by December 31.
"We have too many wonderful customers. I should say friends that we really appreciate," owner John Saparzadeh said.
Saparzadeh runs the business that his uncle started 35 years ago after his family left Iran with almost nothing. What began as a tent blossomed into this a store best known for the topiaries that line Buffalo Speedway and became famous across the country.
"We're all very sad, we're gonna miss it a lot. its kind of a bittersweet Christmas," customer Lynn Kelly said.
It's a sad goodbye for Houstonians who say this is a business where everyone knows your name and what kind of plants suit your taste and the occasion. That's no small feat and a staff of loyal employees, many of whom have been there since the start, are uncertain when or where they will work after the Plant House closes.
The Saparzadehs are looking at new locations but have not yet secured the new home for this Houston institution. They vow to re-open as soon as possible.
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