New "Champion's Martial Art" Studio On Court Street Erases All Traces Of The Old Gloria Flower Shoppe

Before

After

A few days ago I received the following email from Carroll Gardens resident Thomas:
"Yesterday I saw, for the first time, what they did to the former Gloria Flower Shop. I can't tell you how sickened I am at how they destroyed it's pristine, original 1930's/40's streamline-modern interior."

I couldn't agree with Thomas more. I had noticed the transformation of the former Gloria Flower Shoppe at 308 Court Street myself late last week. The new tenant, Champion's Martial Arts, which also operates several other locations in and around the Metropolitan area, has gut renovated the entire space in the past month.
Like Thomas, I felt deeply saddened when I saw that the flower shop's wonderful green and white tile display window has now been removed and the terrazzo entrance that featured the words "Gloria" has been covered in some type of quick set cement. One can be thankful that the martial arts studio kept the rounded store window.

Gloria Flower Shoppe opened at this location in the 1940s. When Gloria, the original owner, passed away, her son Sal took over. The store closed for good in late 2013.

By 2014, it was taken over by "Bizio & Soci", an expensive Italian clothing store. The boutique, however, kept the wonderful original tile work. Bizio closed this past September.

Of course, the new tenant, Champion, is under no obligation to retain details of the storefront's past, especially since that section of Court Street is not landmarked, but it would have been a wonderful nod to what was here before.

No doubt, Champion, which seems to cater to children, will do well in this kid-friendly neighborhood, but as I walk by, I will always be reminded of Gloria's wonderfully old-fashioned flower shop.



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After Closure Of Italian Boutique, Former Gloria Flower Shop For Rent Again

The former Gloria Flower Shop at 308 Court Street in early 2014

Bizio & Soci, an Italian clothing boutique, shortly after it opened in early summer 2014

The storefront at 308 Court Street empty again

It was a sad day when Gloria Flower Shoppe, an old time Carroll Gardens family-run business, closed its doors at 308 Court Street in early 2014 after one of its owners passed away.
The flower shop had been a part of the neighborhood since the 1940s and had a loyal clientele.
Gloria's also had had wonderful green and white tiles in the display window as well as its name in terrazzo in front of its door, which one could not help but notice while walking by.

In July 2014, Bizio and Soci, an Italian men's and women's apparel boutique, took over the storefront.  Thankfully, the owners kept the original tiles. However, the boutique did not seem to attract too many clients and it closed a few weeks ago, just a year after opening.

The storefront is now being leased again.  Douglas Elliman is advertising the space for $6,000 a month.

From the realtor's description:

"Extra wide signage frontage of 22.5 feet on Court Street with neighboring tenants including : Cobble Hill Cinemas , Trader Joes, CVS Pharmacy, Pure Barre, Barneys New York, TD, Starbucks, Kidville, Urban Outfitter.

Located within a .5 mile radius of 38,673 residents earning $126,293 average annual household income.

Court Street in Brooklyn is rich with trendy new stores and restaurants, family-run establishments that have been in business for over half a century. It is the melting pot of quintessential Brooklyn and the rapidly gentrifying city that adds to the appeal of Court Street. With its unique gastronomic scene, penchant for international flavors, and vibrant retail concepts COURT STREET MEANS BUSINESS!"

That description made me gag just a bit since there is mention of family-run establishments, yet the list of neighboring retail tenants includes mostly chain stores.

Don't know about you, but I miss Gloria's.

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Some Summer Openings, Closings And One Re-Opening In And Around Carroll Gardens

There were quite a few openings, closings and one re-opening in and around the neighborhood during the summer months that you may have missed, if like me, you have been traveling.
Here are just a few. If you can add to the list, let us know.

Eton now closed at 359 Sackett Street

After more than 5 years in the neighborhood, Eton, the neighborhood go-to dumpling spot, has closed its doors at 359 Sackett Street at the end of July.
In a farewell letter taped to the eatery's storefront, owner Eton Chan explains that his frozen dumplings will be available at local grocery stores starting this month.  That's good to know.

Eton encourages people to stay in touch through the eatery's Facebook page, though it does not seem to have been updated in quite some time.

If any readers happen to spot Eton dumplings in a local store, please share the info.

Bizio and Soci Boutique at 308 Court Street Now Open

Bizio and Soci, a new men's and women's apparel boutique opened earlier this summer at 308 Court Street, in the storefront formerly occupied by Gloria Flower Shop.
The boutique seems to be an outpost for a clothing store called Made in Heaven, located in Rome, Italy.
Glad to see that they left Gloria's great tile floor.
Has anyone checked it out?

New Kimchi Grill On Smith Street At 9th Street Gets Great Reviews

Kimchi Grill,  a relatively new Korean BBQ place located at 478 Smith Street at the corner of 9th Street is getting some pretty awesome reviews on Yelp.  The eatery was opened by Phillip Lee, known for his popular Kimchi Taco food truck.  Most people seem to have discovered the new eatery on their way back by shuttle from Ikea Red Hook.
The prices seem pretty reasonable.  Check out their menu here.
Put this one on your 'must try' list for this fall.

The Re-Opening Of Mastellone's At 303 Court Street . It's Now Called Carroll Gardens Market

Many were sorry to see Mastellone's, an old-fashioned, family-owned Italian deli/ superette close last summer. It was replaced by Big Apple Gourmet, a produce store owned by Billy Solmaz, who also runs Pacific Green, a popular Cobble Hill store at 303 Court Street at Pacific Street.
After less than a year, Big Apple Gourmet called it quits in April 2014.

Carroll Gardens Market opened at this location at the beginning of August. Apparently, it is run by Mastellone family, who owned the original Italian deli.

I popped into the new Carroll Gardens Market over the week-end. In addition to produce and the usual deli selection, the market also offers fresh meat.

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Old Time 'Gloria Flower Shoppe' Looking For New Owner On Court Street

Another old time Carroll Gardens business has recently closed its doors. After one of the owners passed away, Gloria Flower Shoppe at 308 Court Street was put up for sale in December.
I admit that in my 29 years in the neighborhood, I must have only bought flowers there three or four times.  Though the selection at Gloria Flower Shoppe was  limited, they always had beautiful roses and lilies.  I suppose the owners concentrated mostly on supplying wreath for funerals.
Back then, there were fewer places were one could purchase bouquets or houseplants in Carroll Gardens. Unlike today, not many of the delis carried fresh-cut flowers.
I always loved the green and white tiles in the display window as well as the terrazzo entrance that sported the store's name.
I am not sure how long the store had operated at this location, but the awning still display's a telephone number without an area code, which would indicate that it has been up since at least 1984, when Brooklyn was assigned the 718 code.  (Can anyone tell us when Gloria opened?)
One does not see many stores for sale on Court Street.  This one is listed by Brooklyn Real, which has an office just across the street.
Any information about the history of the store would be greatly appreciated.

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