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Getting to Know the Neighborhood – Brookside Shops

The many great shops, restaurants and small businesses of Brookside are an essential component to what makes the Brookside neighborhood truly unique. Many of the great shops and businesses are locally owned, offering everything from delicious cuisine to one-of-a-kind floral arrangements and hand-crafted candles. Home to over 70 shops, restaurants, boutiques, offices and small businesses, we get up close and personal with three of our favorite neighborhood go-tos!

5B&Co. Candlemakers

Originally founded in Weston, Missouri by Marsha Flowers, former elementary school teacher Lori Woods was a frequent shopper at this charming candle shop. Lori mentioned to Marsha that she would love to open a store in Brookside. One thing led to another and, 6 months later, Lori’s Brookside dream became a reality.

5b&Co. Owner: Lori Woods

Fast forward to today and Lori just celebrated 15 years as the owner of Brookside’s 5B&Co. Candlemakers! A longtime favorite shop of Brookside Real Estate’s owner Jim Kraus and his wife Roberta, this lovely shop offers over 170 different candle scents to choose from. Lori said that 5B&Co’s customers’ favorite scent is “Brookside Bungalow.”

“Reminiscent of crisp summer air blowing through the windows on a quiet night complete with all the neighborhood charm as its namesake,” Brookside Bungalow is the perfect candle for all fans of the Brookside neighborhood!

When asked what she likes best about her shop being located in Brookside, Lori’s response was exactly the reason we too love to shop local: “It’s the people, they are very loyal,” Lori said. “Roberta Kraus has been shopping with me the entire time we’ve been in business. Brookside has a real feel of community and everyone wants to keep it that way.”

The Fiddly Fig

Now celebrating their 35th anniversary, this family owned and operated florist provides only the highest quality flowers, plants and gifts at the fairest possible prices. Whether you need arrangements for a wedding, graduation, a birthday, anniversary – or even just to say, “I’m thinking of you!” – Fiddly Fig is the local place to go.

One of the things we love most about Fiddly Fig is their dedication to customer service. Offering their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, Fiddly Fig will gladly replace your purchase if it does not meet your expectations – with absolutely no hassle.

One nearby customer said, “The flower arrangements, bouquets and ceremony décor for our wedding were absolutely beautiful! Fiddly Fig took my ideas and made them come to life even better than I could’ve imagined.”

The beauty and quality of Fiddly Fig’s floral arrangements speak for themselves, but the above and beyond customer service is what we at Brookside Real Estate admire the most about this local business. We are proud to be a part of such a wonderful community!

Brookside Barrio

New to the Brookside community this year, Brookside Barrio is the talk of the town! This warm and inviting taqueria-inspired restaurant offers “street” tacos and a variety of other Mexican-inspired items. With more outdoor seating than indoor, this casual restaurant is the perfect place to grab a drink while munching on some chips and salsa under the covered patio this summer!

When asked how Brookside has responded to the opening of Brookside Barrio, Luke Pickett, Managing Partner, said, “So far it’s been pretty great! We have been busy since we opened, and everyone has been really supportive.” Luke continued, “I live right down the street, so I love the neighborhood. It’s a very local, tight-knit community. Being local guys, this is where we wanted to be.”

After a couple of afternoon get-togethers at Brookside Barrio, the Realtors of Brookside Real Estate agree that this tasty south of the border culinary destination is the perfect addition to our community. If you haven’t visited yet, try out Brookside Barrio for yourself – with sunshine, fresh margaritas and a variety of specialty tacos, we don’t know of a better place to enjoy summer in Brookside!

Be sure to check out these unique businesses for yourself the next time you’re in Brookside. While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by 9 West 63rd Street – the home of Brookside Real Estate – when the flag is up, we’re open! We can’t wait to show you how you can make this special neighborhood your very own home!