Debbie's Downtown Floral opens in Lincoln

[January 25, 2018] 

LINCOLN

When local floral shop owner Bill Bree announced he was going to close his shop and retire, it was a sad day for many of us. While everyone deserves to enjoy retirement and rest after a long career, the thought of not having the lovely Three Roses Flower Shop as a warm friendly place to stop in and shop was heartbreaking.

Well, we can all take heart now, because the shop has re-opened, and inside shoppers will find many of the familiar things from the old store, including the owner, Debbie Theobald. Debbie worked at Three Roses and was as much a part of the business as Bill. Now she is the owner, a dream come true for her.

Debbie said recently that in her heart she always wanted to own a shop, but had not gotten there. She began flower arranging at a young age, starting in high school then going to the School of Floriculture where she learned under the tutelage of Tom Tibbs. For more than 40 years she has worked in flower shops in Springfield and Lincoln.

When Bree announced he was going to retire, Debbie really didn't consider taking over the shop at first. But, she gave it a lot of thought and decided that if there were ever a time to take the plunge, that time was now.

The new store - Debbie's Downtown Floral is a fresh take with some very familiar components. The lovely fireplace is still there, as is the beautiful self-playing grand piano. The style and class that was a natural part of the store when Bree owned it is still ever present in the new store.

While Theobald is adding her personal signature to the new business, those who loved Three Roses will find familiar comfort in the new store.

Debbie's Downtown Floral is located at 123 S. Kickapoo Street in Lincoln. The store is open five and a half days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday's 8 a.m. to noon. For special orders, call 217-732-3116.

[Nila Smith/Karen Hargis]