Diane and David Benigni had been searching for the perfect business opportunity for many years. They knew that opening their own company would require a sizable investment, but could never find a business that they felt offered the right risk to reward ratio. Diane was always drawn to the floral industry, although the number of local florists left her feeling that the market for floral products might already be met. Finally they discovered Edible Arrangements®, a franchise concept launched in East Haven, Connecticut in 1999 that was growing by leaps and bounds. Realizing that they had found the opportunity they sought, Diane and David opened their own Edible Arrangements® franchise in October 2007. We visited with Diane and David recently, and listened as they provided this overview of Edible Arrangements' unique offerings;

Edible Arrangements® offers floral fruit arrangements that couple floral beauty with incredible taste. We create fresh bouquets that are made of fruit that look like floral arrangements. We use a variety of fresh fruit which includes strawberries, pineapples, grapes, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydews, bananas, and pears. They are guaranteed fresh and are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes.

Our arrangements have the visual appeal of floral products while providing a fresh, healthy, aesthetically pleasing alternative. Each of our bouquets is multi-functional and can be used for birthdays, anniversaries, get well gifts, Valentine's Day presents, thinking-of-you tokens, and funeral remembrances. To personalize your bouquet, we offer mylar balloons, Russ Teddy Bears, Shining Stars, and Swing Greeting Cards exclusive to Edible Arrangements®.

We have arrangements featuring an assortment of fruit and others designed specifically for strawberry lovers, pineapple lovers, and chocolate lovers. We can chocolate dip any fruit except melons in Hershey's chocolate, and we can also add fudge to any arrangement. Ideally we suggest placing your order twenty-four hours in advance, although over the holidays we recommend placing your order as early as possible.

Edible Arrangements® has just launched our new Kids and Kids at Heart Collection featuring Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Mickey Mouse, Sesame Street, Hello Kitty, SpongeBob Squarepants, Thomas the Tank, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora the Explorer, and Disney Princess containers. Specifically designed with children in mind, these arrangements promote healthy eating. All children's arrangements are made with child-safe skewers.

Edible Arrangements® provides unique gift items that are always fresh, always healthy, and always beautiful. Call Edible Arrangements® today, and don't forget to tell them The Brunswick, Ohio Community Advocate sent you!