The Fresh Bunch
The Fresh Bunch (formerly '2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers') is your all-access pass into the wild and wonderful world of flowers. Hosted by Michael Black, Mimi Pacheco, Ryan Black, and producer, Joel, keeping us sounding fresh—we bring you unfiltered conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the floral industry’s trends, challenges, and characters. From flower fails to petal-powered success stories, each episode blends laughs, insights, and special guests from all corners of the flower world. It’s part podcast, part therapy, and all fresh—welcome to The Fresh Bunch - a Jet Fresh Flowers podcast.
The Fresh Bunch
Ep. 179 - Flowers, Family & Outstanding Varieties with Dave Mitchell of Mitchell's Florist
This week on The Fresh Bunch Podcast, we’re joined by David Mitchell, President of Mitchell’s Florist & Flower Delivery — a family-owned shop that’s been blooming in Chicago’s southwest suburbs for more than 50 years. From humble beginnings in a converted farmhouse to becoming a floral staple in Orland Park and Hinsdale, Mitchell’s story is one of tradition, resilience, and reinvention.
David opens up about what it’s really like running a multi-generational flower shop — the joy, the pressure, and yes, even the occasional funeral order with a mobster punchline. We dive into the realities of navigating tariffs in floral buying, the underrated power of standing orders, and why practicing gratitude is essential in the fast-paced world of events.
You’ll also hear about David’s leadership within the Society of American Florists, his behind-the-scenes perspective on the Outstanding Varieties Competition, and — because no Chicago story is complete without it — a very important debate on Italian beef.
This episode is packed with heart, humor, and honesty. You won’t want to miss it.
https://www.instagram.com/mitchellsflowers/
https://safnow.org/outstanding-varieties-competition/