Experience Knowledge Friendliness

Though there are many places in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to buy indoor and outdoor fireplaces, grills, and related items, it would be hard to find one with a more experienced and friendly staff than Flames Fireplaces and Gas Grills.

“There’s just something about us that people are attracted to,” said owner Mike Hands. “First of all, I’ve got my main guy (Dave Gruble), me and my (fireplace) installer (David Baker) have 100 years in this business. I’ve either owned or ran nearly every other place in town the last 40 years in Plano, Dallas, Allen, and here.”

Flames has been located just north of Stonebriar Mall in Frisco, since 2013. One of the reasons Hand chose Frisco is the huge growth not only in that city but others to the north and west including Castle Hills.

Good reviews and word of mouth especially on Google and Yelp also have helped tremendously. Referrals and repeat customers have been key.

“I think it’s based on our knowledge and our laid-back approach,” Mike added. “I’m the easiest guy to work for and I really like to cut up with the customers, have a good time and there’s no high pressure. I think all that combined is what makes people come from all over. Some drive 30 miles out of their way to see us passing 2-3 shops.”

Flames is only closed to the public three days a year – Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter though workaholic Mike can still be found there. When not in the store, the Richardson native and long-time resident spends time with his wife Melinda.

Like most new businesses, Flames struggled its first few years but had record sales in 2020, beat that in 2021, and has started off strong again in 2022 even during a normally slow time of year. Mike believes the pandemic has played a role with more people working from home. But there are plenty of other reasons.

“Our bread and butter are (vented and vent-free) gas logs and gas grills. We probably sell more gas logs than anyone in North Texas,” he said. “We hold our own in outdoor kitchens and grills.

Fireplaces are kind of a secondary thing but growing like crazy too.”

Besides R.H. Peterson and Real Fyre gas logs, Flames features a selection of outdoor kitchen accessories and contracts with an outside source to service gas grills.

While many businesses have been having supply issues, Flames is not among them thanks to Mike’s connections and relationships with about 10 nationwide distributors. Hand said he’s been told if he can’t find something, nobody can. Plus, he’s able to secure preferred pricing that he can pass along to his customers.

Flames’ small yet knowledgeable staff includes 86-year-old Duke Currie plus long-time friend John Whorton who has been working part-time for a year. They pride themselves on educating customers about available products and services to be able to make informed purchasing decisions.

“I’ve got the best guy in the city and my lifelong friend working for me and I’ve got the best installer in Dallas,” Mike said. “We’re all pretty personable and social people. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to be surrounded by.”

To learn more about Flames Fireplaces and Gas Grills, stop by the showroom at 3311 Preston Rd., Ste.14, visit flamesoftexas.com or call (214) 618-2301.