Gary Grana working at the original Grand Frame, circa 1974
Current Grand Frame ownership-Matt and Christina Grana, with their daughter Claire
A FAMILY BUSINESS WITH FAMILY VALUES
Grand Frame’s longtime location started in 1974 when Gary Grana, then 17 years old along with his parents Greg and Rita opened the store in a modest retail space in the downtown area of Arlington Heights.
An art student at Forest View High School, Gary Grana quickly established the store as one of the metropolitan area’s premier frame shops. In 1982 Gary’s wife, Carrie joined the company, and they moved the business to the current location on Arlington Heights Road.
By the mid-1980’s the Grana family added locations in the nearby suburbs of Park Ridge and Norridge (both of which they sold in 1992) and expanded their presence in the local business community by becoming local community leaders through the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.
As the business expanded through the years, Grand Frame established itself as a preeminent framer for not only individual customers, but also corporate clients. Among its notable customers: United Continental Holdings, Coca-Cola, The Chicago White Sox and The Chicago Bears.
The corporate and residential business continues today, along with a bevy of services, including custom framing, photo restoration, digital printing, custom shadowboxes and Picture Hanging.
50 years later Gary and Carrie’s son and daughter in law are now at the helm of the family business. Matt grew up in the shop, learning the art of business from his parents. Christina joined the company after a sixteen year tenure in senior management at Nordstrom. Together, they continue to honor the family tradition and operate Grand Frame as a husband and wife team. In 2023, The Grana’s expanded their presence in the Northwest Suburbs and launched a second store location in Barrington, IL.
The Grana family and Grand Frame staff continues to operate under the same principles that Gary established in 1974- create an outstanding product, provide great design, and offer competitive pricing. We would love to meet you and hear your story, please stop in so you can see how Grand Frame will preserve your artwork for your home or office for a lifetime!
Explore our range of custom framing options
and experience the difference in quality craftsmanship. Get in touch today and let’s start framing your memories!”