It was sad to find out that
Off Broadway Floral & Gift was closing its doors at the end of their business day on Dec. 31, 2025. I happened to be in there a few weeks before that to buy a Christmas wreath, and Jackie (one of the owners, along with her brother Kevin) let me know. The business had been for sale for some time, and on each visit I inquired as to whether a new owner had been found. There had been a lot of interest but selling a business is not an easy thing to do.
Off Broadway Floral & Gift had been my go-to florist ever since my father died in 2005. Mom and I stopped there three or four times a year to make sure that Dad had fresh flowers. She also liked to poke around in the gift shop and look at all the beautiful things for sale. The owners and staff were always so friendly and helpful.
When Mom died, I stopped in regularly as well on my way to Elmwood Cemetery. If I couldn't find an arrangement with a lot of blue (her favorite color) then the staff there were happy to make something up for me. I sure will miss those people.
The official Facebook message announcing the closing read, "With full hearts we are announcing that Off Broadway Floral will be closing our doors as we officially retire. After 37 wonderful years, it’s time for us to begin a new chapter. We are incredibly grateful for your loyalty over the years. You welcomed us into your homes, your weddings, celebrations, and even your hardest days. It has been an honor.
"Though the shop is closing, the memories we've made together will last forever. With love & appreciation, Kevin & Jacqueline."
I wish them both a Happy Retirement!
 | | From the Journal, Sept. 7, 1994 |
|
****
While preparing this post, I discovered that there had been a florist at that location (in the original building next to the current building) since the early 1960s at least.
Jan-Terry Flower and Gift Shop seems to have been the original business, owned by Rose Hencheck. Here's an early ad from October 30, 1963.
Other
Journal ads were few and far between. The business was eventually sold and transitioned to became Off Broadway Floral & Gift.
 |
| April 9, 1971 |
 |
| March 28, 1991 |
Florist / Gift Shop is a tough combo these days with everyone sitting on their butts and ordering everything for delivery online. And where the heck do you advertise with all the newspapers gone and local news extinct.
ReplyDeleteI wish them well and hope they managed to find a buyer. The world needs more flowers and gifts!
I was still at the Journal when Darlene Brown wrote the above article. Through her writing you really get to know not only about the business but people too. Todd
ReplyDelete