When you step into Brattle Square Florist, not only are you greeted by a vibrant array of flowers, but owner Stephen Zedros welcomes you with a smile. At this remarkable flower shop, fresh-cut flowers coexist with the deep-rooted family history the shop has in Harvard Square. Brattle Square Florist is the oldest flower shop in all of Cambridge, and Zedros is a member of the original founding Gomatos family.
Currently located at 52 Brattle Street and nestled between L.A. Burdick Chocolates and Italian restaurant Toscano, Brattle Square Florist has been in business for over 100 years. Zedros recently reclaimed the store in 2022, returning ownership back to his family, but has been involved with the shop since long before that. “[The] store’s been around for 107 years, and I’ve been coming in for about 45,” he said. Behind every beautiful bouquet, there is over a century of family tradition.
The loyal customers are one of the leading reasons why Brattle Square Florist has stayed in business for so long. Zedros is known for his charming personality and extraordinary ability to remember every face that walks into his shop. Even during our interview, he stepped away for a moment to speak with a customer he seemed quite familiar with. When asked about the customer’s connection with Brattle Square Florist, Zedros explained how “she’s been coming in for 20 years.” These long-standing customer relationships are a testament to the integrity of the shop. “Value and quality,” Zedros claimed, are the reasons his customers keep coming back.
On top of Zedros’ connections with his customers, the staff’s incredible dedication to the shop has ensured customer loyalty. “The store’s open 363 days a year,” Zedros noted. “I’m here all 363 days.” Even in 2022 when the shop moved locations from 31 to 52 Brattle Street, there was no letup in operations. “We were continuous. We closed that store down one day and came here the same day, the next day we continued on. Didn’t take any days off,” Zedros proudly reported.
One relationship Brattle Square Florist has maintained throughout its years is with Harvard students. “Whenever the school session is in it’s very, very busy,” said Zedros. He noted his familiarity with many Harvard organizations because of the business they bring into the shop during their performances. “AADT [Asian American Dance Troupe], and then Eleganza…the plays, and the musicals, and the choirs,” he listed. “I have to know when [those events] are so I [can] order extra bouquets.” Referring to the Harvard students, he said, “They’re great. Absolutely great. Each and every one,” Yet performances from the Harvard student body are not the only thing Zedros needs to prepare for.
April showers bring May flowers, which for Brattle Square Florist means a new variety of products. “Different flowers for different seasons,” noted Zedros. Last Thursday, a number of orange flowers began to pop up in the store. “Those are marigolds. It’s Day of the Dead October 31st, that’s the flower,” said Zedros. “Next will be probably Thanksgiving, and that’s like Mum plants.” Zedros takes the holidays seriously, because for him, they mean business. “For Christmas, red and white poinsettias,” he said. “Valentine’s Day, tons of roses. Most of the guys like roses, they don’t want to deviate.” It is clear that Zedros is an expert in his field.
The changing of the seasons may be predictable for flowers, but Zedros could not have guessed all of the changes that would impact Brattle Square Florist in his extensive time in Harvard Square. For one, the products available. “It used to be things were grown around here and Holland was a big producer, and now Ecuador and Colombia have learned the trade and they send a lot of flowers over,” said Zedros. The internet has additionally been a huge modernizer. “It’s actually better because it’s faster. The order goes through fast, it’s processed faster, and we make the delivery faster.”
Despite these benefits, there have also been drawbacks to the change. “I would say it was more interesting back then,” noted Zedros. “It’s been really hard for people to stay in business with how expensive it is to be in Harvard Square.” The changing atmosphere of the square is undoubtedly detrimental in some ways. But through the changing times, Brattle Square Florist has customers who keep coming back.
Brattle Square Florist is a testament that hard work truly does pay off. The shop’s commitment to excellence along with Zedros’ outstanding leadership and passion have created a warm, welcoming flower shop that keeps customers returning for decades. And that’s the best part about the job—at least for Zedros: “The people you meet. It’s amazing.”
Heidi Heffelfinger ’26 (heidiheffelfinger@college.harvard.edu) wonders if 107 years of family flower shop wisdom can help her finally keep a succulent alive.