At one time there were three florists in Garden City. Today, only one has withstood the test of time—Hengstenberg’s Florist.
On Monday, April 12, at 12:15 p.m. on Zoom, the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club will welcome Dorothy Christofides, proprietor of Hengstenberg’s Florist, located at 735 Franklin Ave. for the past 48 years. Christofides will be speaking about growing up in the business and seeing the many changes that have affected the industry.
Originally, the florist was known as “Theo Hengstenberg Son’s,” but re-opened as Hengstenberg’s in September of 2016. Why? Christofides explains that the fourth generation had taken over and “son’s” no longer applied.
Twelve years ago, Christofides took over the reins of Hengstenberg’s, a mom and pop florist that her parents, Toula and George Christofides had rescued in 1973. She will speak on returning full-time to the floral industry and finding passion for floral design, and contentment in working with an aging dad and a mom that had so much to teach.
Hengtenberg’s Florist—A Garden City Fixture
Chrisetofides strives to keep the values, quality and commitment that honor Toula and George and the business they have built over the years.
“Hengstenberg’s Florist is a true mom and pop fixture, which operates in a close knit community back then and now,” Chrisetofides said. “Computers, social media and Amazon have changed society and the floral industry.”
She recognizes that while the world has changed, Hengstenberg’s had to change a little while preserving its charm. What sets it apart is family, camaraderie in the workplace, service to customers and striving for quality to keep their flower arrangements looking like they have most certainly been created by Hengstenberg’s.
“We don’t see ourselves competing with anyone else. We just do our best,” she said.
Outstanding Small Business Award
Hengstenberg’s Florist was recently honored to have received The New York State Empire Award for outstanding small businesses. The award is given to exceptional businesses who go above and beyond in service to their community. Hengstenberg’s remains the oldest and longest florist operating in Garden City.
Christofides says the award could not have come at a better time having worked through 2020 and the pandemic. Christofides’ parents and staff, Donna, Raquel, Alex and Jill had to go home during this challenging time.
Christofides will speak to Rotary on how Hengstenberg’s Florist survived the pandemic and their hope for the future.
“We look forward to Easter, Mother’s Day, parties, weddings, promenades and many more good times to come,” she said.
Should you wish to attend the Zoom meeting on April 12 featuring Christofides’ story about Hengstenberg’s Florist, email Rotary president, Diane Marmann for the link at diane.marmann@gmail.com.
Upcoming Speakers
Monday, April 26, 12:15 p.m.—Jason Wotman of Mighty Quinn’s BBQ
—Submitted by Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club
