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May 15, 2023

‘Like old Harvard Square’: Revered Cambridge florist reopens in new home

Several months after Brattle Square Florist was slated to close, the beloved

Several months after Brattle Square Florist was slated to close, the beloved flower shop has opened in a new location just steps away from its former storefront.

Longtime manager and new owner Stephen Zedros said he worked until 11 p.m. the night before to prepare for Wednesday's grand reopening at 52 Brattle St. in Harvard Square.

"This is the perfect place," said Zedros. "I think we’ve landed in the right spot. There are a ton of mom and pop stores on this block too, so it feels like old Harvard Square."

The new location, just two blocks and across the street from the old one, is the latest development in the 105-year history of the florist, which began when Zedros’ grandparents opened Gomatos Brothers Fresh Produce in 1917. It later became Brattle Square Florist, and over the years, the shop has developed into a mainstay of the Harvard Square community.

Zedros said while it was difficult to break the news of the move to customers who had visited the 31 Brattle St. location for decades, many patrons were happy that the flower shop would remain open at all.

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In late December, former owner Randy Ricker announced that Brattle Square Florist would be closing due to increasing costs, the labor shortage, and uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Inspired by his family legacy and community support, Zedros decided to take over as owner in early February.

Elements of the florist's former location remain at the smaller 1,200-square-foot store, including its classic brick façade and hanging plants. An hour after the new spot opened its doors, the shop had already had nearly 15 customers, Zedros said.

"[The customers] are incredibly loyal and supportive people," he said. "Being able to keep the place alive and keep the store running was my priority, and it worked out."

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Supply chain issues and the skyrocketing cost of certain blooms still persist, Zedros said. But he remains optimistic for the store's next 100 years, with goals to "keep everybody here employed, and keep [Brattle Square Florist] the way it used to be."

Annie Probert can be reached at [email protected].