Q Florist is one of those cozy neighborhood shops that quietly preserve the authentic spirit of New York. It does so in a beautifully simple way – by offering flowers. For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have been coming here for floral arrangements and soaking in the shop’s unmistakable atmosphere. Many describe Q Florist as a familiar refuge amid the city’s nonstop bustle. That feeling comes naturally: the shop is a family business rooted in tradition, history, and long-standing values of the floral trade. Let’s take a look back at a story that began in 1968 and continues today on Columbus Avenue, as reported by the website new-york.name.
The History of Flowers in New York City
New York has always been known for its diversity – of places, shops, and traditions. Native New Yorkers lived side by side with newcomers from around the world who chose the city as their new home. Along with everyday goods, businesses that offered beauty and emotion gradually gained popularity. Flowers were among them, and New Yorkers built an entire industry around floral design. When talking about the history of flowers in the city, one place stands out above all: New York’s Flower District. While flower shops existed in many neighborhoods, it was 28th Street that brought florists together. This happened in the late 19th century.
Demand finally met supply. Vendors offered a wide selection of flowers, florists came daily to stock their shops, and New Yorkers proudly brought this beauty into their homes. The wholesale flower market became the starting point for many local businesses. By the mid-20th century, stylish flower shops had spread throughout nearby neighborhoods. Flowers were imported from abroad and found their way into homes across the city. This trade was especially appealing to new immigrants looking to carve out a place for themselves in America. That’s why New York is still home to so many flower shops with long histories – businesses that began long before trendy chains ever existed. One of the earliest shops on Columbus Avenue was Q Florist, and that’s where our story continues.
A Family Business
The story of Q Florist is a classic American dream brought to life. For generations, the United States has attracted people chasing opportunity and success. The idea of limitless possibilities became one of the country’s defining narratives, and it drew in Gus Bazas, the founder of Q Florist. Bazas was originally from Greece. He left his hometown of Nafpaktos in search of a new life in New York City. He arrived at the right place and time. The city was thriving, and the flower business was in demand but not yet oversaturated. In 1966, Gus became a regular customer at the famous wholesale flower market in Chelsea. Every day, he carefully selected fresh flowers for his small operation. He sold them from a cart on Central Park West and dreamed of something bigger.
His dedication did not go unnoticed. Passersby admired his work, and Gus built a loyal following. He already had a storage space, and growing confidence from repeat customers pushed him forward. One of those customers was legendary TV anchor Peter Jennings, who lived nearby and became a regular. Jennings strongly supported the young entrepreneur, and in 1968 Gus Bazas finally opened his own shop. He used his storage space to launch the business, marking the beginning of Q Florist on Columbus Avenue. The shop was among the first of its kind in the neighborhood, securing its place in New York City history.
As the business grew, Gus brought his children into the operation. He passed on his skills and the core principles behind Q Florist. While he planned to stay involved for many years, by the 1970s the shop had two new owners – Nick and Stacey. They carried the spirit of the flower shop through the decades, keeping the family business strong and intact. In 2015, Gus Bazas passed away, having devoted himself to his passion until the very end. Today, his son and daughter not only continue to grow Q Florist but also bring the next generation into the business, honoring family tradition.
The Principles Behind Q Florist
Q Florist is known not only for its long history but also for a reputation built over decades. Creating a good name is hard, and losing it is easy. Yet for this shop, reputation has never been an obstacle. The family truly loves what they do, and that passion shows. Their principles have turned countless visitors into loyal customers. So what’s the secret?
Although Q Florist is a business, profit has never outweighed the human side of the story. What draws people in first is the atmosphere. The shop feels warm and inviting, almost like home. You won’t find every fleeting trend of the fashion world here, but that doesn’t mean it lacks style. On the contrary, Q Florist offers something genuine in a city obsessed with constant change. It feels much the same as it did when it first opened, back when every small shop on Columbus Avenue had its own character. That continuity reflects the founder’s vision and the values he passed on to his children.
Another core principle is quality – right there in the name, as the “Q” stands for quality. Even before the business had a permanent location, Gus Bazas rushed every day to choose the best flowers for his customers. That dedication fueled the shop’s rapid growth. Today, Q Florist receives fresh flowers daily from all over the world. Over the years, the owners have only refined and improved their system.
Customer focus is another hallmark of the shop. From the very beginning in 1968, Q Florist attracted nearby businesses and local residents. People came here for flowers for every occasion, and that hasn’t changed. Customers still walk in who first experienced this service 10, 30, or even 50 years ago. Some remember Gus personally, others grew up with Nick and Stacey, but the love for the shop remains the same. Over time, the team has learned every client’s preferences by heart. They even have a special way of winning over the youngest New Yorkers – a free carnation for children.
The Symbol of Q Florist
As New York evolved, so did the flower shop. Nick and Stacey Bazas faced a new challenge: staying relevant without betraying their history. They preserved the shop’s uniqueness, leaned into emotion, and embraced modern ideas. In 2013, Nick Bazas introduced a new guardian of the store – a massive wooden bear placed in front of the window. The sculpture was commissioned from an artist on Staten Island and turned out to be strikingly authentic and beautiful, perfectly capturing the spirit of Q Florist. The bear even received a name – Nick – after a local police officer, as Bazas once explained. The sculpture quickly caught the attention of New Yorkers, and the team began promoting it under the hashtag #ColumbusAvenueBear.
The bear is also a style icon. It regularly appears in new outfits that surprise passersby. The shop updates the sculpture’s look for every season and holiday. Over the years, the bear has been seen grilling at a barbecue, skiing, playing soccer, dressed as Pennywise, Captain America, and more. Eventually, the guardian gained company – two smaller bear cubs that now “hold down the fort.” Together, they’ve become a beloved symbol of Q Florist.
The storefront window keeps up with the same creative energy. If you think you’ll recognize it by a fixed signature style, think again. The only constant is originality and boldness. Q Florist avoids the minimalist branding typical of a big city. Instead, its strength lies in constant reinvention. One day the entrance is covered in red roses, another day pumpkins surround the door. The décor changes with the seasons, holidays, or simply a new burst of inspiration. That ever-changing creativity is what makes Q Florist a truly authentic family business.
