Nothing compares to the classic gift of a beautiful fresh flower bouquet. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or “just because” flowers are a sure way to brighten up a room and bring a smile to your face. No one in Brooklyn knows this better than at Zuzu’s Petals flower shop.
Zuzu’s Petals has been sending flowers to loved one’s for over 50 years. Opened in 1971 as simply a plant shop, Zuzu’s has grown guided by owner Fonda Sarah’s leadership to become a Park Slope shopping staple. On July 27, 2023, The Assembly State of New York welcomed Zuzu’s Petals into the New York State Historical Business Preservation Registry. They recognized Zuzu’s for its outstanding contribution to their beloved neighborhood.
“I love growing things. I have a physical reaction to beautiful flowers and well-grown plants,” gushes Fonda reflecting on her favorite aspects of owning the business. “I have great affection for many of the people who have worked with me over the years and used the experience to grow into something they love doing.”
The New York State Historical Business Preservation Registry (HBPR) was established by Chapter 241 of the Laws of 2020, sponsored by Senator Jose Serrano and Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell. It is a non-competitive nomination-based program, in which businesses are nominated by elected state officials including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of the Senate or Assembly. HBPR states, “The program is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation and highlights businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history. At a time when many businesses face new and unique challenges, this registry allows us to recognize and honor historic businesses, while providing educational and promotional assistance to ensure their continued viability and success.”
Some other Brooklyn businesses currently in the registry include Sahadi Importing Company, JoMart Chocolates, and Kellogg’s Diner.
Now added to this titular list is the beautiful and friendly flower shop located in the heart of Park Slope. The HBPR proclamation event was hosted at the 5th Avenue storefront as assemblymembers, coworkers, friends, and loyal customers gathered to celebrate and support the years of accomplishments achieved by Fonda and her ever-evolving team of Zuzu’s.
State assemblymembers proclaimed, “Whereas Zuzu’s Petals opened its doors in Park Slope in 1971, and soon became a neighborhood institution by bringing the beauty and artistry of flowers to everything from weddings and birthdays to holidays and everyday life of generations of Park Slope residents; and Whereas Zuzu’s Petals has been a successful woman-owned business for all these decades and makes a special contribution to the culture and fabric of the Park Slope community; and Whereas Zuzu’s Petals is deeply rooted in Park Slope and will continue to delight and inspire its many customers for generations.”
Named from the classic Christmas film, It’s A Wonderful Life, Zuzu’s Petals offers personalized fresh flower bouquets, custom delivery arrangements, and a retail space filled with gifts and houseplants. In the summer months, they have a backyard nursery of garden flowers and plants. Fonda has kept this community-oriented feel alive through her personal, thoughtful, and hands-on approach to customer service, staff management, and flower design. True care and heart goes into the work of each and every flower arrangement that leaves the store.
Zuzu’s see flowers as a universal gift of connection, appreciation, and friendship for all your loved ones. One floral designer remarks, “I most enjoy the experience of helping someone pick out flowers knowing they are a gift for a particular person. Thinking about what the other person will like. It’s more than just selling a random product at a store, it’s creating individual pieces of art that will be gifted at a special moment in their life.”
When you visit Zuzu’s you are welcomed to a large fresh-cut flower bar. Blooms from ranunculus, sunflowers, and anemones, to hydrangeas, anthurium, and delphinum. And, of course, a gorgeous color selection of roses. They even receive locally grown stems from upstate flower farms, like camomile, cornflower, and teddybear sunflowers. The talented team of designers will assist you in choosing and arranging a unique selection perfect for you.
Almost all of the store’s flower stock is carefully hand-selected by Fonda from the NYC Flower Market. For all these years, Fonda has visited the flower market, located on 28th St in Manhattan, no later than 5 AM to pick out the most beautiful seasonal flower bundles.
“The wholesale flower market was multi-generational families…all men. There was a culture of gambling and drinking mixed in with a heavy dose of sexism…but I found my people and they taught me what to buy and how much to pay,” says Fonda remembering being a self-taught young woman entering the business. Today her strong and positive relationships at the market have earned Zuzu’s a reputation for unique, lasting, and exceptional quality flowers.
Longtime Park Slope residents may remember shopping at Zuzu’s Petals at its original location on 7th Ave. “For 2 years, I managed the shop (which only sold plants) [previously called Growing Things] and bought it in August 1974. The day after I bought the business another plant store moved into our former space a block away and within a year another one opened around the corner. Competition was a challenge, but I eventually outlasted both of them,” tells Fonda. During those early days, Fonda worked 7 days a week with only one employee. She went to a greenhouse retailer in New Jersey every week for the store stock. “These growers raised and hybridized their varieties. It was like shopping in a museum. People were seriously into collecting plants as a hobby. And then, plants were being grown and shipped up from Florida. They were crap but cheap and that killed the market for quality.”
Because of this Fonda pivoted to selling cut stems. This major transition has guided Zuzu’s to where it is today. “I have learned how to successfully buy and sell growing things. I have always sold quality plants and flowers and educated my customers on their care. I have established a good reputation with my vendors. And I have a deep loyal customer base that I am forever grateful for.”
Tragically, in 2004 a building fire destroyed that store and forced the business to regroup and relocate to 5th Avenue. This happened at a time when the slope’s 5th Avenue was not as bustling. Zuzu’s was one of those independent businesses that helped to build up the street into the busy local shopping hub it is today. With the generous support of friends, trusted customers, and neighbors Zuzu’s was able to rebuild and sprout again into a new era at its current storefront.
“The business has been threatened by several economic downturns, destroyed by fire, stalled by Hurricane Sandy, and shut down for the pandemic.” Fonda reflects on other challenges, “Not to mention competition and the internet which totally changed the economic model of bricks-and-mortar independent business. People don’t shop in person for anything they can get online so street traffic as a culture has diminished.”
Yet regular customers continue to stop into Zuzu’s storefront, amused and delighted by the lush green plants, colorful dahlias, and friendly staff. Longtime employee Lorriane expresses her gratitude saying, “We wouldn’t be here without the customers that come back every week all these years.”
Over the years, the business has grown with a beautifully balanced and experienced team of designers; skillfully trained to design bridal bouquets, flower crowns, corsages, centerpieces, and any arrangement you may need. Zuzu’s Petals prides itself on being an independent woman-owned and operated business— valuing quality service, beautiful arrangements, and products that are personal and specialized for each individual. When receiving a bouquet from the shop it’s easy to see the dedication and affection each designer has for their craft.
One such beloved Zuzu’s customer is well-respected funeral director Amy Cunningham of Fitting Tributes. She comments, “Fonda, you’re a phenomenal floral designer and event brainstormer, but perhaps most remarkable as a gifted business owner and staff motivator, seeing your worthy endeavor through lean times and some tough moments. You’ve guided our community through all kinds of milestones. Enjoy this one!!”
On the future of Zuzu’s Fonda simply says, “The shop will continue to grow, adapt, and flourish under the guidance of a new generation of Zuzus.”
Follow Zuzu’s Petals @zuzuspetalsbrooklyn
Learn more about the HBPR: parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry
Sofia Pipolo
Sofia Pipolo is an independent filmmaker and writer, graduated from Marymount Manhattan College. Her interest in both media and social outreach allows her to think and create diversely. She covers stories on art, culture, and community businesses for Park Slope Reader, Give Me Astoria, AFTRPRTY, and other publications. Her portfolio can be found at sofiapipolo.wordpress.com.