Illinois Family Flower Shop Celebrates 100 Years In Business

In the 100 years since it was founded by the Quasthoff family of River Grove, Illinois, Quasthoff’s Flowers has earned the well-deserved nickname “the friendly florists.”

Current owner and manager Katie Muellner says she feels fortunate to continue the impact this family-owned business has had on its tightly knit community since it opened in 1921.

“We have these friendships with people and no matter what level they are, wherever they live, we're right here,” says Muellner.

Building Community Connections Through The Generations

While Quasthoff’s Flowers is renowned for its custom floral arrangements, gift baskets, fruit and gourmet baskets, silk arrangements and balloons, the flower depot prides itself most on community connections that have lasted through multiple generations.

“We establish those relationships with people and they become our friends,” explains Muellner. “We've been with them through [everything] — something as simple as birthday flowers and then the next one can be sympathy flowers, or baby showers, and then we do their weddings.”

Whether it's working with a large corporation, a small business or an individual, the quality and care at Quasthoff’s Flowers are always the same.

“Everybody that works here is very committed to serving our customers and our friends,” says Muellner.

Keeping Quasthoff’s Traditions In The Family

For Muellner and all Quasthoff’s Flowers’ previous owners, family traditions have always been at the forefront of their values and priorities. That’s why Quasthoff’s Flowers has always hired employees from within the community, keeping strong ties to the original family-owned foundation of the business.

Muellner says she’s had the opportunity to work with her own family members and even the previous co-owner’s daughter, who’s now a manager.

“Family definitely runs strong through the business and [the] Quasthoffs’ name,” explains Muellner.

Giving Back And Providing For The Community

Through carefully crafted floral arrangements, Quasthoff’s Flowers strives to do its part in giving back, especially in the events throughout River Grove.

“I think the [events] that are truly important are the ones that affect the kids in the community … anything to do with PTAs in schools, local churches, etc.,” says Muellner. “We like to involve children and support the strengthening of the roots within our community.”

Quasthoff’s Flowers is also very involved in its local Chambers of Commerce, including the Grand Corridor Chamber of Commerce.

“We do [flowers for] the Taste of the Chamber events [and] a lot of installation dinners for our elected officials or on the chamber board,” says Muellner.

Living up to its “friendly florists” reputation, Quasthoff’s is also there for its community in times of mourning. She recalled her staff creating numerous arrangements when River Grove’s previous mayor passed away.

“We feel like we're helping the family [in] a difficult time, so that's important for us,” she says.

Adapting And Evolving Is The Key To Business Survival

Like many local businesses, Quasthoff’s Flowers made some quick pivots in 2020 to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As it was already equipped with a fleet of delivery vans, Quasthoff’s Flowers went a step further during local shutdowns and social distancing orders.

“We instantly offered free delivery and we lowered our minimums to help out if anyone still wanted to send [flowers],” says Muellner. “We also offered to deliver milk or water or essentials [to local residents] while we were out.”

Muellner credits Quasthoff’s accomplishments through the resourcefulness of her team and their ability to adapt to change, even before the pandemic.

“[There’s] been a change in buying, the market, the way people order [flowers] — it’s different from when I started,” explains Muellner. “I mean, the internet wasn't even an option.”

“I think, not just with COVID, but way before that, you have to be able to really pivot and continue to change,” she continues. “Your projections and the way that you market yourself and sell — you have to be ready to be very flexible.”

This flexibility has been a continuity of Quasthoff’s Flowers. Its steady foundation and strong ties to the community have kept the flower depot in business for 100 years.

“We have very strong roots and we have an excellent team right now that works really well together,” says Muellner. “We've had wonderful employees and if they've moved on, they've moved on positively and always come back to support us. So I think that's a strong part of our success — that word of mouth.”

Quasthoff’s Flowers is also an FTD affiliate and commemorated 75 years of partnership in 2021.

“FTD has always been very supportive of us,” says Muellner. “I think that's what you need to have — the backing of someone like [FTD].”

Learn more about Quasthoff’s Flowers and its partnership with FTD Flowers.