Good Food Builds Community According To Golden Glow Cookie Company
In 1954, while working at a telephone company, Rose Florio took a bold step. With the help of her father, she started a baking business and, a year later, a family. “She definitely was a woman before her time,” notes her daughter Joan Florio, who now runs Golden Glow Cookie Company with her nephew, Michael Florio.
Joan grew up in the business and remembers her mom taking phone orders at home while the children played in the background. Shortly after opening, Rose’s company grew, expanding beyond her original Barnes Avenue location into the spacious headquarters at 1844 Givan Avenue, where it has remained since the Sixties.
“It was tough, but she did it. She succeeded,” says Joan.
Joan and Michael have seen the neighborhood transition from empty lots to a lively collection of homes. Each change solidifies their pride in being Bronx-born and raised. “We’ve never [considered moving],” she shares, “There are so many...very loyal customers who come to us on a weekly basis, monthly basis.” Originally a wholesale-only company, Golden Glow Cookie Company established a storefront to meet the demands of folks who stop in and reminisce.
Good food builds community and, in return, Joan and Michael create a community with other local businesses. “Most of our ingredients,” like dairy, is sourced from just outside of Westchester County, Michael notes. “It comes from maybe an hour and a half away from us.” A local economy benefits all, especially hometown business owners who are committed to seeing everyone thrive.
“We want to keep people like us running,” says Joan.
That same level of thoughtfulness extends into each part of the business. “One of the things that I take pride in is our customer service,” Michael shares, “I think that when you’re dealing with smaller companies...you get that personal touch.” And, of course, that personal touch makes its way into every incredible offering of treats Michael and Joan make with their team.
“There’s something to the Italian approach of cooking, in general, where it’s very inclusive,” Michael notes, “there’s this generosity in the spirit in which the food is being prepared that...transcends across cultures, backgrounds.”
It’s simply good food, which makes everyone who enjoys it a part of the famiglia.
1844 Givan Ave, Bronx, NY 10469
