Meet the Families Behind Your Favorite Local Shops: 10 Multi-Generational Businesses in NY & NJ You Need to Know
There's something genuinely different about walking into a shop where the person behind the counter is the same person whose grandfather built the place. No script. No corporate policy binder. Just real people, real history, and usually, really good products. New York and New Jersey have always been fertile ground for this kind of commerce — gritty, personal, and deeply rooted in community.
At First Choice NY NJ, we believe the best local businesses deserve more than just word-of-mouth. So we went out and found ten family-owned operations across both states that are absolutely worth your time, your dollar, and your loyalty.
1. Caruso's Bakery — Staten Island, NY
Four generations deep and still going strong, Caruso's has been feeding Staten Island since 1952. Grandma Rosa started it with one oven and a recipe for sfogliatelle that people still drive across the borough for. Her great-grandson Marco now runs the counter and the kitchen. "We've never changed the dough recipe," he told us with a grin. "Why would we?"
2. Bergen Hardware & Supply — Hackensack, NJ
In an era when most people default to the orange-apron big-box store, Bergen Hardware has managed to not only survive but thrive. Owner Diane Kowalski is the third person in her family to run the shop, and she knows her inventory — and her customers — by heart. "I can tell you what kind of screws you need before you finish your sentence," she laughed.
3. Patel's Spice Corner — Edison, NJ
Edison has one of the most vibrant South Asian communities on the East Coast, and Patel's Spice Corner has been at its heart since 1989. What started as a small import stall run by Ramesh and Priya Patel has grown into a full specialty grocery that their daughter Neha now co-manages. The store carries over 400 spice varieties — many of which you simply won't find anywhere else in the region.
4. O'Brien's Plumbing — Queens, NY
Patrick O'Brien Sr. started fixing pipes in Astoria back in 1978. Today, his son and daughter run the business together. They're fully licensed, deeply familiar with Queens' notoriously aging infrastructure, and — perhaps most importantly — they actually answer the phone. "We grew up here," Patrick Jr. said. "These are our neighbors. You treat neighbors right."
5. Goldstein's Tailoring — Brooklyn, NY
On a side street in Flatbush, Goldstein's has been altering and crafting custom garments since the 1960s. Current owner Judith Goldstein learned the trade from her mother, who learned from hers. The shop is small, a little cluttered, and absolutely magical if you need a suit that actually fits. Prices are fair, turnaround is fast, and the craftsmanship is exceptional.
6. Ferrante Farm Stand — Middletown, NJ
Open every summer through fall, the Ferrante family has been selling Jersey-grown produce from the same roadside spot since 1971. Their Jersey tomatoes alone are worth the detour. Third-generation operator Anthony Ferrante still wakes up at 4 a.m. every market day. "You can't replicate what comes out of this soil," he said simply.
7. Kim's Auto Body — Flushing, NY
Sunny Kim opened her auto shop in Flushing in 1995 after years of working in her uncle's garage in Korea. Her son David now handles the technical side while Sunny manages operations. They've built a reputation for honest estimates and quality work — two things that are surprisingly hard to find in the auto repair world. Their Google reviews speak for themselves.
8. Delgado's Flower Market — Newark, NJ
For weddings, funerals, quinceañeras, and everything in between, the Delgado family has been crafting floral arrangements in Newark for over 30 years. Founder Carmen Delgado passed the business to her twin sons, who've expanded the operation while keeping the personal touch intact. Custom orders are their specialty, and they'll work with any budget.
9. The Anchor Bookshop — Hoboken, NJ
Independent bookstores are a dying breed, which makes The Anchor's survival story all the more remarkable. Started by retired teacher Eleanor Marsh in 1988, the shop is now run by her son and daughter-in-law, who've kept the original philosophy alive: curated selections, community events, and no rush to get you out the door. It's a reader's refuge.
10. Russo & Sons Electrical — The Bronx, NY
Domenic Russo started wiring apartments in the Bronx during the 1980s. His two sons followed him into the trade, and today Russo & Sons handles everything from residential panel upgrades to commercial installations across the borough. They're licensed, insured, and — as multiple customers told us — refreshingly punctual.
Why These Businesses Matter
Every dollar you spend at a family-owned business has a multiplier effect. Studies consistently show that local businesses recirculate a significantly higher percentage of revenue back into their communities compared to national chains. Beyond the economics, there's the human element: when you support these shops, you're sustaining someone's legacy, someone's livelihood, and often someone's dream.
These ten businesses represent just a fraction of what's out there across New York and New Jersey. At First Choice NY NJ, our entire mission is helping you find and connect with exactly these kinds of vendors — the ones who know your name, stand behind their work, and have real skin in the game.
Next time you need a service or product, skip the algorithm and check your local directory first. You might just find your new favorite place.
