ALLENTOWN, Pa. — After closing in December, Dan Schantz Greenhouse is back — sort of.
Bob Herr has announced in a Facebook post that Herr's Fruit Farm is leasing the greenhouse just in time for Easter flowers. Herr said the lease ends June 2.
A close business partner with the greenhouse for more than 40 years, Herr said he always hoped to expand his family's 110-year-old Lancaster-based business into the area, but, out of respect, never did.
"Our quality is as good, or in some cases better, just because we're a little smaller."Bob Herr of Herr's Fruit Farm
Its temporary lease throughout the spring will help it determine if it will make business in the Lehigh Valley permanent.
"When they closed their doors, I looked at the possibility of buying their retail outlet, but I wasn't completely sure," Herr said.
"So then we got to talking and I said, 'What if we lease it for the spring?' So it gives me the chance to kick the tires a bit and test drive it and then we could make a decision."
Business at Dan Schantz has always been steady and loyal, Herr said, so he's not looking to reinvent the wheel.
Although, he said he hopes to offer up some unusual products such as homemade jam, jellies, honey and pickles from Lancaster.
Some produce will come from Herr's farms, and others from small, local growers.
"Our quality is as good, or in some cases better, just because we're a little smaller," Herr said.
"Prices are a little bit higher but that's everywhere in the world these days. But they're still really reasonable and we're still selling things a little cheaper than our tents in Lancaster."
Rising Sun Subdivision
Herr's also sells flowers in tents in York, Harrisburg, Reading, Hanover and Mechanicsburg.
Prices at the Dan Schantz Greenhouse start at $3.99, Herr said in a Facebook post announcing the lease.
Several commenters replied, sharing excitement.
"Great news thanks for posting!" Lisa Moses said.
"So happy to hear! Look forward to meeting you, we were regulars at Schantz, my daughter is a reptile keeper so we were in often looking for new plants for setups!!" Jennifer Hudson-Dixon replied.
"The customers have been really happy so far. Nobody's complained about the prices so far. They just come in and are, like, 'Wow, this is just so good to see.'"Bob Herr of Herr's Fruit Farm
They're not the only ones excited. Herr said customers started flowing in as soon as they opened the doors for the soft opening Monday.
He said many said they came to the greenhouse every year for their Easter flowers.
"The customers have been really happy so far," Herr said. "Nobody's complained about the prices so far. They just come in and are, like, 'Wow, this is just so good to see.'"
Customers can find a range of Easter flowers at the greenhouse on 2031 29th Street, SW in Allentown, including tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, Easter Lilies, hydrangeas and azaleas.
There was a steady flow of foot traffic throughout the greenhouse Thursday morning, with cars winding in and out of the parking lot.
But Herr said that's "just the tip of the iceberg" compared with what's in store this spring.
The greenhouse will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, he said.
"It's been exciting," Herr said. "I love a good challenge, so it's a win-win."
