In the heart of downtown Renton sits one of the city’s most cherished legacy businesses: Cugini Florist & Fine Gifts, a shop that has been sharing beauty, joy, and connection with generations of families. Today, owner Arique Jacques carries that legacy forward with pride—blending nearly a century of history with modern touches that keep Cugini thriving.
History Intertwined with Renton’s Story
Before “Cugini Florist” became a household name, the flower shop began as Betz Flowers, built by Clinton Betz—an Alaskan WWII code breaker who returned home and invested in Renton’s growth. His family had already shaped local horticulture through the Renton Greenhouse, and their commitment to quality planted the roots for what would one day become Cugini. Meanwhile, the Cugini family story began in 1923 when they emigrated from Italy and opened a grocery store in Auburn. Flowers were a passion of Mrs. Cugini, and over time that passion blossomed into a full-fledged floral business. In 1972, the Cugini family purchased Betz’s shop and reopened it as Cugini Florist & Fine Gifts—known for high-end imported Italian giftware, artful displays, and impeccable service.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
When longtime manager of the shop Sharon and her partner Bill purchased the shop in 1986, they kept the Cugini legacy alive by honoring classic floral design principles while introducing giftware that everyday customers could enjoy. Their commitment to quality became one of the shop’s defining traits. They monitored every stem for freshness, used industry-leading floral preservatives, and created designs that blended contemporary touches with timeless elegance. Their carefully curated displays helped customers envision how each piece could add beauty to their homes.
A Full‑Circle Moment
More than 20 years ago, a young employee named Arique Jacques worked at Cugini's under Sharon and Bill. He loved the way flowers helped him bring joy to people every day. Decades later, seeking a meaningful change in life, Arique walked back into Cugini just as the former owners were preparing to close their doors. What could have been the end of an era became a new beginning. He began working in the shop in early 2020 with plans to purchase it—right as the pandemic arrived. When traditional financing fell through, Sharon and Bill self-financed the sale, demonstrating just how deep the shop’s legacy runs.
When COVID‑19 hit, Cugini pivoted quickly. With contactless service already in place and a strong online presence, the shop kept running. As community members searched for safe ways to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, condolences, and new babies, flowers became an essential connection. By Easter of 2020, Cugini was so busy that the entire staff had to return. Through masks, gloves, nightly sanitizing, and endless determination, Cugini Florist grew even stronger.
A Modern Approach That Honors Tradition
Today, Cugini Florist and Fine Gifts is a warm, modern space that still feels wonderfully familiar. Arique has expanded giftware lines to attract shoppers of all ages, ensuring there’s something special for everyone. His updates honor the past while welcoming new customers into the Cugini community. He also continues one beloved tradition—Renton’s affection for Cugini’s shop cats. Although the original kitties have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, their memory lives on through a mural on the building’s exterior.
With 10 employees supported by local patrons, Cugini sees every facet of life come through its doors—joy, grief, celebration, love. Most orders come through the website, where customers explore arrangements designed for weddings, sympathy needs, birthdays, new babies, everyday moments, and special milestones. In a time when Renton once had nine flower shops, Cugini remains a steady cornerstone in the community because of its dedication to quality, artistry, and friendly service. For Arique, every bouquet, gift, and interaction reflects a simple philosophy: to spread love and happiness. It’s the same mission that drew him back through Cugini’s doors—and the one that continues to shape this beloved Renton legacy today.
Visit today or check them out online! You'll not only a wonderful experience, but your support helps see this legacy thrive.
