Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianna Manzi.
On October 27th 1999, Frank Manzi opened the doors to Francesco’s Italian Bakery. Instantly Francesco’s became a staple of the community in Charlton.
Frank started his career in the food industry starting in grocery stores, then moving onto J.J. Nissen Baking Co. where he worked for almost 15 years. When Nissen closed in 1998, Frank decided to open a bakery in his town of Charlton. He collected authentic Italian recipes from his family who moved from Italy to America around 40 years prior, a few years before he was born. When a building that was formerly a bar on Route 20 in Charlton vacated, Frank and his wife Traci renovated the building completely and found a home for his bakery. Day in and day out, Frank turned his business into a successful one. Francesco’s became known for their delicious breads, cakes, Italian cookies, Italian pastries, pizzas and more.
In 2010, Frank’s daughter Gianna started working with him. He began teaching her everything he knows about baking and running a business. She went on to high school at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton where she studied Culinary with a focus on Baking. After graduating high school, she went on to Johnson & Wales University in Providence Rhode Island. Now graduated with a degree in Baking & Pastry Arts, she manages the bakery.
In the beginning of 2013, they bought their current location at 14 Power Station Road in Charlton and started renovating. They opened their doors again in March. Their new location has given them the ability to expand their selection.
They now offer more pastry, and more lunch items like Italian and homemade meatball subs.
Francesco’s Italian Bakery has always been a family business. Customer satisfaction is the most important aspect to them. They are very thankful for their community of Charlton and surrounding towns for all the support they have given them over the years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Most of the road has been smooth. The first couple of years after starting a new business are a bit of a struggle. But once you gain your footing and make a name for yourself in the community it gets easier. It is always a learning process though, no matter how many years of experience you have.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Francesco’s we specialize in Italian cream cakes, Italian cookies, pastry, pizza, homemade meatballs, homemade meat sauce and subs. We are known for our wedding and special occasion cakes, cannoli, Italian cookie trays and Italian pastry trays. What sets us apart from others is our flexibility. We always do everything we can to cater to exactly what the customer wants. Whether that be a certain dessert, design or drawing on a cake, etc. We are most proud of our large selection of house made products. We work long hours to provide the best for our customers. We are open every day of the week 6:30 am to 7 pm, sometimes even later depending on our work load. Sundays we are open 6:30 am to 6 pm.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I always wanted to be a baker like my Dad. I admired his hard work ethic, the way people in our community spoke highly of him and how he chased his dream and made it reality. I always enjoyed baking from a young age. I loved going to work with my Dad and helping him out whenever I got the chance. My time spent at the bakery are some of my fondest childhood memories.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14 Power Station Road Charlton MA 01507
- Website: http://www.francescositalianbakery.com/
- Phone: 5082489900
- Email: francescosbaker@aol.com
- Instagram: @francescositalianbakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancescosItalianBakery/
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
