Francesco's Italian Bakery - Charlton, MA
Francesco's Italian Bakery on Route 20 in Charlton, MA.
Parking is around the corner to the back.
As a child growing up in Western New York, I was fortunate to live in an area populated by people of many cultures. Some of my favorite memories revolve around the trips my family would make to the local Italian delis and bakeries. We had fresh Italian bread in the house every week, and on special occasions we would make a trip to select a tray of colorful Italian cookies.
Fast forward a few decades, and here I am in central Massachusetts, also an area made of up varying cultures. Many nationalities are represented in the shops and restaurants here. However, the Italian bakeries are few and far between. Luckily, we are blessed with one outstanding Italian bakery in Charlton, MA: Francesco's.
Inside the little red house that serves as the base for Francesco's, you will find a dream of a bakery. Every day, owner Frank Manzi and his crew pull trays of crusty bread and flaky cookies out of their ovens. The place hums like a beehive. Loyal patrons come in and out with their orders, which are filled promptly by the friendly staff.
In addition to bread and cookies, Francesco's offers pies, creme-filled pastries, truffles, and their crown jewel, wedding cakes.
One of my favorite selections is the stuffed bread ring. These are rounds of pastry filled with such temptations as pepperoni with cheese, and spinach with garlic and feta. Take home one of these circular breads, pop it in the oven for a few minutes, serve with a salad and you have a simple and delicious lunch or dinner.
The Back Entrance to Francesco's: A Quick Flight of Stairs to Heaven
Owner Frank Manzi with a Three-Tier Wedding Cake. Gorgeous, yes?
Francesco's Will Also Fill Your Order for an Italian Cookie Tray at Your Wedding.
A Tray of Cookies Fresh from the Oven and Ready for Waiting Customers.
Francesco's also has available pizza slices and soda if you need a quick snack on the go. Bring home a cake or some cannolis for an extra treat.
But back to the cookies - they make wonderful gifts. On a recent visit to Francesco's, I chatted with a woman who was having several boxes filled with cookies. She intended to deliver each box to a favorite customer. Do you think those customers loved to see her coming? Most definitely.
Francesco's web site lists the many bakery products that they produce. But your best bet is to visit the store and see what tempts you on any given day.
Francesco's Italian Bakery
29 Worcester Rd
Charlton, MA 01507
Route 20 - 200 Yards from Jct. of 31 & 20
Next Door to Ted's Variety (Parking Available behind Ted's)
Phone: (508) 248-9900
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This review was written by Kathryn Acciari, REALTOR
All photos and text copyright 2010 Kathryn Acciari
RE/MAX Professional Associates
Locations in Charlton, Sturbridge, and Spencer, Massachusetts
Cell: (508) 982-0686
Email: kathrynacciari@remax.net
Web: kathrynacciari.remax.com
Blog: kathrynsells
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