Our Story
Once a dream
Francesca's became a reality in December 2005 and is a division of Brigiotta's Inc., a family business that has been in the Western New York community since 1924.
Looking for the perfect name for the new shop, founders Kate and Tim Galbato wanted a name that differentiated the floral shop from the wholesale produce company. Kate found inspiration in her mother-in-law, Frances Galbato, who was born Francesca Augustine Brigiotta, the matriarch of the family, female entrepreneur, and head of the family business for nearly 50 years. Kate and Tim landed on “Francesca's Floral Design”, a family name that honored their mother who built both the family and the business.
Francesca's has grown to become the premier florist in the area and specializes in wedding florals and decor, funeral work, floral arrangements for any occasion, large-scale events, and now floral arranging classes.
Our Team
Kate, Founder
Born and raised in Olean, NY, Kate found her way to Jamestown, where she met and fell in love with her husband, Tim. She graduated from Fredonia State and eventually began to work in Tim's family business, Brigiotta's Farmland Produce & Garden Center. One of her dreams was to open a florist, and in 2005, she made that a reality with the help of her husband and their family.
Through Kate's vision and unparalleled taste, Francesca's Floral Design has grown to become the shop it is today. Kate currently serves as the Director of Finance for the whole corporation, while overseeing the floral shop and making time to meet with brides each year.
Curating the floral vision for someone's wedding is one of Kate's many talents, but one she sees as a hobby; "Some people like to golf, I like to plan weddings". Above all, Kate is grateful for her incredibly talented designers who continually raise the bar with every arrangement they create.
Darlene, Lead Designer
Working with flowers came to Darlene at a young age. Instead of selling lemonade, she was selling small roses from her mom’s rose bush in the front yard. In high school, her passion for flowers grew and she decided to partake in work-study programs at local greenhouses. She then attended the Hewes Vocational School for Greenhouse & Landscaping to pursue her passion further.
Darlene graduated from Alfred State College with an Associate’s in Applied Science Ornamental Horticulture-Floriculture Merchandising and became an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD).
Today, Darlene serves as the Lead Designer of Francesca’s, where she sets the standard for floral design in our area. She is married to her wonderful husband and has two amazing, talented daughters. Darlene is thankful to be working at Francesca’s Floral Design, where she can use her talented skills to help bring the customer’s vision to life. It brightens Darlene’s day knowing that she’s been able to bring joy through flowers to others for the past 37 years!
Erin, Designer
Erin’s love for flowers came at a young age when her aunt showed her photos of the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA year after year. Erin was in complete awe and knew immediately that was something she wanted to be a part of.
She stayed true to her interest in flowers and got a job in a flower shop right after high school. She started with limited knowledge but quickly learned everything she needed to know. Erin has had many experiences over the last 19 years, but her time at Francesca's has been the highlight. Erin believes she couldn’t be in a better place, and that she’s is lucky to have a job that she truly loves!
Outside of traveling and spending time with her two beautiful daughters and family, Erin is confident that being a floral designer is her passion. And still, to this day, her dream remains to create a floral float at the Rose Parade.
The Dynamic Duo
Dawne started in the flower business part-time in 1972 as a delivery person at a floral shop in Youngsville, PA. She showed interest in floral design, so along with doing deliveries, she specialized in making dish gardens. Dawne’s talents expanded into entrepreneurship, as she ultimately bought the floral shop. After a tragic accident that killed her husband, Dawne made the difficult decision to sell the shop. However, she continued her passion as a florist and continued to work for the new owners.
In 2011, Dawne moved to Jamestown and looked for work at a floral shop. She gravitated towards Francesca’s and joined the team full time. She is now retired, but Dawne loves the shop so much she comes in to help whenever she can.
With Dawne came her sister, Lou Ann, completing the Dynamic Duo.
Lou Ann has an exceptional eye for floral design and serves as a floral judge for the state of Pennsylvania, while also partaking in floral design competitions. She has won numerous awards for her designs. She loves floral design and Francesca’s as much as her sister and lends an expert hand during busy holidays and when preparing for large-scale events.
Francesca Vitanza
1907
Francesca (Brigiotta) Galbato
1950
Francesca Galbato
2017