And while there, they probably purchase a submarine sandwich as well.

The family-owned business, at 414 Fairmount Ave., Monday celebrated 100 years.

The business started in 1924 when Anthony Brigiotta bought a farm at 231 Jones & Gifford Ave., in Jamestown where he grew vegetables commercially, concentrating on celery and lettuce in the fertile swampland and muck soil for shipping to Cleveland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and other large local outlets.

This century-old produce store has been under the direction, ownership and control of one family – the Galbatos. The Galbatos are now into their third and fourth generations of family members who not only run the day-to-day operations, but still maintain control of their grandparents’ dream and organization.

Carla Galbato talks with a customer. P-J photos by Michael Zabrodsky

Carla Galbato, a descendant and co-owner of Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce & Garden Center, gave a brief history of this iconic produce center.

“My father worked two jobs to support us on top of running the store,” she said. “This store was founded by my grandparents and has been passed down for more than three generations in our family,” she said.

However, State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, was curious about the store’s name, and wanted to know about the origin.

“Why the name Brigiotta,” asked Goodell, to Galbato.

“It was our mother’s maiden name,” she answered.

Galbato added that it was her parents who instilled business and ethics to members of her family.

“Our parents taught us business values and ethics, along with kindness and generosity, and the importance of family and respect. They were the glue that kept us together. They also showed us the ability to evolve and listen to the needs of our customers.”

Galbato said that the sub shop was created when a customer asked her mother if her mother could make a sandwich.

“I guess the answer was yes. That was 50 years ago.”

Galbato, flanked by co-owners and family members, proceeded to explain the continued growth of their company and the expansions it made to meet the demands of the local community.

“Our department heads are all family members. … We have departments such as produce, flower shop, sub shop, office support and shipping and receiving departments,” Galbato explained. “We’ve expanded over the years from just produce to many other things.”

Galbato thanked the employees of Brigiotta’s.

“We also have many employees who are like family members to us who’ve been with us for 20 or 30 years now,” she said. “You are part of our family.”

She added that her mother and father would often fondly recall how they took care of each customer one by one, and with a smile.

“This is so amazing. Brigiotta’s has been around for more than 100 years – it has stood the test of time,” said Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund. “Places like Brigiotta’s – mom and pop places – are a huge part of the economic wheel which drives our economy nationally and locally.”

Other lawmakers also in attendance included Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, a representative from State Sen. George Borrello’s office, a representative from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office and a representative from Congressman Tom Langworthy’s office.

However, a local shopper was completely unaware of the produce center’s birthday celebration and the family history tied to it.

“I had no idea that the store is this old,” said Jerry Thorp of Lakewood. “I’ve been coming here for years. I knew it was old, but not that old.”

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), for more than 60 years, the SBA has celebrated National Small Business Week, which acknowledges the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week ends Saturday, and is when SBA officially recognizes their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy.

Michael Zabrodsky contributed to this report.