“We’re still here,” Sandy said. “It’s about the tradition and the quality of work.”
Since the doors first opened in January of 1960, Fran’s Flowers has always been a family-owned business. Even now that Frances “Fran” Van Epps, the founder of the Brewerton-based shop, has passed away, the family is dedicated to carrying on the “family legacy.”
The landmark of their neon sign on at 9517 Brewerton Road shows that not everything has changed in the many years of Fran’s Flowers.
Almost 50 years ago, Van Epps began the floral journey by running the business from her basement. She supported her two sons, Robert and James, while running the shop. Robert immediately joined the working team as soon as he acquired his driver’s license at age 16 so he could make deliveries for his mother.
As the business grew, the family followed in step. Van Epps’ grandchildren Melissa and Craig began helping at the roadside stand when they were in elementary school.
Years later as the third generation steps in, Melissa “Missy” Van Epps-Goudreau is continuing the tradition as she runs the floral shop with her parents, Bob and Sandy Van Epps.
They’ve come a long way with almost 50 years worth of hard work by taking the same pride in producing fresh flower arrangements for all occasions, Sandy said.
Each day the Van Epps are reminded of Fran’s hard work and her pride in keeping the business in the family, and even more so, the family wants to honor what she started, Sandy said.
Thus, a 50th anniversary celebration is now underway. The family will be hosting opportunities for community members to win free floral arrangements and services.
“It’s something we just thought up about six months ago,” Sandy said. “It’s a way to remember Fran and promote the family business despite the downtime.”
Because the kids have grown up around the business, Sandy said it only fit that Missy take over and run the shop alongside her mother.
“It’s fun. It’s nice to carry on the family business,” Missy said.
Sandy said the anniversary celebration is also a part of “re-introducing the name to the community.”
“We’re still here,” Sandy said. “It’s about the tradition and the quality of work.”
The celebrating has already begun, but the family will host a reception at noon Jan. 16 to officially recognize the 50-year anniversary. There will be special sales and a drawing for a grand-prize winner who will receive $300 in floral arrangements and two more prizes worth $100 each for floral arrangements.
Interested parties can register to win at Frans50.com or visit the shop at the corner of Brewerton and Orangeport roads.
On top of fresh floral arrangements, the shop also carries plants, silks, balloons, and fruit and gourmet baskets.
“We’re really glad to honor her,” Sandy said. “The celebration is all because of her. It wouldn’t be here without her.”
The shop can be reached at 676-7711, 24 hours a day thanks to modern technology. Fran’s Flowers also sends gifts anywhere in the world.
FARAH JADRAN PIKE
With the Fran’s Flowers 50th anniversary banner hung with pride, from left: Paul Goudreau, Missy Van Epps-Goudreau, Sandy Tharrett along with Bailey the dog, and Craig Van Epps, above the sign, with Stacey Schurman.
FARAH JADRAN PIKE
Celebrating 50 years of the family business, Sandy Tharrett and her daughter Missy Van Epps-Goudreau, stand behind the counter in Fran’s Flowers in Brewerton.
