Fisichelli's Pastry Shop is planning to open at 46 Main Street, the week of September 10, according to third generation owner Nina Fisichelli Gaffny.

The original bakery located at 55 Union Street, Lawrence, first opened its doors in 1915 by Gaffny's grandfather, Orazio Fisichelli, an Italian immigrant. The ownership passed from father to son Frank until Gaffny took over 21 years ago, she explained.

The bakery is known for their 38 varieties of cookies, biscottis and bars which are made on-site in their 100 year-old brick oven, as well as many Italian creme-filled pastries and cannolis.

Gaffny said she has been encouraged by her Andover customers to open here for sometime.

"This year, it happened when the former site of Chic Consignment Closet basically fell into my lap," she explained.

Unfortunately, the Zoning Board of Appeals initially refused her request because they felt the space was too small for a bakery, Gaffny said. She was however able to get approval for the space now available below Fred C. Church Insurance in Andover Village.

After considering the new location, Gaffny said she knew she had her heart set on 46 Main Street. So she went back to convince the Board that she could make it work.

"I liked it because it was cozy and homey. It was the kind of feel I wanted for the bakery," Gaffny explained. The on-the-street Andover location will also have more foot traffic than in Lawrence.

Although most of the pastries will still be baked in Lawrence, the Andover bakery will have an oven and will bake bread and other pastries for the day, including cupcakes. 

Gaffny said she is amazed by the excitement from her customers. "I get at least 3 calls a day from people asking if they can work for me."

One of her recent calls was from an employee at Andover Bank asking when they can get cannolis.

Customers can order some varieties of biscottis and cookies on the website. The phone number for Fisichelli's Pastry Shop in Lawrence is 978-682-7774 or 1-877-8-bakery.