Why Bikes & Power Equipment?
People always ask how this combination came to be. We hope you enjoy our story!
Family Owned and Operated for 50 years
Farina’s isn’t just a store—it’s a legacy built on five decades of dedication, innovation, and community connection. As a family business, we’ve had the privilege of serving generations of customers, offering an exceptional shopping experience across two distinct industries: bicycles and power equipment. What sets us apart? Our award-winning store is renowned for its top-tier brands, competitive prices, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. By staying true to our values while embracing change, we’ve become a trusted cornerstone in the community.
Seeking the American Dream
In 1955, Giacomo “Jack” Farina and his wife, Lana, immigrated to Boston from central Italy, seeking the American Dream. Their hometown had been devastated by World War II, and they hoped to build a better life in America. With little money, limited English, and boundless determination, Jack relied on his exceptional mechanical skills and passion for bicycles—inspired by Italy’s cycling culture—to carve out a new future. This resilience and resourcefulness became the foundation of Farina’s.
Photo: Jack Farina, Founder - 1975
Opening on Galen Street
In 1975, Jack and Lana Farina took a leap of faith, investing their savings to open their first store in a former auto repair shop on Galen Street. Initially focused on bicycles, the store quickly gained a loyal following. However, the couple soon discovered the challenges of New England’s seasonal market. To keep the business running year-round, they tapped into Jack’s mechanical expertise, adding snowblowers to their offerings just before the historic Blizzard of ‘78. This innovative pairing of bicycles and power equipment became the foundation of Farina’s unique business model—two distinct yet complementary industries under one roof.
Photo: Galen Street, looking towards Watertown Square - 1975
Bikes & Power Equipment
At Farina’s, the combination of bicycles and power equipment isn’t just a business model—it’s a reflection of our innovative spirit and deep understanding of our community’s needs. When Jack Farina founded the store, his passion for bicycles and natural mechanical talent came together to solve a challenge unique to New England: meeting the seasonal needs of our community. By seamlessly blending these two industries, we’ve been able to serve our customers through every season. For over 50 years, this forward-thinking approach has defined our legacy and set us apart as a trusted and distinctive destination.
Photo: Jack with his incredible inventory of snowblowers - 1978
Growing Up, Down and Around
As the business grew, so did the Farina family’s involvement. Jack and Lana’s five children played an integral role, working alongside their parents and later helping to manage and expand the store. In 1982, a second floor was added to the Galen Street building, doubling the available space. The first floor became dedicated to power equipment, featuring snowblowers, lawnmowers, and chainsaws, while the new 3,000-square-foot second-floor showroom was exclusively for bicycles, apparel, and accessories. This expansion allowed Farina’s to meet the growing needs of its customers while staying true to its roots.
Photo: Second generation siblings, Anthony & Dino Farina - late 70's
A Family Affair
Over the past 50 years, Farina’s has grown from a two-person operation into a premier, award-winning retail business. Today, three of the Farina children continue to lead the company, carrying forward the vision and values instilled by Jack and Lana. While the product selection, showroom space, and staff have evolved and grown, the heart of Farina’s remains the same: a commitment to treating customers like family and fostering strong ties to the community.
Photo: Lana Farina, Founder with her children/current owners Anthony, Paula & Mike Farina. - 2024
Farina's Philosophy & Vision of Success
At Farina’s, success has always been about more than profits. It’s about building relationships, earning trust, and contributing to the community we’ve been proud to serve for five decades. Guided by values like honesty, responsibility, and a passion for excellence, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and creating a shopping experience that exceeds expectations. As we look to the future, we remain committed to these principles, ensuring that Farina’s continues to serve future generations with the same dedication and care that defined our beginnings.
Photo: Same location on Galen Street, in the heart of Watertown for 50 years!