New Carlisle - Franco the Foodie, a family-run Italian restaurant, has brought a taste of Italy to downtown New Carlisle. Owner and head chef Franco draws on his rich culinary heritage and experience to serve up authentic, homemade dishes that have locals raving.

Franco's culinary journey began in his hometown of Brindisi, Italy, where he started working in restaurants at just 13 years old. He honed his skills in various facets of the industry, from dishwashing to cooking, and even learned traditional homestyle cooking from his mother and Nonna. He could even be found cooking when he was in the Italian Army for the Officers Club. "I learned many facets of the restaurant business, including cooking, and so much more," Franco recalls. "My very first job was as a dishwasher, so I have done it all."

Before opening Franco the Foodie, Franco served as the head chef for the Dayton Bicycle Club for 15 years. When the pandemic hit, he was laid off and decided to take a chance on his dream of owning his own restaurant, and the community was so glad he had followed his dreams. "I had to rethink my career, and I decided to start offering meals locally," Franco explains. "I started with a delivery meal service, offering a variety of my favorite dishes, including lasagna, which became a huge hit."

The menu at Franco the Foodie changes weekly, with customer favorites like lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, and Eggplant Parmesan making regular appearances. While they may not be the typical Italian dishes, Franco likes to get creative with dishes, taking on customer requests like stuffed Philly Cheesesteak and Greek Fusion Spaghetti and Gyros. "We like to have something for everyone," Franco says. "I love being creative with all kinds of dishes and variety to keep things interesting."

The best part is all the sauces and dishes are made fresh in-house. What is the chef’s favorite dish you might wonder? Franco went on to share, “My personal favorite is Eggplant Parmesan, one of my traditional favorite dishes that I grew up eating, with sliced eggplant that is lightly dipped in flour and deep fried, then laid in delicious marinara sauce topped in mozzarella with multiple layers and baked until hot and melty… It is magnifico!” That certainly does sound magnifico!

Franco's family plays a crucial role in the restaurant's success, with his daughters Alexa and Jess helping in the kitchen and front of house. His brother-in-law, Derek, assists with prep cooking, and his wife lends a hand when she can. It's a family affair. Franco says they all pitch in to make sure everything runs smoothly. 

Franco the Foodie has become a beloved fixture in the community, with customers praising the delicious food and warm, welcoming atmosphere. "We've seen more and more customers coming each week.” Franco wants to encourage customers to call ahead to make a reservation or place a table on hold. “We want everyone to feel at home here. We've had a great response from the community, and we're grateful for the support."

Franco the Foodie is open Wednesday through Saturday from 3-7 p.m. Follow Franco the Foodie on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest menu offerings and special deals. Franco the Foodie is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With its rich history, delicious dishes, and family-friendly service, this restaurant is sure to become a favorite in the community for years to come. Buon appetito!