Franco Germano grew up in Italy, then came to America at age 18. It wasn’t long after that he joined the Army, serving as a mess sergeant during the Vietnam War. In October of 1976, he and his wife Barbara opened his dream, Franco’s Ristorante Italiano. He often claimed he was simply carrying out the tradition of his “mamma”, feeding friends and family.
Franco’s “World Famoso” Spaghetti, a combination of egg, romano cheese, fresh roasted garlic and olive oil was a dish that Franco was extremely proud of. As he described it, ” My invention. Not creation. Invention. No one else can follow it.”
Now 42 years later the restaurant is run by his son Nick and that famous spaghetti is being offered with Franco’s sausage and a cannoli for just $19.76 this Friday and Saturday to celebrate the anniversary. To remember Franco, read this interview.