Giovanni’s Hosts Fundraiser Tonight for Franco the Foodie

Franco the Foodie opened his New Carlisle restaurant in April of 2023. The menu changes weekly, with customer favorites like lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, and Eggplant Parmesan making regular appearances.

The restaurant is currently closed while Franco is in the hospital fighting for his after a battle after he had a routing surgery to get an updated pacemaker in his heart. “That surgery was successful, but then somehow it was infected and he was admitted into the hospital again because he was having breathing issues,” said Jess Gallo, Franco’s daughter. “Congestive heart failure was starting and they basically told him he had six months at the most to survive,” said Karen Gallo, Franco’s wife. As explained on a go fund me page set up for Franco, “The pacemaker became infected, triggering a cascade of life-threatening complications. Franco has since endured numerous emergency procedures and has been placed on multiple life-support systems, including a temporary LVAD, while we waited, with hope and fear, for a donor heart.

When that call finally came, we thought it was our miracle. The transplant gave us hope for a new beginning. But shortly after, Franco’s body began to reject the new heart. He has since been diagnosed with Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD), a severe and rare complication. He is now back on ECMO and an LVAD, and during a recent procedure to place an RVAD, doctors discovered a dangerous blood clot that required immediate surgery.”

Over the weekend Cassaundra Spaziani, owner of Giovanni’s Fair

Cassaundra Spaziani

posted this: “Some of you may know that Franco the Foodie out of New Carlisle is in the hospital. I do not know Franco. But I do know what it’s like supporting a family with a small business. I know how scary it can be to get sick and worry about bills. It has happened to many of us. We don’t believe that Franco is our competitor but he is our friend. There’s room for us all to do well and succeed and support each other. So please come out Tuesday for Alfredo night. Make plans to eat with us Tuesday September 23rd from 4-8pm and help a family during what is likely the most stressful and scariest time of their lives. Money should be the last thing we have to think about when someone we love is ill, but unfortunately that is not the case for many of us. We all want Franco to be around for many more years and we all want him to be serving up his wonderful Italian dishes every week. . From one Italian family to another, we truly hope you come see us Tuesday and know that you are contributing to an entire family’s peace of mind.”