Franco the Foodie serves traditional Italian dishes in New Carlisle

Credit: Submitted Photo

Credit: Submitted Photo

What started as a way to help those in his community find food easily during the coronavirus pandemic has turned into a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Franco the Foodie, owned by Chef Franco Gallo, is located at 120 W. Jefferson St. in the space that previously housed StageCoach Cafe in New Carlisle.

Credit: Submitted Photo

Credit: Submitted Photo

The restaurant features a variety of fresh, traditional Italian dishes.

“I want to keep the classic dishes alive,” Gallo previously said. “I want to keep the classic dishes to be the way it was - simple.”

This week’s carry out menu features Lasagna, Ziti Panna & Prosciutto, Penne with Broccoli & Sun Dried Tomatoes, Italian Chicken Bake with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes and Veggies, in addition to Salad, Soup, Baguette, Coconut Meringue Pie and Sea Salt Caramel Cake.

Other dishes he has made previously includes Spaghetti & Meatballs, Tri-Color 4-Cheese Tortellini with Vodka Sauce, Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce, Garlic Tomato Focaccia and many others.

The restaurant is open for carryout only at this time, but customers are more than welcome to sit down and eat their food at one of the open tables to get to know the owner and his family, Gallo previously explained. Preorders are accepted by calling 937-679-5404 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. or sending a message via Facebook. Franco the Foodie is also on DoorDash for delivery.

Credit: Submitted Photo

Credit: Submitted Photo

The chef described himself as a walking encyclopedia when it comes to food. He said he has trained by working in many restaurants in different places including Germany, Italy, France, Greece, England, Spain and Portugal.

“Franco the Foodie is not just an Italian chef that can cook Italian food,” Galllo said. “Franco the Foodie is the foodie.”

He wanted customers to know that whatever dish he adds to the menu isn’t a trial run. He has prepared the dish before.

Since opening the brick-and-mortar location, Gallo said he has enjoyed introducing people in the community to new food and his Italian culture.

“My favorite part is the appreciation and acceptance from our customers,” Gallo said.

Franco the Foodie is open Wednesday, April 26 through Saturday, April 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.

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