Our Story

Restaurant Rockford IL

Michelle, Brittany, Benny, Kim,
Stephanie, and Andrea

Famiglia. It is not difficult to understand the necessity of family in everyday life, but to experience its impact on our family’s business is short of incomprehensible. Having witnessed the countless friendships and relationships that were formed over the years, plainly, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career in the restaurant business.

Since 1986 when Franchesco’s first opened, the combination of friendly family atmosphere, old world recipies, and superior service have catapulted our venue as one of the top restaurants in the Rock River Valley. With great thanks and gratitude to my family as well as our restaurant family for our last 22 years of support, we promise to continue to strive towards excellence.

Beauty, innovation, and culinary perfection only begin to describe the new Franchesco’s Ristorante. A new generation of Salamone’s, with our old world traditions and newly acquired skills and knowledge, will continue to strive foward in our quest to better serve the public. The Salamone family proudly invites everyone to our new home for an unforgettable experience as we venture into the future with high expectations for a growing family.

Restaurant Rockford IL

Franchesco’s Grand Opening

Hello everyone! I became passionate about food and wine on board the MS Seaward cruise ship, with whom I sailed for 6 years. Traveling around the world as a sommelier, with 56 different nationalities on board, gave me the opportunity and knowledge to service our customers at Franchesco’s.

Our wine cellar is comprised of a large variety of some of the finest wines from around the world. Included are some of the award winning Chiantis, Brunellos, Super Tuscans, Amarones, Bordeaux’s, Cabernets, Meritages, Merlots, Melbacs and a few verticals and partials of very selected award winning wines such as Cinq Cepages, Silver Oak, Opus One, Duckhorn, Caymus, and Cakebread. I’m here as your personal sommelier to find that special bottle which fits your acquired taste and makes your dining experience a memorable one.

Welcome to Franchesco’s, Bon Appetit!

Restaurant Rockford IL

Ricky – Our Sommelier

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