Franco’s Italian Pizzeria, a Portage staple at 8022 S. Westnedge Ave, has changed hands as former owners Franco and Francesca Impellizzeri retire after serving the community with delicious food for 41 years. New owners Corey and Jason Milbeck have been learning the authentic Franco’s recipes since August, according to MLive.
“As we move forward, we want to let you know that we have sold our restaurant and passed the pizza paddle on to an experienced and passionate couple who share our values and vision. We are confident that they will continue to uphold the same level of quality, service, and care that you have come to expect. We know Jason and Corey will be warmly welcomed and supported by this amazing community,” the Impellizzeris said in a Facebook post.
Jason Milbeck told the MLive that his wife, Corey Milbeck has worked with Franco’s as a marketer for Texas Roadhouse on event catering for over 15 years. The couple was looking to buy a business of their own, and the Impellizzeris were looking to sell when Corey called about an employee’s pizza party.
“We do not have any experience actually owning a restaurant, so that is the learning curve we are excited to tackle. However, we do have many years of experience running one. My wife Corey has been the marketer/operations manager for Texas Roadhouse for the past 15 years (this is how she came to know franco) but she has transitioned fully into francos and our other business adventures,” Jason Milbeck told What Now Detorit in an email.
To honor the legacy of the Impellizzeris, the Milbecks have commissioned a new mural of the original owners inside the restaurant. The mural was created by local artist and family friend Sadie Benthin. The Milbecks will also incorporate online ordering and an updated computer system to elevate the restaurant’s experience.
“Franco and his wife Francesca have been nothing but amazing to us, not only the helping with the takeover process, where he took us under his wing to make sure we were built for success, but also to this date. Any questions we have, it’s a phone call to franco is who answering every time with a way to help,” Milbeck said, adding that they may add some new menu items as time goes, such as holiday-themed pizzas and new unique flavored pizzas. Milbeck is also giving the restaurant “a facelift into the 21st century with new point of sale system, new online ordering,” as well as delivery via popular platforms and a FRANCO app in the near future.
