A new Italian restaurant has opened its doors in east Ocala, officially replacing another restaurant that closed in the same location last year after more than 50 years in business.
Franco’s Italian Restaurant officially opened its new location at 1801 E Silver Springs Boulevard on Thursday, August 1.
The new restaurant takes over a location previously occupied by Lorito’s Italian Kitchen, which closed its doors in 2023.
Over the past several months, owner Franco Esposito and his team have been working to transform the space, which is situated within the Ocala Center shopping plaza.
During their modifications, the group engaged in talks with the city regarding an iconic sign along the boulevard. Esposito was told by city officials that the sign was too close to the roadway and would have to be removed. After weeks of discussions, the sign, which is shaped like a wine bottle, was ultimately permitted to remain.
It has since been repainted by a local artist with the new restaurant’s name.
Franco’s serves a variety of classic Italian dishes, including pizzas and calzones. Antipasti (appetizers) include fried calamari, bruschetta, and garlic knots, and the restaurant also offers traditional soups like pasta e fagioli and roasted red pepper and sausage bisque.
Additional classics include cheese ravioli, stuffed shells, and eggplant parmigiana.
Featured pasta dishes include linguini alle vongole, which comes with Cedar Key clams, and lobster stuffed ravioli, among several others.
Entrees include several cuts of steak, as well as chicken, veal, and fish prepared in a variety of ways.
The restaurant is currently open seven days a week beginning at 11 a.m. each day. It closes at 9 p.m. every day but Sunday, when it closes at 8 p.m.
For more information on the business, visit Franco’s Italian Restaurant online, or follow the group on Facebook.
