20 years strong: Streamwood's Franco's Cucina builds on tradition of delectable fare

The restaurant industry has a less-than-stellar track record for longevity. As sizzle turns to fizzle, a high percentage of new businesses never make it to their fifth — or even first — year.

Yet longevity is what makes Franco's Cucina in Streamwood so noteworthy. The popular family enterprise, founded 20 years ago by Franco and Emily Iaccino and now owned and operated by their son John Iaccino, is still going strong and looking to the future.

The combination deli, bakery and restaurant offers a complete, affordable menu with daily entree specials, pizza by the slice, specialty sandwiches and salads and 17 different deli subs. The menu sticks to the basics, and the food is nourishing and satisfying.

Upon arrival, diners take a number and order food displayed in temperature-controlled cases at a glassed-in counter. Reservations aren't accepted, but don't be intimidated by a long queue. Efficient staff members, many of whom have worked at Franco's for seven to 10 years, keep the line moving.

Sit-down customers, including many regulars who stop by three or more times a week, tote their meals on trays to a table in the casual dining room that accommodates about 50. A patio handles the overflow crowd when the weather permits.

Management estimates a 50-50 split between its dine-in and carryout clientele, though Franco's typically experiences a brisk pickup in catering orders during the holidays.

Cold seafood salad filled the bill for my recent lunch. It was a delicately seasoned mix of shrimp, squid and surimi garnished with black olives. I supplemented this with a house-made arancini, a baseball-size rice ball with a meat-and-pea filling that was coated with bread crumbs and fried. A delectable marinara dipping sauce provided an extra fillip.

Incidentally, you can pick up a bottle of the marinara sauce on your way out; other items such as Italian breads and sweet rolls, various olive oils and vinegars and gelato are available to-go as well.

My dining partner chose chicken limone from among the daily specials. The chicken breast was sauteed in a flavorful lemon sauce and served with a crusty bun. Even better was the generous side order of vegetables roasted in olive oil and garlic; the colorful assortment included zucchini, carrots, onions, and green, red and yellow bell peppers.

Further options included chicken parmigiana, Italian sausage, meatball subs in red sauce, soppressata sub, prosciutto and provolone, and pastrami and Swiss cheese.

It would be a mistake to leave without sampling one or more of Franco's appealing confections. The tiramisu didn't disappoint nor did the Nutella-filled cheese sticks, which also come with raspberry, chocolate, lemon, cherry or apple fillings. Truth be told, the almond biscotti and chocolate-covered macaroons were hard to overlook.

Cannoli cake, highly recommended by a fellow customer, had run out, so tasting that treat would have to keep for a return visit.

Alcohol isn't sold on the premises. But coffee drinkers should know that Franco's whips up a commendable cappuccino.

• Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not publish reviews of restaurants it cannot recommend.

Franco's Cucina

1550 Bourbon Parkway, Streamwood, (630) 372-6990, <a href="http://www.francoscucina.net/display_home_html_pages.php?PageNumber=1">francoscucina.net</a>

<b>Cuisine:</b> Italian favorites

<b>Setting:</b> Old-fashioned bakery and deli for dine-in or take out

<b>Entrees:</b> $5.50 to $9.95

<b>Hours:</b> 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday