Status: OPEN
Franco Di Roma in Middletown, New York is one of Restaurant Impossible’s most recent success stories. Featured in the final season, this family Italian restaurant overcame internal divisions to emerge stronger – and customers are loving the results.
A Family Divided
Franco Di Roma, an Italian restaurant and pizzeria located in a shopping center at 357 NY-211 in Middletown, New York, wasn’t just struggling financially when Restaurant Impossible arrived – it was being torn apart by family conflict.
Married owners Franco and Karen had been driven apart by past mistakes. Franco refused to change. Karen refused to show up. Their son refused to work with them. The restaurant was on the brink of collapse, but the bigger crisis was the family itself.
The Episode (Season 22, Episode 12)
Title: “A Family Divided”
Air Date: March 16, 2023
The episode title captured the real problem. Robert Irvine had to heal a family before he could save a restaurant. This was therapy as much as renovation.
Robert Irvine’s Intervention
Beyond the usual menu and décor changes, Robert worked to bridge the divide between Franco and Karen. He addressed the underlying issues that had caused them to pull apart, helping them remember why they started the restaurant together in the first place.
The physical transformation created what customers describe as a “rustic Italian barrel wine cellar with a warm atmosphere” – a space that reflects the warmth an Italian family restaurant should embody.
The Results
Franco Di Roma emerged from Restaurant Impossible with both a renovated space and a reunited family. Post-episode reviews have been mostly positive, with customers praising:
- The food: Thin crust pizza with balanced sauce and quality cheese
- The atmosphere: Warm, rustic Italian ambiance
- The service: Friendly and attentive
- The owner: Franco himself, who customers note works hard
The restaurant now offers different menus for dine-in versus takeout, showing they’re thinking strategically about their operations.
A Favorite Pizza Spot
Multiple reviewers have called Franco Di Roma one of their favorite pizza places in the Middletown area. For a restaurant that was on the brink of collapse just a short time ago, that’s a remarkable turnaround.
Visit Information
Address: 357 NY-211, Middletown, NY
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
Known For: Thin crust pizza, Italian dishes
Options: Dine-in, Takeout (separate menus)
View Franco Di Roma on Google Maps →
Franco Di Roma proves that Restaurant Impossible can save more than just businesses – sometimes it saves families too.
Last verified: January 2026
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