Restaurant Review: Franco’s Cafe

When your order is up at Franco’s Café…Franco himself will yell, “here you go, my friend!” Just open 6-months, Franco makes each customer feel like an old, lifelong friend.

Nestled in a business park on Data Drive, you might be familiar with its previously owned names – Professional Perk or Le Petit Café. Franco has been cooking for over 30 years, and spent most of his career as a Chef in the Water Resources building. He also owned a café in a bowling alley in Folsom.

When he decided to open Franco’s Café in Rancho Cordova, he immediately decided to install a grill and hood, so that he could offer his specialty – burgers and grilled sandwiches.

My husband and I visited at lunchtime, and we received a warm welcome from Franco and his sister Juanita – she stepped in for that day to help him out because his counter girl had called in sick. We were so impressed with their warm personalities and their eagerness to serve us up a great lunch.

I ordered the grilled turkey and cheese sandwich on sourdough, and if you’re a cheese fan, you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say it was so good and warm with “melted cheesy goodness”. The turkey was obviously pressed, but it was flavorful. What I especially liked was that the grilled bread wasn’t too greasy or soggy – it was toasted wonderfully. I ordered potato salad as a side, and it was good, but I’m not a big fan of red bell peppers and the flavor was a bit overwhelming, even after picking them out.

My husband ordered the ranch style chicken sandwich.He commented that his chicken was also pressed, not an actual chicken breast, but that was probably to be expected in a quick-cook deli. He loved the fact that the sandwich was piled high with bacon that was pretty lean and the produce was very good and fresh. His side of French fries were nice and hot, but he felt they were okay and not remarkable. Our lunch specials were $7.50 each, and while we agreed the chicken sandwich combo was worth that price, the grilled turkey and cheese was a bit high priced.

Both of us agreed we were quite satisfied and full with our meal, and that we’d definitely be back.

Franco’s offers burgers and grilled sandwiches, as well as a variety of hotdogs, 6-different French fry offerings, finger foods (including quesadillas and taquitos), and salads.

Those who need a boost in the morning will love Franco’s breakfast menu. All of your “diner type” breakfast favorites are available including eggs, pancakes, and omelet’s. Franco also offers up an amazing breakfast special for only $2.50…your choice of a Country Gravy Box (country potatoes and gravy), a California Breakfast Box (potatoes, egg, cheese and choice of ham, bacon, sausage or chorizo) and the Good Morning Burrito (egg, cheese, and choice of ham sausage, bacon or chorizo). And did I mention those choices are only $2.50?!

Franco’s is a great place for lunch – seating is limited inside, but they also offer patio seating and you can always take your order to go.

Have you been to Franco’s Cafe? Please tell us about your experience, and if you have a tried the breakfast items, let me know – I’m thinking about going back just for one of those specials!

Barbara’s review rating: 4 out of 5 stars!
Franco’s Café
3320 Data Drive, Suite 150
(916) 851-9756

Do you want to know about a local, Rancho Cordova eatery? Tell Barbara where to visit, in the comments section!