Ok, so apparently I’ve been sleeping on Franco’s, because I’ve never even heard of the place and they have a few locations throughout the greater Buffalo area. According to your sweet sweet votes, you all seem pretty high on them too. The one I hit is in North Buffalo on Kenmore ave, and at first glance, I had to google whether it was a chain pizzeria like Marco’s, Mark’s, or Jet’s. It’s got a polished look that makes it seem cookie-cutter. As you can see, the dark days of winter are upon us, because I hit Franco’s for din din around 6pm and it was darker than Wesley Snipes out. They were busy and people were losing their minds (please don’t be that person at any restaurant) because their orders got a little bobbled. Admittedly, they kind of screwed up my slice order in a way, and it took a while to get it, but come on man. These are stressed out hormonal teens trying to figure out their prom dates and a few other of life’s great mysteries all while cooking your weird-o half mushroom half-olive double cheese pizza at warp speed. Give them a break and enjoy the pizza-sauna restaurant experience. 2/$6.80ish, which is a little high, but…
These are monstrous slices. I wish I had something for scale. They come in a rectangular pizza box that could probably take a small caliber bullet, and are roughly the size of pot-holder. This is actually pretty solid value. Also, these are only my 2nd rectangular slices after Avenue, and hey, anything unique tickles my fancy at this point. I’ve seen a lot of pizza this year, man. Admittedly, these look ok at first glance, but I’m not really blown away. Also, sorry for the shit lighting. This is an evening review. Late night, baby. Put the kids to bed and get weird.
These are Bocce-level thickness. The dough is pillowy, but in no way dried out or hard around the edges.
Buttery and fluffy. Not my particular favorite style, but I’ll be damned if they didn’t nail it.
Franco’s cheese puts on no fronts. It looks bubbly and delicious, and my god that’s what it was. Hot, gooey, heavy, and a crispy top that housed melty mozz just below. Like a thin scab on a fresh wound. I’m starting to run thin on analogies.
Franco’s sauce was a dark horse I didn’t see coming. The first bite I took on the ride home actually made me say out loud “oh shit, that is a strong sauce”. True story. Exciting moments in a young man’s life. But seriously, this is some of the finest in the game. For me, anyway. It’s tangy, a little sour, garlicky, pretty sure it has some bell pepper, and I think I tasted egg and cinnamon. In true Buffalo fashion, ladled on heavy, and I loved every bit of it. A little thin, but that’s the only crack I’m going to make at it. Seriously good.
I thought the pepperoni were going to be weak but NOPE. These packed a spicy punch that hit hard. They were almost a little dehydrated and charred, so they were a little crisp and very chewy. Like thinly sliced moist jerky. That’s the best I’ve got, but I think it hits the texture and flavor intensity pretty well. Such a small thing, but it made this slice that much better than the one that was just cheese…which was still really good. Color me impressed, Franco. This is a classy cold cut that separates itself from the rest. To the judges panel. A panel of 1.
Dough🥖: (A-/A) Not big on the fluff, but this was tender and cooked-through.
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Cheese🧀: (A-) Perfect browning achieved, but a tad thin for me. Could have used a handful more to key in that coveted queso pull.
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Sauce🥫: (A) I am all about it. Garlic, pepper, tang. Sassy shit. Just a touch thin.
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Pepperoni🍖: (A-/A) Pungent flavor, great chew, and a distinctly different flavor than most of the competition, but not as many as I would have liked. I prefer a heavy-handed pizza maker.
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Overall🍕: (A-)
I’ll be damned. Honestly, my expectations were through the floor. I just had a weird vibe, and I really don’t like the atmosphere in there. Puffy slices and exacting pepperoni placement had me thinking Dominos, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I dig those slices. If I’m going for the thicker pie, I’m putting this right up there with Bocce. Scoff all you want, but if you prefer a savory/tangy sauce over a sweeter one, but still wanna get down on with the local style and “be a part of it”, this deserves a shot. It’s hip. It’s hot. It’s pizza. You tickled my fancy, Franco. Thanks so much. We’re on to the final 10 next week! I look forward to rounding out the marathon with you all. Maybe marathon isn’t the best comparison. I’m not really hitting with these analogies today. Such is life.