Franco Lania

Master Chef Franco Lania once said, “Food saved my life.” After finishing high school, Franco started working at Kings Supermarket in Short Hills, New Jersey. Within weeks, he discovered a passion for food, wanting to learn how to create new dishes. This passion led him to attend Le Cordon Bleu in London, where he graduated with the Grand Diplôme. He gained experience as a pastry chef at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel and furthered his education at the Italian Culinary Arts Institute in Italy, eventually working at the two-Michelin-star restaurant Sadler in Milan.

Franco’s career took a turn after 9/11 when he was set to take a Food Handler’s Certificate test at the World Trade Center but was evacuated instead. Following this traumatic event, he struggled to prepare healthy meals and often relied on fast food. Eventually, he moved to Miami and found a position at a small Italian restaurant that reignited his love for cooking and allowed him to reconnect with simple, nourishing food.

Today, Chef Franco inspires people globally, emphasizing the importance of cooking during difficult times. His culinary journey has led him to renowned restaurants across the U.S. and Europe, and he has worked with luxury cruise lines as the first American Italian Chef on Oceania Cruises. He has collaborated with HomeTown Television, appeared on the Food Network’s "24-Hour Restaurant Battle," and been featured in various media outlets.

Recently, Franco partnered with Tavola Tours to provide culinary and cultural adventures in Italy, continuing to educate others about the positive impact of food and cooking on daily life.