ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani will return to Rockford as part of a sold-out event at Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road.
Guests of the one-night-only event on Sunday, Feb. 22 will enjoy an interactive four-course dinner, with each course paired with selected wines.
Viviani will prepare each dish onstage while close-up views are projected onto a larger screen. The Franchesco’s culinary team will then plate and serve identical courses to attendees.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Fabio back to Rockford,” said Benny Salamone, owner of Franchesco’s Ristorante, Benny’s Bar & Lounge, and Fresco at the Gardens. “He’s not just an incredible chef—he’s a true showman with great energy and quick wit. Our guests still talk about his last visits, and we’re confident this evening will be even more memorable.”
Who is Fabio Viviani?
Rockford restaurant brings Top Chef Fan Favorite(WIFR)
Born and raised in Florence, Italy, Fabio Viviani got his start at age 11 baking nights for a local bakery. By age 27, he owned five restaurants and two nightclubs, eventually moving to California in 2005.
He participated in multiple culinary competition shows including Top Chef in 2008 where he was voted a fan favorite. Since then, he’s appeared in a number of television cooking segments, become a bestselling cookbook author and boasts around 60 restaurant concepts, including Bar Siena in Chicago.
Viviani returns to Rockford
Viviani last visited the Forest City in February 2025. Organizers say the event, also held at Franchesco’s, sold out in a matter of days.
“My goal has always been to bring big-city culinary experiences to Rockford,” Salamone said. “Partnering with talents like Fabio allows us to deliver something truly special—world-class food and entertainment right here in our community.”
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