Franco Germano was a connoisseur in the kitchen — carefully orchestrating each meal, leaving customers with just one reaction: “Magnifico!” Germano, the owner of Franco’s Ristorante Italiano in the Oregon District, died on Sunday. He was 73.

The owner of the popular Italian restaurant grew up in Duronia, Italy, where he developed an expansive knowledge and passion for food. He opened his restaurant at 824 E. Fifth St. in Dayton in October 1976 when he was 31 years old. His famous dishes include Franco’s “World Famoso” Spaghetti.