Francesco “Franco” Lopiccolo

Francesco “Franco” Lopiccolo was born on March 13, 1946, in Carini, Sicily. Before coming to the United States, he spent more than twelve years working as a train conductor in Palermo — a career that spoke to the steadiness and quiet discipline he carried with him his entire life.

Franco immigrated to the United States on July 4, 1976, and built a new life centered on family and hospitality. He worked at Anna's Pizza in Buckroe before helping to found Mama Rosa's in Hampton, where he became known among staff and regulars alike for baking the restaurant's bread by hand — a small daily ritual that became part of what makes Mama Rosa's, Mama Rosa's.

A man of few words, Franco embodied quiet strength and a dry sense of humor that those who knew him won't forget.

In 1977, Franco married Giroloma “Mimma” Buffa, and together they raised a family while building the restaurant into the Hampton institution it is today. Franco is remembered not only for his work ethic but for the steady, understated presence he brought to every room — the kitchen included.

Franco's legacy carries on through his family and through Mama Rosa's itself, where the recipes, the bread, and the spirit of hospitality he helped build are still very much alive.

Franco is lovingly remembered by the entire Mama Rosa's family — staff and guests alike. Every loaf of bread that comes out of our kitchen carries a piece of his legacy forward.