By Elizabeth F. McNamara
It turns out, those Facebook posts proclaiming the demise of Frank & John’s were a bit of East Greenwich “fake news.” Whew!
Change has come to the venerable Main Street pizzeria but it remains very much open, if a familiar-tasting eggplant parmesan sandwich eaten there Tuesday is any indication.

New Frank & John’s owner Lucy Chacon with former owner â and local legend â John Illiano.
After more than 45 years, owner John Illiano recently sold the restaurant to Lucy Chacon, who also owns Lucia’s Mexican restaurant on Atwells Avenue in Providence. In addition, longtime husband-and-wife employees Victor and Carla Vargas left in June. But Illiano has not yet departed and he continues to instruct Chacon on all things Frank & John’s.
“We’re not going to change anything,” said Chacon.

John Illiano with longtime Frank & John’s patron Bob Houghtaling.
For Bob Houghtaling, a patron since 1975, the vibe is still good. In fact, on a hot day in July, Houghtaling was asking Chacon about whether or not he could hold his regular Fezziwig party at the restaurant come December.
Illiano is still wearing an apron but says it’s the customers he’s going to miss, not the cooking. His wife has already started a new job in Tampa, Fla., and John plans to join her there but he hasn’t fixed a departure date yet. What are his plans for life in Florida? Illiano said he’s going to fish.
“But if I get tired of fishing, I’ll open up a restaurant,” he said.
Weâre going to miss you so badly ! Good luck John with whatever your future holds . You deserve it . Omg im going to cry !
We love Frank & Johnâs Pizza. John is the best! What a great guy with a wonderful family! We wish you the best!
Don’t change anything,love the chicken cacciatore!
Love you John!!! All the way from Exeter…to get my đ!!! Nothing around here as good as yours. I will miss you!!! Best of luck and much happiness…
Went a few weeks ago. Gone seriously downhill. Super dirty, they ‘renovated’ the room which meant closing off the kitchen so you cant see them cooking, and adding some very ugly light fixtures. Pizza was terrible – threw it away after one slice. Also, the bathroom (which was renovated not thaaaaat long ago) was filthy. Wife and her family have been going for over 40 years – totally ruined the good memories, how depressing. At least Victor has his own spot now.