(Facebook/Franco's Auto Service).

By Aaron Schulze

Franco's 50th

Kamloops business owner celebrating 50 years with 1,000 meals to frontline workers

Mar 16, 2021 | 10:03 AM

KAMLOOPS – March 1, 1971 is when Franco Annicchiarico entered the auto service industry in Kamloops.

Fast forward 50 years and Annicchiarico is celebrating a milestone. But how do you celebrate amidst a global pandemic?

While a dinner with friends and customers to celebrate the occasion won’t transpire, Annicchiarico will look ahead to April to say “thank you” to Kamloops for 50 years of support.

On Friday, April 16 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Colombo Lodge, Annicchiarico and his team at Franco’s Auto Service will serve 1,000 meals to frontline workers who have faced the COVID-19 pandemic head on. They’ll serve the meals in a drive-thru format.

Even though he’s been thinking about it for six months, Annicchiarico said he feels anxious and excited leading up to the big day.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Prosperity through partnership and conversation

6h ago

Question of the Week

With King Charles III visiting Canada this week, do you feel the monarchy is relevant to Canadians?

May 26, 2025

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Exploring the Outdoors

May 26, 2025

“This will be done with the bottom of my heart because Kamloops has been good to me,” Annicchiarico said. “They gave me a lot of opportunities and brought a lot of talent here. Seeing a lot of people… it’s been wonderful to me… between the manufacturer representatives, the suppliers, the employees, and the customers number one. Without them, we wouldn’t be in business. I want to thank you very much.”

“I know they’re trying very hard. The doctors and nurses, especially the nurses, my goodness. I hope and pray this will be finished and there will be a smile on the faces of the people.”

Annicchiarico said interested frontline workers should register for a meal online, so the Colombo Lodge can prepare accordingly. He said information will be posted on Franco’s Auto Service’s Facebook page today (March 16).