Franny and Zooey, and Marco

Second only to Barclays Center, Franny's 2.0 has been Flatbush Avenue's most anticipated opening since early last year, when Franny's owners Andrew Feinberg and Francine Stephens announced they were moving their nine-year-old restaurant to a larger venue. The new space, in a former Blockbuster at 348 Flatbush, was originally slated for a November opening. Scaffolding still surrounds the facade, but construction is close to finished inside, and on a recent visit, we were told 2.0 could open as early as April 1st.

The new digs are twice the size of the original and will have two brick ovens. Doubling up on ovens is what's going to allow 2.0 to add lunch seven days a week as well as takeout to their lineup. Also new to 2.0 is a reservation policy in place for parties of six and up, and a private dining space will be available for groups of ten or more.

Jonathan Adler, executive chef at Franny's since 2008, will make the move down the street and take his title with him. The owners are holding onto the 298 address and will reopen it as Marco's, named of their son. One of the first things on the to do list is replace the brick oven that moved down the street with a wood-burning oven and rotisserie. Daniel Amend, Franny's current sous, will become the executive chef. The menu will focus on authentic Italian dishes and explore the bounty of Italy's regions. Construction will start on Marco's shortly after 2.0 opens. Interior pics of the new Franny's ahead via facebook.

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