Frankie’s Patriot BBQ ​

 Where most become paralyzed when a loved one is killed in action, the parents of Frankie Gross (KIA 7/2011), Craig and Toni Gross, stepped into action. Craig retired from his job and they opened a restaurant, Frankie’s Patriot BBQ, in Clearwater FL in honor of their son. If you go to their website home page http://frankiespatriotbbq.com, other than boasting of serving fresh cooked BBQ daily, they post proudly that, “This establishment was built in loving memory of CPL Frank Gross – Killed in Action 16 July 2011.  

Besides operating a busy restaurant, they volunteer to feed the USO living facility, Fisher House and the local Veteran’s home. They conduct fundraisers for The Patriot Guard and Molly’s (sends care packages to deployed soldiers) in addition to feeding veterans and their families every Thanksgiving and Christmas, no questions asked. All at no cost. Wife, Toni, volunteers thousands of hours for local veteran’s groups and in fact because of their efforts both the Gross’ have recently gone to the White House to have dinner with President Trump.

Craig Gross contacted FHAF because his restaurant had recently suffered some large unexpected expenditure through no fault of his own. What made it worse- it was during their slowest time of the year (July/August). He had fallen behind on his rent and certain other vendor bills to keep Frankie’s Patriot BBQ going.  FHAF gave the Gross’ a sizable grant to catch up on his rent and help pay down the vendor bills to keep the restaurant going.  In fact in talking with the business’ landlord he offered to match the FHAF grant to improve the facility.

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Notes of Gratitude

"I wanted to take this time to thank GIFTS OF GRATITUDE [FHAF] for helping FRANKIE'S PATRIOT BBQ at a time of true need! Because of your support, Frankie's Patriot BBQ was able to feed THE USO...THE FISHER HOUSE, AND MANY FIRST RESPONDERS for free during their difficult times. By helping us, we passed on the generosity! God Bless You and THANK YOU!"
Craig Gross (Son, Frankie KIA)
FRANKIE'S PATRIOT BBQ 

"First of all - THANK YOU!!! and GOD BLESS YOU! WOW!! WHAT A FABULOUS SONG!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!! [FHAF Music Video] I am OVERHWLEMED today with THANKSGIVING. Can I say I have been pinching myself all weekend?"
Craig Gross (son, Frankie KIA)
FRANKIE'S PATRIOT BBQ