A Tampa Bay-area Gold Star family that opened a barbecue restaurant in honor of the son they lost spent this Christmas providing holiday meals for free to veterans in need.

  • Frankie's Patriot BBQ is at 6250 Ulmerton Road in Clearwater
  • Craig Gross opened restaurant in honor of son, Army Cpl. Frank Gross
  • Gross was killed in action by IED in Afghanistan in July 2011

Pictures of Army Cpl. Frank Gross hang proudly throughout Frankie’s Patriot BBQ restaurant on Ulmerton Road in Clearwater. Owner Craig Gross, Frank's father, hasn’t seen his son in more than five years but said they spend quality time together at the start of every day.

“I come here and I stand in front of my son's picture behind me and I salute and say the Pledge of Allegiance with my son every morning," Gross said.

Cpl. Gross was killed by an improvised explosive device in July 2011 while on a rescue mission in Afghanistan. He was buried with full military honors on his birthday at Arlington National Cemetery.

(Katie Jones, staff)

It’s a loss no parent should ever have to face. Craig Gross said he turned to cooking to help cope.

"The restaurant is my therapy," Gross said. "I believe in God, and I believe in the power of prayer, I believe in God's word, but I needed to stay busy."

Gross later opened the restaurant in honor of his late son and his sacrifice for his country. Gross spent his Christmas in 2016 giving back and expressing gratitude to other veterans who have protected and served.

Veterans and friends joined with Craig, his wife and staff, along with other Gold Star families, serving holiday meals for free.

"The reason why I'm doing it is very simple. I want to say 'thank you,'" Gross said. "I want to say 'thank you' to those who have given us our freedom."

Gross said it was the least he could do to say thanks to those who have risked it all.

"I want them to know that because I'm their friend, they have somebody, they can come here anytime. If they're hungry, I'll always feed them. I'll never say no to a veteran, never," he said.

He also said he believes his son Frank is looking down on them with love and pride.

"I don't know if people can see us from heaven," Gross said. "I'd like to believe that they can. And I believe that my mom, dad, Frankie, they're all up there smiling down, saying, 'Good job.' "