Who We Are
It all started in the Russo’s Kitchen
At Russo’s, we specialize in freshly prepared, authentic Italian meals in a fast-casual setting. With our original family recipes, fresh ingredients, and traditional methods, every Russo’s franchise ensures consistently delicious dishes. We aim to evoke the inviting ambiance of traditional Italian dining, where great food and lively conversation make for unforgettable experiences.
At Russo’s, our dedication to cherished traditions shapes every aspect of our operation. From authentic recipes to genuine hospitality and respect for our team, Chef Russo’s family values drive us. These enduring practices are passed down through generations, ensuring the Russo’s legacy thrives in every franchisee.
Because our company holds our family name and family recipes, we’re dedicated to continuing the family tradition. Every day, I’m honored to have this legacy passed on to us.
Anthony Russo, CEO and Founder Russo’s New York Pizzeria
The Russo’s Story
Chef Anthony Russo, son of Italian immigrants, honed his culinary skills in the bustling kitchen of his family home in New Jersey, where he cherished the flavors of his grandparents’ traditions. Inspired by his father’s restaurant in Galveston, he delved into mastering Italian recipes, crafting pizzas and calzones by the age of 12.
In the early 80s, Anthony opened his first eatery, Russo’s Pizza, featuring hand-tossed dough and fresh sauce made from California vine-ripened tomatoes. His culinary journey continued with Anthony’s Pizzeria in Clear Lake, Texas, before expanding to Houston.
Over the years, Anthony refined his menu, focusing on perfecting New York-style pizza while creating a casual dining experience with lower overhead costs. In 1992, Russo’s New York Pizzeria debuted in downtown Houston, marking the beginning of a successful franchising venture.
There was always cooking and baking at home, and many of the ingredients came from the family garden, just as his Grandpa and Nona Russo did back in Avellino, Italy.
Chef Russo's family moved to Galveston, Texas, in 1978. His father opened Russo’s Italian Restaurant, which quickly became a local favorite.
At a young age, he was learning family recipes from relatives who flew in from Naples and Sicily each summer. Making pizza and squachatta (calzones) became a passion.
Chef Russo opened the first pizzeria in Houston, Texas, serving the best New York-style pizza to the local community and soon became the foundation for Russo's New York Pizzeria.
Chef Russo launches Russo's New York Pizzeria, by opening his first franchise in Houston, Texas.
Open first international Russo's location in Jeumeirah Center, Dubai. From there, Russo's started growing in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Phillipines and more.
Today, Chef Russo continues to grow his Pizzeria and Italian resturant by staying true to the family traditions that play a role in every aspect of the business.
Flexible Restaurant Designs
Experience the perfect blend of passion and profitability with Russo’s franchise opportunities. Our meticulously crafted business models cater to both single- and multi-unit investors, combining the Russo’s dining experience with unparalleled flexibility.
Our innovative restaurant designs enable you to operate efficiently with minimal staff, keeping labor costs low. Plus, indulge your guests with our unique menu items, all made from scratch with care and precision.
Step into our restaurants, and you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere reminiscent of Little Italy. Every detail is meticulously curated to provide an authentic dining experience like no other.
Italian Casual Restaurant with Catering Opportunities
Full-Service Dining with Open Kitchen Concept
Indoor/Outdoor Patio suited for Private Parties
Features a Brick-Oven or Coal-Fired Oven
Upscale Menu Items with Optional Full Beer/Wine Bar
Franchise Support
Benefits to Owning a Russo’s
Strong unit-level economics: Benefit from high margins with $1,134,000 average unit sales with a low start-up costs of $150,000.
Proven Business Model: Benefit from standardized processes, recipes, and operational guidelines, reducing the risks of starting from scratch.
Training and Support: Benefit from invaluable training and ongoing support from our experienced team, ideal for newcomers to the restaurant industry.
Marketing and Advertising Support: Benefit from marketing and advertising support within our franchise system, driving brand awareness and attracting customers to your location.
Access to Suppliers and Resources: Benefit from pre-negotiated suppliers, leading to cost savings and streamlined logistics for sourcing ingredients and resources.
Potential for Growth: Benefit from multi-unit ownership opportunities to expand your business and geographic reach as a successful franchisee.
Six Steps to Join the Russo Family
1
Request for Consideration Form:
Franchise candidates review Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen franchise information packet, then submit the completed confidential application to the corporate office.
2
Franchise Disclosure:
The approved candidate receives the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for review within 14 days, followed by payment of the franchise fee.
3
Discovery Day:
Pre-qualified prospective franchisees are invited to visit the corporate office.
4
Site Selection:
The Russo’s team will review site guidelines and assess if the requested location’s demographics, region, and marketplace align with our criteria.
5
Training and Development:
Your training and orientation will be conducted in Houston, Texas, covering front-of-house and back-of-house operations, processes, and procedures.
6
Grand Opening:
Our operations team will support you throughout your new store opening, assisting with delivery, kitchen setup, staff training, and ensuring a successful grand opening!
In the News
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