Fresh pasta
Fresh homemade pasta and chef-led recipes extend the menu beyond pizza.
California franchise development
Pizza Franchise and Restaurant Franchise Opportunities in California
California offers many distinct restaurant markets, so a useful franchise proposal must be more precise than a statewide request. Candidates should identify a metro, target customer, operating team and capital plan for review.
The Investor Report becomes available after a successful franchise application submission.
Answer first
Russo's reviews qualified California franchise candidates based on the proposed market, capital, operating plan and site strategy. Registration, disclosure and offer requirements apply before any franchise sale.
The Russo's food platform
Fresh food and premium pizza anchor the concept.
Chef Anthony Russo's menu gives candidates a broader restaurant story than pizza alone. Product availability and preparation details can vary by restaurant and market.
Premium pizza
New York-style pizza uses premium ingredients and the brand's fresh-dough standards.
24-hour dough
The current brand story includes fresh dough fermented for 24 hours for flavor and texture.
No seed oils in cooking
Russo's cooking-oil standard uses extra virgin olive oil instead of seed oils.
The cooking-oil statement is not a certification that every purchased ingredient is seed-oil-free. Ask Franchise Development about approved recipes, suppliers and the current menu program.
Founder message
A chef-founded restaurant brand.
Russo's grew from Chef Anthony Russo's family recipes and restaurant experience. Candidates can review the brand's food standards, training, support and operating model before deciding whether to continue into formal franchise due diligence.
Current U.S. FDD references
Investment and financial qualifications.
Total initial investment
Published U.S. range in the current FDD.
Liquid capital
Current minimum liquid capital reference.
Net worth
Current minimum net worth reference.
Initial franchise fee
Included within the U.S. total investment range.
The total investment includes the $35,000 initial franchise fee and varies by site and restaurant plan. Review the current FDD, including Items 5, 6 and 7, for the complete investment table, assumptions, fees and obligations.
Item 19 performance information
2025 Item 19 net sales averages for the stated groups.*
The top 25% of franchised Russo's stores averaged $1,368,586 in net sales, and the top 50% averaged $1,042,444 in net sales for fiscal year 2025.
*Based on Item 19 of the Russo's Franchise Disclosure Document, fiscal year 2025. The top 25% of franchised stores averaged $1,368,586 in net sales, and the top 50% averaged $1,042,444 in net sales. Some outlets have sold these amounts. There is no assurance you will sell as much. These are historical net sales figures, not profit, owner income, cash flow or forecasts. Individual results may vary. See the current FDD for complete details.
Read the complete Item 19 explanationTerritory planning
California markets to discuss
Real estate, labor, permitting, delivery economics and local competition can vary widely across California. The city guides below are starting points for due diligence, not statements that a protected territory is currently available.
Available territories: Franchise Development must confirm the current status of every proposed city, trade area, country or region.
Availability, exclusivity, site approval, candidate approval and development terms require separate review. A page or application does not reserve a territory.
Franchisee perspectives
Hear directly from Russo's owners.
These videos share individual franchisee experiences. Use them as one part of due diligence and speak with current and former franchisees identified in the current FDD.
Multi-unit franchisee perspective
Multi-unit owner perspective
From guest to restaurant owner
Statements are the views of individual franchisees. Experiences and results vary by owner, market, restaurant and time period.
Investor report and next steps
Tell us about your ownership plan.
The detailed application helps the franchise team understand your market, financial qualifications, experience, role and timeline before the first conversation.
- Receive access to the Russo's Investor Report after the server accepts your application.
- Share the city, state or country you want the team to review.
- Explain whether you plan to operate the restaurant or invest with a team.
- Book a franchise call now if you are ready to speak directly.
Compare ownership paths