Franchisee Celebrates One Year in a Booming Business With Russo’s New York Pizzeria

November 24, 2014

Entrepreneurs who are looking for a winning restaurant franchise idea should take note of the success of Russo’s New York Pizzeria. Brad Davis is a Russo’s franchisee who this year celebrated the first anniversary of opening his own Russo’s franchise. Brad shares a little about the experience of becoming a part of the Russo’s family of restaurants.

But first: Why a Russo’s franchise?

“We researched over 150 franchises in our process,” Brad says. “We knew we wanted to open a restaurant in the four main ‘food groups’ of Texan food, BBQ, Hamburgers, Tex Mex or Pizza. We stumbled upon Russo’s through our real estate people. At our first meeting with Anthony and his team we fell in love with the food, atmosphere and corporate support staff. After seeing the numbers and visiting other Russo’s it was a no brainer for us. It was the perfect fit.”

Russo’s franchise of pizzerias stems from the traditional Italian-American upbringing of the company’s founder, Anthony Russo. After years of helping in his family’s restaurant and learning authentic recipes from relatives who visited the U.S. from Naples and Sicily, Anthony opened his first restaurant at the tender age of 18. In 1992, the first New York Pizzeria opened in Houston, and has been a success ever since.

The secret to Russo’s New York Pizzeria’s success is not only its delicious pizza, but all the quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods that go into making it. The pizzas and every ingredient that goes into them are made from scratch, using old-world recipes and the highest quality ingredients.

Each Russo’s New York Pizzeria restaurant features several stacked brick ovens, which reach temperatures in excess of 600 degrees in order to infuse hand-crafted pizzas and calzones with authentic flavors while adding to the atmosphere of the restaurant.

In its first year, Brad’s Russo’s location did a little over $2.1 million in total sales. The average ticket price is $33.00, the average food cost is 26.5%, and the average labor cost is 25.5%.

Brad says that after just a year in business — the restaurant’s anniversary was October 7 — his franchise is already growing rapidly.

“Our current restaurant is approximately 2900 square feet, offering take out and dine-in only,” he says, “but we are in the process of expanding to approximately 4500 square feet and will begin to offer delivery.”

If you’re looking for an excellent franchise opportunity in the restaurant business, choose one that has been making diners (and restaurant owners) happy since 1993. Learn more about how to  join the Russo’s New York Pizzeria family!

May 14, 2026
For entrepreneurs exploring restaurant franchise opportunities , brand recognition, operational support, and long-term scalability remain key decision-making factors. Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen continues to generate franchise interest across the United States by offering an established concept rooted in authentic New York-style pizza and Italian cuisine. With decades of brand development and a proven business model, Russo’s presents a compelling opportunity for franchise candidates seeking entry into the restaurant industry with a recognizable and experience-driven brand. What makes Russo’s appealing from a franchise perspective is its combination of product consistency, market adaptability, and consumer demand for quality fast-casual dining. Franchise operators benefit from an established operating framework while aligning with a concept that continues to resonate with customers looking for authentic Italian-American favorites. As restaurant franchise competition remains strong, brands that can offer operational systems, menu familiarity, and multi-market flexibility often stand out to prospective investors evaluating long-term opportunities. Recent franchise industry coverage points to Russo’s continued expansion efforts as the brand seeks qualified franchise partners across the country. For entrepreneurs researching restaurant ownership opportunities, this reflects ongoing confidence in both the concept and the broader market demand for established dining brands with growth potential. As consumer preferences continue to favor recognizable concepts with strong identity and scalable infrastructure, Russo’s remains a franchise brand worth watching. Source: EIN Presswire, Russo’s New York Pizzeria Expands Franchise Opportunity Across the United States https://www.einpresswire.com/article/912123437/russo-s-new-york-pizzeria-expands-franchise-opportunity-across-the-united-states
May 14, 2026
Houston’s dining scene continues to evolve, and a recent article from CultureMap Houston highlights the arrival of Anthony’s New York Italian, a new concept from restaurateur Anthony Russo that brings a more elevated take on Italian dining to the market. While many diners are familiar with Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen for its fast-casual New York-style pizza and approachable Italian favorites, Anthony’s New York Italian represents a more refined and personal culinary vision. The new restaurant reflects a shift toward an upscale dining atmosphere designed for guests seeking a more sophisticated Italian experience. According to the CultureMap Houston feature, Anthony’s New York Italian focuses on chef-driven Italian cuisine, polished hospitality, and a more intimate dining environment that sets it apart from traditional fast-casual concepts. This new restaurant gives Anthony Russo the opportunity to showcase a higher-end interpretation of the flavors and traditions that helped build his reputation, offering guests an experience that feels elevated from both a culinary and ambiance perspective. For Houston diners, it introduces a destination where classic Italian influences meet a more upscale restaurant setting suited for special occasions, business dinners, or a more curated night out. The opening of Anthony’s New York Italian signals continued evolution within Anthony Russo’s restaurant portfolio and highlights growing consumer interest in elevated dining concepts with authentic roots. As noted by CultureMap Houston, the concept blends familiar Italian-American inspiration with a more premium presentation, creating a restaurant experience that feels distinct from the fast-casual pizza model many already know. For those interested in learning more about the opening, the full article from CultureMap Houston provides additional insight into the restaurant’s vision and Houston debut. Source: CultureMap Houston, Anthony’s New York Italian Opening https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/anthonys-new-york-italian-opening/
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