Top 10 Pizza Franchises to Own in 2026: Costs & Fees
Compare pizza brands side by side. Check startup costs, fees, royalties and store counts. Build a shortlist that fits your budget.
Read the pizza franchise comparison →The Russo's newsroom
Pizza Franchise News and Restaurant Franchise Insights
Read news from Russo's. Explore new openings, owner stories and guides to buying a franchise.
Is the Pizza Industry Still Growing in 2026?
See how the pizza market is changing. Learn which facts to check before you invest.
Read the 2026 industry guide →
All stories
Pizza Franchise Opportunities: Four Revenue Streams, One Italian Kitchen
Explore dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering at Russo's. Compare fast-casual and full-service pizza franchise models and their operating needs.
Explore the four revenue streams →Is the Pizza Industry Still Growing in 2026?
See how the pizza market is changing. Learn which facts to check before you invest.
Read the 2026 industry guide →How Much Do Pizza Franchise Owners Make? Sales vs. Profit
Understand pizza franchise owner earnings by separating revenue, restaurant profit and cash flow. Learn what to examine before using FDD sales figures.
Read this ownership guide →Pizza Franchise vs. Independent Restaurant: Which Fits You?
Compare a pizza franchise with an independent restaurant on startup work, fees, menu control, training and owner responsibilities before choosing a path.
Read this ownership guide →Full-Service vs. Fast-Casual Pizza Franchise Models
Compare full-service and fast-casual pizza franchise models by guest experience, menu, staffing, real estate and operating complexity.
Read this ownership guide →
How Pizza Franchise Site Selection Works
Learn how pizza franchise site selection evaluates trade areas, access, visibility, delivery demand, real estate costs and restaurant operations.
Read this ownership guide →
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Restaurant Franchise
Prepare for a restaurant franchise purchase with questions about total investment, support, territory rights, management, franchisees and operating obligations.
Read this ownership guide →
How Multi-Unit Restaurant Franchising Works
Learn how multi-unit restaurant franchising differs from one-unit ownership, including leadership, capital, development schedules and market planning.
Read this ownership guide →Best Pizza Franchises: How to Compare Your Options
There is no single list of the best pizza franchises for every owner. Use these seven questions to compare investment, fees, menu, support and fit.
Compare pizza franchise options →Best Franchises to Own: How to Choose the Right Fit
The best franchises to own depend on fit: your capital, the role you want and the market you know. A practical guide to narrowing the field.
Read the franchise selection guide →
Russo's Opens in Tempe, Arizona: A New Chapter in Pizza Franchise Growth
Russo's opens its second Arizona restaurant in Tempe near ASU, owned and operated by franchisees Kristina and Christian Alvarez.
Read the Tempe opening story →
5 Reasons to Choose Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen
Gourmet pizza, gourmet fresh pasta, and four revenue streams from one restaurant: what sets the Russo's franchise apart.
See why candidates choose Russo's →
Explore the Russo's New York Pizzeria Franchise Opportunity
How Russo's combines a chef-driven New York-style pizza concept, a full Italian kitchen, training and U.S. and international growth.
Explore the Russo's franchise opportunity →How Much Does It Cost to Open a Russo's Pizza Restaurant?
Plan a Russo's pizza restaurant opening budget, from buildout and equipment to working capital. Understand the franchise fee and investment requirements.
Review Russo's pizza franchise costs →From Naples and Sicily to a New York-Style Pizza Franchise
Chef Anthony Russo built the brand around family recipes, handcrafted food, premium ingredients, and one standard: if it isn't fresh, don't serve it.
Read Chef Anthony Russo's story →
What It Takes to Open a Russo's Restaurant
The investment range, franchise fee, candidate qualifications, and the costs involved in opening.
Review franchise investment requirements →
From Site Selection to Grand Opening
How the Russo's team supports qualified franchisees through site review, training, opening preparation and marketing.
Explore franchise training and support →
Domestic, Multi-Unit, and International Development
Territory information and development paths for single-unit owners, multi-unit operators and international partners.
Explore franchise growth markets →
What Franchise Ownership Looks Like at Russo's
Franchisees talk about training, operations, opening support and building their businesses.
Watch Russo's franchisee stories →Daily franchise research
New ownership and market guides.
Read the latest Russo's research for pizza franchise and restaurant franchise candidates. Each article is reviewed against current brand facts before publication.
Explore the franchise article libraryIn the industry
Russo's franchise news in the press
Read published coverage of Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, from Texas multi-unit development to restaurant openings.
Texas franchise development incentive
FSR shares Russo's announcement about an incentive for qualified Texas multi-unit developers.
Read the announcement on FSRRusso's Texas announcement on Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance republishes FSR's report on the Texas development incentive. This is syndicated coverage of the same announcement.
Read the FSR story on Yahoo FinanceTexas multi-unit growth in the industry news
Pizza Marketplace reports on Russo's franchise-fee incentive and Texas growth plans, citing the company's press release.
Read the Pizza Marketplace reportConsidering Texas development? Review the Texas franchise incentive and complete terms. Eligibility, agreement deadlines and territory approval apply; publication is not an endorsement or a guarantee of results.
Earlier releases and opening news
- : Franchise Direct: local owners bring Russo's to Tempe.
- : PR Newswire: Russo's second Arizona restaurant opens in Tempe.
- : EIN Presswire: national franchise-development announcement.
- : PR Newswire: five-restaurant Texas development agreement.
These links are a dated press archive. Older releases may contain superseded investment figures, restaurant counts, offers or expansion plans. For current information, review our franchise investment page and the applicable Franchise Disclosure Document.
Opening your first restaurant
Start with a clear ownership plan.
Work through the opening steps, management needs and financing preparation before choosing a site.
How to Open a Pizza Restaurant: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to open a pizza restaurant, from the business plan and opening budget to site selection, equipment, training and the first weeks of service.
Read the ownership guide →Can You Own a Restaurant Franchise Without Experience?
Explore restaurant franchise ownership without restaurant experience. Plan for training, management, operating responsibilities and financial preparation.
Read the ownership guide →Prepare for a restaurant franchise loan discussion
Organize your funding needs, operating plan and questions for lenders.
Read the financing guide →Compare Saudi restaurant ownership options
Review brand formats, territory questions and operator responsibilities in our sourced buyer's guide.
Restaurant ownership research by market
Compare brand references, ownership routes and the practical questions to resolve before choosing a restaurant concept.
Explore London's Dining Scene
12 Top Michelin-Starred Restaurants in London: New Stars and Established Favorites: a dining shortlist and research questions for prospective restaurant owners.
Discuss Your London Franchise PlanResearch Restaurant Investment in Monaco
Invest in Monaco in 2027: Developments and Restaurant Opportunities: confirmed development dates and practical site-selection questions for prospective owners.
Plan Your Paris Restaurant Research
Restaurant Franchise in Paris: A Neighborhood Research Guide: compare local settings, ownership routes and the questions to ask before choosing a site.
Compare Pizza Franchise Brands in Miami
Top Pizza Franchise Brands to Compare in Miami: 8 Options for Buyers. Compare ownership formats and prepare questions about sites, training and development rights before choosing a brand.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanTexas Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Texas.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanArizona Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Arizona.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanCalifornia Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in California.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanArlington Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Arlington.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanCorpus Christi Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Corpus Christi.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanFort Worth Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Fort Worth.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanEl Paso Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in El Paso.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanDallas Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Dallas.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanAustin Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Austin.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanPhoenix Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Phoenix.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanHouston Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Houston.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSan Antonio Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in San Antonio.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanLos Angeles Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Los Angeles.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanLubbock Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Lubbock.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanMcAllen Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in McAllen.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanPlano Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Plano.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanFrisco Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Frisco.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanMesa Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Mesa.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanTempe Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Tempe.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanTucson Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Tucson.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanScottsdale Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Scottsdale.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanChandler Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Chandler.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanGilbert Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Gilbert.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanGlendale Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Glendale.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanFlagstaff Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Flagstaff.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSan Diego Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in San Diego.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSan Francisco Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in San Francisco.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSan Jose Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in San Jose.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSacramento Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Sacramento.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanFresno Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Fresno.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanLong Beach Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Long Beach.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanOakland Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Oakland.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanAnaheim Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Anaheim.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanIrvine Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Irvine.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanRiverside Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Riverside.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanBakersfield Market Guide
12 Restaurant Franchise Brands to Research in Bakersfield.
Compare brands and how they work. Check costs, site needs and the role you would take. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanHouston Market Guide
New Houston Restaurants in 2026: Two Openings for Investor Research.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanTucson Market Guide
New Tucson Restaurants in 2026: Downtown Concepts to Research.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanLos Angeles Market Guide
New Los Angeles Restaurants in 2026: Four Formats to Study.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanFort Worth Market Guide
New Fort Worth Restaurants in 2026: Pizza and Mediterranean Openings.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSan Antonio Market Guide
New San Antonio Restaurants in 2026: Pearl and Hemisfair Openings.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanDallas Market Guide
New Dallas Restaurants in 2026: Two Steakhouse Openings to Study.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanAustin Market Guide
New Austin Restaurants in 2026: Daytime Dining and a Permanent Kitchen.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanPhoenix Market Guide
New Phoenix Restaurants in 2026: Pizza, Pasta and Seafood Concepts.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanEl Paso Market Guide
El Paso Dining in 2026: Sunu and a Downtown Concept Change.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanArlington Market Guide
Arlington Dining in 2026: Loma TXMX and Stadium-Area Dining.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanCorpus Christi Market Guide
Corpus Christi Dining in 2026: A New Dining Address for Bien Merite.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanLubbock Market Guide
Lubbock Dining in 2026: El Patron and the Second-Generation Restaurant Question.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanMcAllen Market Guide
McAllen Dining in 2026: GEN Korean BBQ and Table-Centered Service.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanPlano Market Guide
Plano Dining in 2026: San Martin and the Bakery-Restaurant Format.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanFrisco Market Guide
Frisco Dining in 2026: New Bar Formats and the Dining Occasion.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanMesa Market Guide
Mesa Dining in 2026: Lenny's Craft Burger at Cannon Beach.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanTempe Market Guide
Tempe Dining in 2026: Russo's and Other Downtown Arrivals.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanScottsdale Market Guide
Scottsdale Dining in 2026: Costa Bella and Italian Dining.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanChandler Market Guide
Chandler Dining in 2026: Tap N Taco and Restaurant-Space Reuse.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanGilbert Market Guide
Gilbert Dining in 2026: Brews Burger Joint and a New Local Unit.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanGlendale Market Guide
Glendale Dining in 2026: Spinato's and Stadium-Adjacent Pizza.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanFlagstaff Market Guide
Flagstaff Dining in 2026: Flagstaff Pizza & Tap on Route 66.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSan Diego Market Guide
San Diego Dining in 2026: Chef Fei and a New U.S. Market Entry.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSan Francisco Market Guide
San Francisco Dining in 2026: Ka Kai and Sawaan Thai Kitchen.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSan Jose Market Guide
San Jose Dining in 2026: SPARK Social and the Multi-Vendor Format.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanSacramento Market Guide
Sacramento Dining in 2026: Chicken Hub and a Focused Thai Menu.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanFresno Market Guide
Fresno Dining in 2026: Masa Madre and a Family Restaurant's New Address.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanLong Beach Market Guide
Long Beach Dining in 2026: Brodard's Arrival at 2nd & PCH.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanOakland Market Guide
Oakland Dining in 2026: Chez Maeju and a Rockridge Kitchen Identity.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanAnaheim Market Guide
Anaheim Dining in 2026: Ari's Thai Eatery in the Packing District.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanIrvine Market Guide
Irvine Dining in 2026: Pacific Pearl Cafe and Workplace Dining.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanRiverside Market Guide
Riverside Dining in 2026: Orange Tree Tables and Taps on Main Street.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanBakersfield Market Guide
Bakersfield Dining in 2026: Two Great Greek Locations and Multi-Unit Planning.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanTexas Market Guide
Texas Restaurant Openings in 2026: Three Ownership Models to Study.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanArizona Market Guide
Arizona Restaurant Openings in 2026: Tempe, Chandler and Flagstaff.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise PlanCalifornia Market Guide
California Restaurant Openings in 2026: Formats for Investor Research.
Read about new places to eat. Use their site choices to shape your own plan. This guide helps you ask the right questions before you choose a site.
Discuss Your Franchise Plan