By Emon Reiser – South Florida Business Journal

Karla Tomás plans to open two more Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen restaurants in South Florida by the time she sends her first child off to kindergarden.

The driven new mom, who gave birth to a baby girl in March, is the owner and original South Florida franchisee of the brand at 14910 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines.

Since she opened the Russo’s on Valentine’s Day 2012, it has commanded an impressive annual sales of about $2 million, she said. She believes she can recreate her recipe for success and open two other locations in the tri-county area “in the next five to six years,” she told the South Florida Business Journal. She is still seeking spaces for the restaurant.

“I’ve lived in this area 20 years now, that’s why we chose to have the restaurant in this area,” Tomás, 30, said.

Tomás’ Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen in Pembroke Pines employs 26 people, which is the expected number of new employees each additional store will need.

Director of franchise development for the Russo’s brands (which includes Russo’s New York Pizzeria restaurants) Jim Carr says Tomás’ business is strong and he expects she and other franchisees can support up to 15 locations in South Florida.

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