LUNCH AT RUSSO’S COAL FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN

March 29, 2016

Everyday when it comes to lunch, my husband and I scratch our head. Since we work from home, it’s always nice to get out of the house but we always struggle to find new restaurants to visit that can provide fast service, delicious food and won’t break the bank.

As I’m sure you’ve heard, Richardson has been all over the news with it’s growth and how retailers and restaurants are flocking to the suburb. My husband and I usually stay in our little bubble but we have vowed to get out of it and go to better restaurants so we started heading to check out the scene in Richardson.

My husband could eat a Subway sandwich for lunch every single day. Me, on the other hand, can’t do that. So we usually try to find a place that serves good sandwiches so he can get his fix. We happened to find Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen located at the corner of Campbell and 75.

Interior of a restaurant with exposed brick walls, dark wood tables and chairs, and customers seated at tables.

We started our meal with a dish that I’ve never had before – Arancini. Have you ever heard of it? Arancini is sicilian rice balls loaded with Italian herbs, Grana Padano romano cheese, in a rich bolognese sauce. This appetizer would have been perfect to order if you want a lite lunch.

Two fried arancini balls on a bed of lettuce, served with marinara sauce.

They were full of flavor and were the perfect appetizer. I ordered from the lunch menu for my meal and didn’t realize it also came with a salad so I actually got two appetizers! I was able to choose between a house salad or greek salad. I quickly learned that all of Russo’s plates were going to be huge.

Greek salad with crumbled feta, red onion, cucumber, tomato, and lettuce on a white plate.

Russo’s recently launched a few new menu items that included kale and I couldn’t be more excited to give it a try. I love kale and make it at home often but it’s not an item that I find in restaurants often. This is the lunch portion which literally fed me for days.

Penne pasta in creamy green sauce with basil garnish, served in a white bowl.

Remember how I told you my husband is obsessed with sandwiches? Lucky for him, Russo’s had a large selection! He instantly chose the Italian Deli which is one of the biggest sandwiches that I have ever seen. The crazy part about it – we were told the dinner portion was double in size.

Two halves of a sandwich on a plate, filled with meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

No meal is complete without dessert! We had an early lunch and the tiramisu wasn’t ready yet (Yes, it’s made in house so you know it’s got to be good). We opted for the chocolate cake which like all of the other portions we were served, was huge! The cake comes all the way from New York and is definitely on the top of list of best cakes I’ve ever eaten. Their colossal chocolate cake is layer upon layer of dark, moist chocolate cake sandwiched with our silkiest smooth chocolate filling, piled high with chunks of cake.

Slice of layered chocolate cake with frosting, coconut, and chocolate drizzle on a white plate.

We loved every bit of our meal. Not only did we have tons of food to take home and eat on the rest of the week but everything on the menu was very reasonably priced. Stop in and check it out. Don’t forget to let me know what you think!

Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen is located at 700 East Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75081.

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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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