Making Serious Dough
Since 1978

A man tossing pizza dough in a pizzeria, wearing a red apron. He's looking up with a focused expression, with ovens and a menu in the background.

The Russo's Story

Where Old-World Italian Meets New York

Chef Anthony Russo, the son of Italian immigrants, grew up cooking alongside his family in New Jersey, learning cherished recipes from his grandparents. By age 12, he was already crafting pizzas and calzones.


Inspired by his father’s Galveston restaurant, Anthony opened his first concept in the early '80s, featuring hand-tossed dough and fresh tomato sauce. After launching Anthony’s Pizzeria in Clear Lake, he expanded to Houston, perfecting New York-style pizza with a casual, cost-efficient dining model.


In 1992, Russo’s New York Pizzeria opened in downtown Houston—kickstarting a thriving franchise journey.

Family posing on a dock with a life preserver that reads
Russo's Seafood Restaurant with palm trees, green roof

1978

The Russo family moves to Galveston, Texas

His father opens Russo’s Italian Restaurant, which quickly became a local favorite.

1984

At a young age, he was learning family recipes from relatives who flew in from Naples and Sicily each summer. 

Two men stand near a green three-wheeled vehicle.
Group of people cutting a yellow ribbon at the grand opening of Cafe Anthony's Italian restaurant.
Russo's New York Pizzeria storefront. Beige building with red logo, black trim, large windows, and palm trees.
Two men in black shirts hold a giant pizza in a restaurant setting.

1999

Chef Russo Launches

Russo's New York Pizzeria

The first Russo's pizza franchise opens in Houston, Texas.

2012

First International Pizza Franchise in Dubai

Russo's expands to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Phillipines and continues to grow.

People cutting a ribbon to celebrate the opening of Russo's New York Pizzeria. The setting appears to be inside the restaurant.
Four men holding a large pizza in front of a Russo's XL Pizza sign.
A man and woman stand between rows of aging cheese wheels in a cheese cellar.
Chef holding two pizzas, surrounded by many dishes on a table in a restaurant. The chef is smiling, the setting is warm.

2024

Staying True to the Russo Family Promise

Chef Russo continues to grow his Pizzeria and Italian resturant by staying true to the family traditions that play a role in every aspect of the business.

Russo's is Expanding

Interested in owning a Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen? Explore available territories in the U.S. or internationally.