RUSSO’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA SIGNS FOUR-UNIT DEVELOPMENT DEAL

August 15, 2015

Renowned South Texas Development Group to Open Fast Casual New York Pizzeria Locations in Rio Grande Valley

HOUSTON – Russo’s New York Pizzeria, the authentic New York-style pizza fast casual dining experience complete with handcrafted Italian recipes passed down from generations, announced today a multi-unit agreement that further advances the company’s strategic growth initiative.

The Houston-based brand, which has a collection of more than 73 restaurants open or under development, has completed the deal with VKL Franchise, LLC. The experienced team of entrepreneurs currently run more than 100 franchise businesses in south Texas including several restaurants.

“The newly formed deal with VKL Franchise, LLC represents a significant step in our franchise development strategy,” said Chef Anthony Russo, founder and CEO of Russo’s Restaurants. “Russo’s has the ability to fully immerse itself into the fabric of many of America’s most attractive communities, and we are thrilled to introduce our unique and beloved brand to new markets throughout this attractive region.” Gabriel Kauachi, Jorge Kauachi and Javier Lara are the principal operating partners behind the four new Russo’s New York Pizzeria planned for Brownsville, Harlingen, Laredo and South Padre Island in Texas. The first location in Brownsville is expected to open this fall.

“Russo’s New York Pizzeria is an obvious fit for south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Brownsville, Harlingen, Laredo and South Padre Island are in for a delicious New York-style pizza surprise,” said Gabriel Kauachi. “The brand is in a prime position for growth and we’re proud to be the group carrying on its rich history and family tradition.”

Russo’s New York Pizzeria has garnered a cult-like following for its truly authentic and delicious Italian dishes made from the freshest ingredients and its New York-style pizza. The restaurant blends the freshness of fine ingredients with the magic created around a homemade Italian meal.

“We are continuing to advance our strategic growth plan in 2015 with plans to add 20 to 30 restaurants in the next three years. The new phase of franchising will more than double our number of international locations,” said Jim Carr, director of franchise development for Russo’s Restaurants. “In addition to the Middle East markets, we are in early discussions with developers in France, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines and China.”

Highlighting the performance of Russo’s New York Pizzeria and its upscale sister brand Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, is the nearly 24 percent average net profit, which includes average food costs of less than 21 percent, a figure well below the national average for the fast casual pizza/Italian sector. Plus, the brands’ average unit volume surpasses $1 million. The most recent Russo’s opening saw weekly sales between $35,000 to $60,000. Russo’s branded restaurants are profitable during their first year of operations.

For proven restaurant operations teams and driven entrepreneurs interested in pizza franchise opportunities, most commercial loans require a low down payment of 20 to 30 percent of the total investment to launch a restaurant. Moreover, Russo’s works with a collection of preferred third party financing sources to support its franchisees.

For more information, please visit www.nypizzeria.com.

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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