RUSSO’S RESTAURANTS TARGETS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH ACROSS EUROPE

March 12, 2015

Authentic Italian Fast-Casual Pizzeria Concept Initiates Strategic Expansion Plan

HOUSTON – Russo’s New York Pizzeria, the U.S.-based fast-casual pizzeria concept best known for its authentic cuisine and brick oven pizzas, announced today plans to significantly enhance the brand’s footprint in France and throughout Europe.

Demonstrating the excitement around the brand, Russo’s kicked off 2015 with the opening of the company’s twenty-first Houston location in Spring, Texas. An additional 10-12 restaurants are planned to open this year in Texas markets like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Currently, there are 20 Russo’s restaurants in development. Additionally, Russo’s New York Pizzeria has just signed two new agreements in the UAE, bringing its total to six.

“We’ve exceeded our growth goals,” said Founder and CEO Chef Anthony Russo, a formally trained chef who opened his first Russo’s New York Pizzeria in 1992 and later developed Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. “Russo’s expansion just cannot be contained, and we are pleased to provide our loyal fans with additional Russo’s locations in these promising markets.”

Today’s news follows an extraordinary year for Russo’s Restaurants. In 2014, Russo’s signed agreements to open seven new restaurants and opened four. The year ahead represents the brand’s most aggressive growth phase yet.

“France is a key growth area for Russo’s in the upcoming months. There’s nothing like Russo’s in the area,” said Russo. “Our international franchise partners have had nothing but exceptional success expanding into new markets like Dubai and the rest of the UAE. We’re confident France will be a stunning success as well.”

With a significant presence already established in dozens of major U.S. cities and the Middle East, Russo’s franchise development team is looking to Paris, Nice, Marseilles and Cannes for growth. Other European countries of interest are Spain, the UK and Germany, among others.

“Our franchise opportunities can’t be beat – we have exciting opportunities in profitable international markets for franchise growth. We are the only authentic New York-style pizzeria available as a franchise,” said Russo. “For those looking to develop three or more units of one of the best pizza concepts or a distinctive full-service Italian restaurant, our flexible incentives are sure to impress. Our pilot program is designed for a franchisee that is looking for the chance to own part of a brand that is built to stand the test of time.”

Franchisees have found success in Russo’s proven concept – the New York Pizzeria is family-style casual. From traditional Italian appetizers such as bruschetta and fried calamari to quick-fired pizzas, homemade pastas and an authentic Italian dessert selection, diners at the New York Pizzeria run an average of sales at $600 per square foot in the U.S.

Menu innovation is at the heart of Russo’s Restaurants’ successes. Blending generations of Russo family Italian recipes, Chef Anthony’s handpicked ingredients and a commitment to research and development, the brands have continued to stay ahead of culinary trends. A prime example is the development of a full line of gluten free pizzas – a sincere response to the request for the great-tasting gluten-free pizza from thousands living with Celiac disease.

Today, 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 restaurants blend premium recipes with the magic created around a homemade Italian meal.

For more information about Russo’s New York Pizzeria, please visit www.nypizzeria.com.

About Russo’s Restaurants

Russo’s Restaurants is a 38-location national and international franchisor of the fast casual and casual dining brands Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. Based in Houston, Russo’s Restaurants are composed of a mix of corporate and franchised locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and Hawaii. Russo’s has entered international markets as well, with locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. There are an additional 20-plus units in development both in the United States and internationally. Chef Anthony Russo has created his concepts from years of applying his unique, family recipes featuring New York-style pizza along with a broad variety of handcrafted pasta creations, calzones, salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts, reflecting his commitment to his New York roots where food and family come first.

To learn more about Russo’s franchise development opportunities, visit www.nypizzeria.com/franchise or contact Suzanne Boyadijan, Director of International Franchise Sales, at Suzanne@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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